Ablação septal com cateteres e radiofrequência guiada pela ecocardiografia para tratamento de pacientes com cardiomiopatia hipertrófica obstrutiva: experiência inicial / Septal ablation with radiofrequency catheters guided by echocardiography for treatment of patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: initial experience

BACKGROUND: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) can cause obstruction in the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT), and be responsible for the onset of limiting symptoms, such as tiredness. When such symptoms are refractory to pharmacological treatment, interventionist alternative therapies can be useful, such as septal ablation through the infusion of alcohol in the coronary artery or through myectomy. Recently, the use of a radiofrequency (RF) catheter for endocardial septal ablation guided by electroanatomic mapping has proven to be efficient, despite the high incidence of complete atrioventricular block. An alternative would be the application of RF at the beginning point of the septal gradient guided by the transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). The echocardiography is an imaging method with high accuracy to determine septal anatomy. OBJECTIVE: To assess the long term effect of septal ablation for the relief of ventricular-arterial gradient, using TEE to help place the catheter in the area of larger septal obstruction. Besides, to assess the effects of ablation on the functional class and echocardiographic parameters. METHODS: Twelve asymptomatic patients, with LVOT obstruction, refractory to pharmacological therapy, underwent endocardial septal ablation with 8mm-tip catheters, whose placement was oriented in the region of larger obstruction, assisted by the TEE. Temperature-controlled and staggered RF applications were performed. After each application, the gradient was reassessed and a new application was performed according to the clinical criterion. The effects of RF applications were assessed both for the gradient at rest and for that provoked by the Valsalva maneuver, and considering the gradient. The differences were significant when p-value was lower than or equal to 0.05. RESULTS: It was possible to observe that the mean reduction of the maximum gradients was from 96.8±34.7 mmHg to 62.7±25.4 mmHg three months after the procedure (p=0.0036). After one year, the mean of maximum gradient was 36.1±23.8 mmHg (p=0.0001). The procedure was well tolerated, without records of complete atrioventricular block nor severe complications. CONCLUSION: The TEE-guided septal ablation was efficient and safe, and the results were maintained during the clinical follow-up period. It is a reasonable option for the interventionist treatment of LVOT obstruction in HCM.

FUNDAMENTOS: A cardiomiopatia hipertrófica (CMH) pode causar obstrução da via de saída do ventrículo esquerdo (VSVE) e ser responsável pelo surgimento de sintomas limitantes, como cansaço físico. Quando tais sintomas são refratários ao tratamento farmacológico, os tratamentos alternativos intervencionistas podem ser úteis, como a ablação septal por meio da infusão de álcool na artéria coronária ou por meio da miectomia cirúrgica. Recentemente, o uso de cateter de radiofrequência (RF) para ablação do septo endocárdico guiado por mapeamento eletroanatômico mostrou-se eficaz apesar da elevada incidência de bloqueio atrioventricular total. Uma alternativa seria a aplicação de radiofrequência no ponto de início do gradiente septal guiada pelo ecocardiograma transesofágico (ETE). O ecocardiograma é um método de imagem com elevada acurácia para determinação da anatomia septal. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o efeito em longo prazo da ablação septal para alívio do gradiente ventrículo-arterial, utilizando o ETE para auxiliar no posicionamento do cateter na área de maior obstrução septal. Avaliar também os efeitos da ablação na classe funcional e parâmetros ecocardiográficos. MÉTODOS: Doze pacientes sintomáticos com obstrução da VSVE, refratários à terapia farmacológica, foram submetidos à ablação endocárdica septal com cateteres com ponta de 8 mm, cujo posicionamento foi orientado na região de maior obstrução com auxílio do ETE. Foram realizadas aplicações de radiofrequência (RF) termocontrolada e escalonadas sobre a área alvo. Após cada aplicação, o gradiente era reavaliado e nova aplicação era realizada de acordo com critério clínico. Foram avaliados os efeitos das aplicações de RF tanto para o gradiente em repouso como para o provocado por meio da manobra de Valsalva, e considerado o gradiente. As diferenças foram significativas quando o valor de p foi menor ou igual a 0,05. RESULTADOS: Observou-se que a redução da média dos gradientes máximos obtidos foi de 96,8±34,7 mmHg para 62,7±25,4 mmHg ao final de três meses do procedimento (p=0,0036). Após um ano, a média dos gradientes máximos obtidos foi de 36,1±23,8 mmHg (p=0,0001). O procedimento foi bem tolerado e não houve registro de bloqueio atrioventricular total e nem complicações graves. CONCLUSÃO: A ablação septal guiada pelo ETE foi eficaz e segura, com resultados mantidos durante o período de seguimento clínico. É uma opção razoável para o tratamento intervencionista da obstrução da VSVE em CMH.

