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Session: Poster Session 1 (Even numbers)
Session starts: Thursday 26 January, 16:00
Presentation starts: 16:00

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Tim Boers (Multi-Modality Medical Imaging group, TechMed Center, University of Twente)
Sicco Braak (Department of Radiology, Ziekenhuisgroep Twente)
Michel Versluis (Physics of Fluids group, TechMed Center, University of Twente)
Srirang Manohar (Multi-Modality Medical Imaging group, TechMed Center, University of Twente)

Abstract:
Purpose (main research questions) Thyroid nodules are benign tumors that can cause compressive symptoms and cosmetic issues, this affects roughly 5% of the adult population. In an increasing number of hospitals, a minimally invasive treatment pathway is offered. First, a biopsy is taken and thereafter a radiofrequency (RF) ablation is performed. However, these needle-based interventions suffer from a lack of precision leading to a lower diagnostic yield, incomplete treatment and regrowth of the nodule over time. Improving these needle-based interventions may solve that issue. However, testing this on patients is not without risks. In order to facilitate that improvement process without burdening patients, an anthropomorphic thyroid nodule phantom was developed. Additionally, such a phantom may also be used for training purposes. Method A human neck MRI scan (N=1) was used to create the digital models of the thyroid, blood vessels, trachea and nerves. These models were then 3D printed. Thereafter, a gel was created using polyacrylamide, water and egg-white extract, of which the latter is used to visualize the ablated area on a T2-weighted MRI scan. The acoustic attenuation, thermal properties, density, electrical conductivity and temperature correlation with the T2-MRI signal of the gel were characterized. The phantoms are placed in a set-up with a heated saline flow (37 degrees Celsius). To test the entire set-up its feasibility and utility, three phantoms were treated using radiofrequency ablation. Results The gel its physical characteristics, when compared to those of human thyroid, showed good correspondence. The size of the ablated area matched that of the MRI scan. The temperature overlays showed a good match with the ablated areas on the MRI scan. The impact of moving fluid near the ablation area was visible. Conclusion (general significance) An anthropomorphic phantom capable of mimicking the human neck, including ‘blood’ flow was developed. This phantom is suitable for the development and assessment of needle-based interventions for thyroid nodules without risk or burden to patients. Moreover, as the ablation area can be evaluated objectively, this phantom can also be used for training purposes, allowing clinicians to speed up the learning curve for thermal ablations.