Magnetic resonance-guided laparoscopic interstitial laser therapy of the liver

background There is a necessity for an imaging method during laparoscopy to get a three-dimensional access to the target. In this study we evaluated laparoscopic intestitial laser therapy of the liver under magnetic resonance imaging guidance. methods Five domestic pigs underwent laparoscopy in an open-configuration magnetic resonance system. Under simultaneous real-time magnetic resonance imaging interstitial laser therapy was applied to the liver. Magnetic resonance images, macroscopic aspects of the lesions, and light microscopic findings were compared. results The interventions could be safely performed. There was no image artifact caused by instruments or by the carbon dioxide. Dynamic gadolinium-enhanced imaging proved to significantly predict the macroscopic volume of the laser lesions. conclusions Magnetic resonance-guided laparoscopic interstitial laser therapy of the liver combines the advantages of minimal invasive surgery and magnetic resonance imaging. Further development should focus on laparoscopic instruments and temperature sensitive sequences.