Image-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of unresectable hepatic tumors using a triple-spiral-shaped electrode needle: initial experience in 34 patients

Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol. 2010 Feb;33(1):107-12. doi: 10.1007/s00270-009-9649-9. Epub 2009 Jul 21.

Abstract

We evaluated the safety and efficacy of image-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) using a triple-spiral-shaped electrode needle for unresectable primary or metastatic hepatic tumors. Thirty-four patients with 46 index tumors were treated. Ablation zone, morbidity, and complications were assessed. The lesions were completely ablated with an ablative margin of about 1 cm. Five patients (14.7%) with a lesion larger than 4.5 cm had local tumor progression after 1 month and were retreated. Hemothorax, as a major complication, occurred in 1 of 34 patients (3.0%) or 1 of 46 lesions ablated (2.2%). RFA using this new electrode needle can be effective in the treatment of large unresectable hepatic tumors.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Abdominal Pain / etiology
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Catheter Ablation / instrumentation*
  • Catheter Ablation / methods*
  • Female
  • Fever / etiology
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Leukocytosis / etiology
  • Liver Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Liver Neoplasms / secondary
  • Liver Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Needles* / adverse effects
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Surgery, Computer-Assisted / instrumentation*
  • Surgery, Computer-Assisted / methods
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed