Development of Imageable and Thermochromic Phantom for Needle Guidance during Ablation using Augmented Reality

Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive technique that is commonly used in the treatment of tumors of the liver, kidney, bone, and lung. Improved tumor ablation outcomes rely upon three key factors: adequate visualization of the tumor for ablation planning, real-time localization of ablation probe in relation to tumor and real-time monitoring of the ablation zone. Augmented reality (AR) could provide optimal image guidance to successful tumor ablation. AR describes a technologically-enhanced version of reality that superimposes digital information onto the real world through an external device. The added spatial information from AR could theoretically enable the interventional radiologist operator to have a more intuitive visualization experience during ablation planning and progress of the ablation zone. We are developing an AR system to facilitate  tumor ablation guidance. To evaluate the AR guidance system, a tissue-mimicking phantom that can measure and characterize energy deposition of thermal therapy applicators/ablation probes is needed. This requires the development of a novel tissue mimicking phantom that is  1) visible on CT, 2) tumor tissue mimicking sites capable of producing color change when thermally treated for visualization of the ablated zone distinct to the thermal applicator.

The student will gain general knowledge of tumor biology, phantom development and preparation techniques, and evaluate the accuracy of needle placement using AR guidance and software.