Frequency-Selectable RF Ablation Treatment System / 中国医疗器械杂志

In order to support study of new radiofrequency ablation treatments and finally realize of precise conformal ablation of targeted tissue, this paper proposed a system which is able to generate radio frequency currents at different frequencies. The designed system bases on the basic principle of Class E power amplifier and uses MSP430 microcontroller as a controller and uses a touch screen as human-machine interface to design a frequency-selectable radiofrequency ablation treatment system,. The RF signals at frequencies of 230 kHz, 460 kHz, 920 kHz, and 2 000 kHz were tested to verify the feasibility of the system, and by using a tissue phantom, tested the heating ability of the RF signals at frequencies of 460 kHz, 920 kHz, and 2 000 kHz. The results show the device could well heat the tissue at the three frequencies. The study has also found that both the highest temperature and the ablation area decreases with RF frequency, when using the constant power control mode.

2017 Thyroid Radiofrequency Ablation Guideline: Korean Society of Thyroid Radiology

Thermal ablation using radiofrequency is a new, minimally invasive modality employed as an alternative to surgery in patients with benign thyroid nodules and recurrent thyroid cancers. The Task Force Committee of the Korean Society of Thyroid Radiology (KSThR) developed recommendations for the optimal use of radiofrequency ablation for thyroid tumors in 2012. As new meaningful evidences have accumulated, KSThR decided to revise the guidelines. The revised guideline is based on a comprehensive analysis of the current literature and expert consensus.

RE: 2017 Thyroid Radiofrequency Ablation Guideline: The Korean Society of Thyroid Radiology

No abstract available.

Ultrasonography-Based Thyroidal and Perithyroidal Anatomy and Its Clinical Significance

Ultrasonography (US)-guided procedures such as ethanol ablation, radiofrequency ablation, laser ablation, selective nerve block, and core needle biopsy have been widely applied in the diagnosis and management of thyroid and neck lesions. For a safe and effective US-guided procedure, knowledge of neck anatomy, particularly that of the nerves, vessels, and other critical structures, is essential. However, most previous reports evaluated neck anatomy based on cadavers, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging rather than US. Therefore, the aim of this article was to elucidate US-based thyroidal and perithyroidal anatomy, as well as its clinical significance in the use of prevention techniques for complications during the US-guided procedures. Knowledge of these areas may be helpful for maximizing the efficacy and minimizing the complications of US-guided procedures for the thyroid and other neck lesions.

Assessment of Therapeutic Response of Ablated Lesion after Radiofrequency Ablation in Patients with Unresectable Lung Malignancies by Multiphase Contrast-enhanced MRI

