Advance Sensors in Microwave Ablation
Fiber optic sensors (FOS) are the state-of-the-art invasive sensors extensively used today in the RF ablation procedures. There are different FOS technologies available, like Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG), however Fiber Point Sensors are extensively used for temperature measurement. These sensors are small (200- 500 µm) for easy integration into existing medical equipment with wide temperature measurement range (greater than +/-100 C).
Specifically, in microwave ablation procedures, they can help monitor the temperature in order to prevent thermal damage of surrounding tissues and organs. This is essential to ensure patient safety throughout this procedure. In addition, the fast response time of the FOS allows for the temperature to be monitored in real time leading to corrections being made if necessary.
Challenges with Microwave Ablation
While ablation is a relatively safe procedure because of its minimally invasive nature, there are still some challenges that can occur as a result of MVA. Some complications that can occur as a result of MVA are infection, inflammation, bleeding and thermal damage to surrounding tissues and organs. The bleeding that occurs due to not closing off veins around the tumor during MVA can be avoided if the temperature being used throughout the procedure is continuously monitored. In addition to avoiding bleeding, thermal damage can also be avoided. The difference of temperature of what is required to destroy harmful tissue and what is necessary to damage surrounding areas is very slim. Therefore, precise real time temperature monitoring is key in order to preserve surrounding areas from damage as a result of this procedure.