Development of an application set for intraoperative and percutaneous laser-induced interstitial thermotherapy (LITT)

A variable application-set was developed to enable a safe and effective LITT treatment. The set consists of various laser applicators, a protecting catheter and an introducing equipment. The laser applicator was developed with different radiation patterns to match the topological conditions of the diseased area. For MRI-controlled LITT treatments a special marker is mounted at the distal end of the glass fiber which facilitates its localization. To increase the patient's safety a special protecting catheter was designed which is temperature stable up to 250 degree(s)C and transparent for NIR-radiation. The catheter can be placed into the diseased area using the introducing equipment which consists of modified parts of standard interventional radiology equipment. The laser applicator is finally guided through the protecting catheter so that there is no direct contact between applicator and tissue. The system can be used both for intraoperative and for percutaneous treatments.