PURPOSE: We evaluated which phase was important to recognize local progression of an ablated zone after RFA on multiphase contrast-enhanced MRI (CE-MRI) in patients with unresectable lung malignancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty patients who had unresectable lung malignancy underwent multiphase CE-MRI examinations immediately after RFA. We evaluated the enhancement patterns of the ablated zone on multiphase CE-MRI: type I, no enhancement of the ablated zone; type II, enhancement of the ablated margin; type III, heterogeneous enhancement of the ablated zone. We evaluated the association enhancement type with local progression of the ablated zone on the follow up CT using Spearman's ranked test. RESULTS: In complete ablation, the enhancement pattern was types I (11.1%) or II (88.9%). In unsuccessfully treated, type II (57.1%) or III (42.9%) pattern observed in the arterial phase. However, types II (21.4%) and III (78.6%) observed in the venous, and types II (7.1%) and III (92.9%) observed equilibrium phases. Local progression of the ablated zone was associated with the enhancement pattern in equilibrium phases (r=0.8, p < .05). CONCLUSION: Equilibrium phases on multiphase CE-MRI might play a more important role in evaluating an ablated zone for predicting local recurrence after RFA.

Does Artificial Ascites Induce the Heat-Sink Phenomenon during Percutaneous Radiofrequency Ablation of the Hepatic Subcapsular Area?: an in vivo Experimental Study Using a Rabbit Model

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of the heat-sink phenomenon induced by artificial ascites on the size of the ablation zone during percutaneous radiofrequency (RF) ablation of the hepatic subcapsular area in an in vivo rabbit model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 21 percutaneous rabbit liver RF ablations were performed with and without artificial ascites (5% dextrose aqueous solution). The rabbits were divided into three groups: a) control group (C, n = 7); b) room temperature ascites group (R, n = 7); and c) warmed ascites group (W, n = 7). The tip of a 1 cm, internally cooled electrode was placed on the subcapsular region of the hepatic dome via ultrasound guidance, and ablation was continued for 6 min. Changes in temperature of the ascites were monitored during the ablation. The size of the ablation zones of the excised livers and immediate complications rates were compared statistically between the groups (Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis test, linear-by-linear association, p = 0.05). RESULTS: One rabbit from the "W" group expired during the procedure. In all groups, the ascites temperatures approached their respective body temperatures as the ablations continued; however, a significant difference in ascites temperature was found between groups "W" and "R" throughout the procedures (39.2 +/- 0.4 degrees C in group W and 33.4 +/- 4.3 degrees C in group R at 6 min, p = 0.003). No significant difference was found between the size of the ablation zones (782.4 +/- 237.3 mL in group C, 1,172.0 +/- 468.9 mL in group R, and 1,030.6 +/- 665.1 mL in group W, p = 0.170) for the excised liver specimens. Diaphragmatic injury was identified in three of seven cases (42.9%) upon visual inspection of group "C" rabbits (p = 0.030). CONCLUSION: Artificial ascites are not likely to cause a significant heat-sink phenomenon in the percutaneous RF ablation of the hepatic subcapsular region.

Percutaneous Radiofrequency Ablation of Hepatocellular Carcinomas Adjacent to the Gallbladder with Internally Cooled Electrodes: Assessment of Safety and Therapeutic Efficacy

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and therapeutic efficacy of percutaneous radiofrequency (RF) ablation for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) adjacent to the gallbladder with the use of internally cooled electrodes. MATERIALS AND METHODS:We retrospectively assessed 45 patients with 46 HCCs (mean size, 2.2 cm) adjacent to the gallbladder ( or =3 cm) and tumor location (a tumor that abutted the gallbladder) were associated with an increased risk of early incomplete treatment. No variable was significantly associated with local tumor progression. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous RF ablation of HCCs adjacent to the gallbladder using an internally cooled electrode is a safe and effective treatment. Significant risk factors that lead to early incomplete treatment include tumor size, tumor location and electrode direction.

