Electromagnetic noise characterization in MRI-guided microwave ablation

Microwave ablation (MWA) guided by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an effective approach for minimally invasive tumor treatment, combining MRI’s soft tissue image contrast and temperature mapping capabilities with the ablative power of microwave energy. However, MRI-guided MWA faces a significant challenge with image noise generated by electromagnetic (EM) interference, which degrades image quality and limits real-time monitoring accuracy. As an initial step to address this problem, we introduce a novel noise characterization method for MRI-guided MWA using EM modeling and simulation. Empirically acquired noise data from controlled phantom experiments was used to develop a theoretical framework for simulating interactions between MRI components and the MWA device. The simulations included key system components: the RF transmit coil, receiver coil, phantom, and MWA probe, and produced a signal–noise map that closely matched the experimental data, effectively replicating observed noise patterns. To demonstrate the use of these simulations for practical applications, we evaluated a simple filter circuit for its effectiveness in reducing noise and validated simulation results through benchwork, which showed significant improvements. The results suggest that this approach provides valuable insights into the underlying noise mechanisms and can inform potential strategies for noise mitigation, offering a practical tool for optimizing MRI-guided MWA and enhancing the efficacy of interventional MRI procedures.