Cavernosal nerve functionality evaluation after magnetic resonance imaging-guided transurethral ultrasound treatment of the prostate.

Aim: To evaluate the feasibility of using therapeutic ultrasound as an alternative treatment option for organ-confined prostate cancer.

Methods: In this study, a trans-urethral therapeutic ultrasound applicator in combination with 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guidance was used for real-time multi-planar MRI-based temperature monitoring and temperature feedback control of prostatic tissue thermal ablation in vivo. We evaluated the feasibility and safety of MRI-guided trans-urethral ultrasound to effectively and accurately ablate prostate tissue while minimizing the damage to surrounding tissues in eight canine prostates.

Focused post mortem dissection technique for harvest of rete mirabile in domestic swine (Sus scrofa).

Background: Rete mirabile (RM) of the domestic pig is a popular animal model of arteriovenous malformations. The RM (Latin for 'wonderful net)' comprises the arterioarterial portal connecting ascending pharyngeal arteries and the internal carotid arteries, which exists in the skull base of even-toed ungulates. Although angiographic access of the RM is relatively easy, its post mortem procurement is complicated and its detailed technique has not been well described.

Feasibility of a novel system for intraductal balloon-anchored direct peroral cholangioscopy and endotherapy with an ultraslim endoscope (with videos).

Background: Advantages of direct peroral cholangioscopy (DPOCS) by using an ultraslim endoscope include a single-operator platform, image quality equal to that of standard endoscopy, and separate water and air channels. However, DPOCS has significant limitations, including cumbersome biliary access, en-face position with the ampulla, and gastric looping of the endoscope. A newly designed anchoring balloon may overcome these challenges.

Electron paramagnetic resonance oxygen imaging of a rabbit tumor using localized spin probe delivery.

Purpose: Application of in vivo electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) oxygen imaging (EPROI) to tumors larger than those of mice requires development of both instrumental and medical aspects of imaging.

Methods: 250 MHz EPR oxygen imaging was performed using a loop-gap resonator with a volume exceeding 100 cm3. The paramagnetic spin probe was injected directly into the femoral artery feeding the rabbit leg/tumor.