Radiofrequency Ablation Using a Monopolar Wet Electrode for the Treatment of Inoperable Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: a Preliminary Report

OBJECTIVE: To assess the technical feasibility and complications of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) using a monopolar wet electrode for the treatment of inoperable non-small cell lung malignancies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen patients with a non-small cell lung malignancy underwent RFA under CT guidance. All the patients were non-surgical candidates, with mean maximum tumor diameters ranging from 3 to 6 cm (mean: 4.6 +/- 1.1 cm). A single 16-gauge open-perfused electrode with a 2 cm exposed tip was used for the procedure. A 0.9% NaCl saline solution was used as the perfusion liquid with the flow adjusted to 30 mL/h. The radiofrequency energy was applied for 10-40 minutes. The response to RFA was evaluated by performing contrast-enhanced CT immediately after RFA, one month after treatment and then every three months thereafter. RESULTS: Technical failure was observed in six (37.5%) of 16 patients: intractable pain (n = 2) and non-stop coughing (n = 4). The mean follow-up interval was 15 +/- 8 months (range: 9-31 months). The mean maximum ablated diameter in the technically successful group of patients ranged from 3.5 to 7.5 cm (mean 5.1 +/- 1.3 cm). Complete necrosis was attained for eight (80%) of 10 lesions, and partial necrosis was achieved for two lesions. There were two major complications (2/10, 20%) encountered: a hemothorax (n = 1) and a bronchopleural fistula (n = 1). CONCLUSION: Although RFA using a monopolar wet electrode can create a large ablation zone, it is associated with a high rate of technical failure when used to treat inoperable non-small cell lung malignancies.

Comparison of Radiofrequency Ablation Lesion Size with Occlusion of Renal Vessels in Rabbit Kidneys: Occlusion of Renal Artery, Vein, and Both Vessels

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the in-vivo efficiency of vascular occlusion on radiofrequency ablation (RFA) lesion size in a rabbit kidney model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: RFA lesions were created in a single kidney in 20 rabbits using an internally cooled electrode. Twenty ablation zones (1 per kidney) were created using 4 different regimens: RFA without vascular occlusion (n = 5), RFA with renal artery occlusion (n = 5), RFA with renal vein occlusion (n = 5), RFA with renal artery and vein occlusion (n = 5). Seven days later, the rabbits were sacrificed and the lesions were excised. These groups were then compared with respect to the dimensions of the ablation zones and the changes in impedance and current during RFA. RESULTS: The maximum ablation zone width was the greatest in the renal artery and vein occlusion group (21.0+/-1.4 mm), followed by the renal artery occlusion group (17.8+/-1.0 mm), the renal vein occlusion group (17.4+/-1.1 mm), and the nonocclusion group (7.8+/-2.4 mm) (p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed for impedances and currents between the 4 groups. CONCLUSION: Vascular occlusion combined with RFA effectively increased ablation zone dimensions compared with RFA alone, and the best effect was accomplished by combined renal artery and vein occlusion.

A Metastatic Adrenal Tumor from a Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Combination Therapy with Transarterial Chemoembolization and Radiofrequency Ablation

The adrenal gland is the second most common site of metastasis from a hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for these tumors has been reported to be a potentially effective alternative to an adrenalectomy, especially for inoperable patients. However, for intermediate or large adrenal tumors, combination therapy of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and RFA can be attempted as it may reduce the heat sink effect. A 74-year-old patient presented with abdominal discomfort. Abdominal CT images revealed a 5.0 cm sized right adrenal mass. A percutaneous biopsy of the adrenal mass revealed a metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma. TACE was performed on the adrenal mass. However, a one-month follow-up CT image revealed a residual viable tumor. RFA was performed for the adrenal tumor six weeks after the TACE. No procedure-related major complications were noted. The serum alpha-fetoprotein level had also been normalized after the treatment, and 10-month follow-up CT images showed no definite evidence of viable adrenal tumor.

