Intraprocedural MRI monitoring during percutaneous cryoablation procedures of the head and neck,and spine: a single institution experience

Rationale and objectivesEvaluate whether intraprocedural MRI monitoring of percutaneous cryoablation procedures of head and neck, and spine lesions is effective for avoiding iatrogenic neurovascular and mucosal injury.Materials and methodsWe retrospectively reviewed 64 consecutive percutaneous head and neck, and spine cryoablation procedures with intraprocedural MRI monitoring performed on 45 patients (mean age 55 years, range 17–91 years). Ablation goals were either complete local control of primary or metastatic lesions or pain relief.ResultsThe technical success rate was 100%. The complication rate was 13% with only 2 complications (3%) requiring further intervention. There were no deaths or persistent neurological or vascular complications. Subsequent cryoablation in the same location was performed in 12 patients (27%). Subsequent surgical intervention in the same location was performed in 7 patients (16%) for progressive disease or worsening symptoms.ConclusionsMRI provides excellent visualization of the ice ball margin during percutaneous cryoablation procedures. Accurate intraprocedural visualization of the ice ball allows for adjustment of cryoablation parameters to avoid damage to adjacent vital neurovascular structures or mucosal surfaces. Intraprocedural MRI monitoring is thus a novel and highly effective method that allows a high rate of technical success for cryoablation in the head and neck, and spine while avoiding iatrogenic injury.