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Animal study assessing safety of an acoustic coupling fluid that holds the potential to avoid surgically induced artifacts in 3D ultrasound guided operations

Abstract

Background
Use of ultrasound in brain tumor surgery is common. The difference in attenuation between brain and isotonic saline may cause artifacts that degrade the ultrasound images, potentially affecting resection grades and safety. Our research group has developed an acoustic coupling fluid that attenuates ultrasound energy like the normal brain. We aimed to test in animals if the newly developed acoustic coupling fluid may have harmful effects.

Methods
Eight rats were included for intraparenchymal injection into the brain, and if no adverse reactions were detected, 6 pigs were to be included with injection of the coupling fluid into the subarachnoid space. Animal behavior, EEG registrations, histopathology and immunohistochemistry were used in assessment.

Results
In total, 14 animals were included, 8 rats and 6 pigs. We did not detect any clinical adverse effects, seizure activity on EEG or histopathological signs of tissue damage.

Conclusion
The novel acoustic coupling fluid intended for brain tumor surgery appears safe in rats and pigs under the tested circumstances.

Keywords: Brain imaging; Brain tumor; Intraoperative imaging; Ultrasound
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Category

Academic article

Language

English

Author(s)

  • Asgeir S Jakola
  • Arve Jørgensen
  • Tormod Selbekk
  • Ralf-Peter Michler
  • Ole Solheim
  • Sverre Helge Torp
  • Lisa Millgård Sagberg
  • Petter Aadahl
  • Geirmund Unsgård

Affiliation

  • Norwegian University of Science and Technology
  • St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital
  • National Competence Centre for Ultrasound and Image-guided Therapy
  • SINTEF Digital / Health Research

Year

2014

Published in

BMC Medical Imaging

ISSN

1471-2342

Publisher

BioMed Central (BMC)

Volume

14

Issue

11

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