Complications Following Radiofrequency Ablation of the Porcine Liver through Portal Vein Penetration: Radiological Findings

PURPOSE: To evaluate complications after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of the porcine liver through portal vein penetration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve pigs were divided into two groups. In group I (n=11) animals, the portal veins were directly penetrated with an electrode, and in the group II (n=16) animals, the portal veins were located within the expected ablation area. For the group I pigs, RFA were performed for seven minutes after complete portal vein passing of the exposed tip. Gray-scale and Doppler ultrasonography, and CT were performed before and after RFA on the procedure day, and on day two. If any complications were found, the same studies were performed at day seven. We analyzed the presence and extent of thrombotic occlusion, the vascular stricture, the arterioportal shunt, and the presence of an intra-abdominal hemorrhage. We applied Fisher's exact test to compare the complication rate between the two groups;, a value was considered statistically significant if the p-value was less than 0.05. RESULTS: In the group I animals (n=11), three had complete thrombotic occlusion of the portal vein. Among these three animals,, one had a segmental infarction, and one animal showed a partial occlusion. In the group II animals (n=16), complications were not identified. Statistical analysis revealed the complication rate of group I was significantly higher than that of group II (p=.019). CONCLUSION: The portal vein occlusion rate was significantly higher in the portal vein penetrating group than in the non-penetrating group.

Radiofrequency Ablation with Epinephrine Injection: In Vivo Study in Normal Pig Livers

PURPOSE: We wanted to evaluate whether epinephrine injection prior to radiofrequency (RF) ablation can increase the extent of thermally mediated coagulation in vivo normal pig liver tissue. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen RF ablation zones were created in six pigs using a 17-gauge internally cooled electrode under ultrasound guidance. Three RF ablation zones were created in each pig under three conditions: RF ablation alone, RF ablation after the injection of 3 mL of normal saline, and RF ablation after the injection of 3 mL of epinephrine (1:10,000 solution). After the RF ablation, we measured the short and long diameters of the white zones in the gross specimens. RESULTS: Three of the RF ablations were technically unsuccessful; therefore, measurement of white zone was finally done in 15 RF ablation zones. The mean short and long diameters of the white zone of the RF ablation after epinephrine injection (17.2 mm +/- 1.8 and 20.8 mm +/- 3.7, respectively) were larger than those of RF ablation only (10 mm +/- 1.2 and 12.2 mm +/- 1.1, respectively) and RF ablation after normal saline injection (12.8 mm +/- 1.5 and 15.6 mm +/- 2.5, respectively) (p < .05). CONCLUSION: RF ablation with epinephrine injection can increase the diameter of the RF ablation zone in normal pig liver tissue.

Radiofrequency Neurotomy of the Medial Branch for the Management of Lumbar Zygapophysial Joint Pain

PURPOSE: We wanted to investigate the efficacy of percutaneous radiofrequency (RF) neurotomy of the medial branch for the management of chronic low back pain due to lumbar zygapophysial joint dysfunction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirteen patients who had unremitting chronic low back pain for more than 6 months and whose VAS scores were over 7 were selected on the basis of double comparative nerve blocks. The patients consist of three males and 10 females, and their nean age was 67 years. Sensory stimulation was performed to detect the "pathologic branches" that were responsible for pain generation. RF neurotomy was performed using a lesion generator at 80 C for 90 seconds. The postoperative outcome was classified, depending on the degree of pain reduction, as excellent (> or = 75%), good (50-75%), and poor (<50%). Follow-up evaluation was performed at 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: The mean number of medial branches was 6.2. Eleven patients had bilateral disease and two had unilateral disease. Sensory stimulation was positive in all patients with a mean amplitude of 4.5V (range: 0.15-6 V). The L5 dorsal ramus was the most frequently involved segment, and this was followed by L4, L3 and L2. The number of lesionings for each medial branch was 3.7. The surgical outcome was graded as excellent (53%), good (23%), and poor (24%) after 6 months of follow-up. Transient backaches were noticed in two patients; however, complications were not observed. Recurrences were not demonstrated during the follow-up period CONCLUSION: We conclude that RF neurotomy of the medial branches is an efficient method to substantially alleviate the chronic low back pain caused by zygapophysial joint dysfunction.

Ferucarbotran-Enhanced MR Imaging of the Radiofrequency Ablation Zones in the Normal Rabbit Liver: Comparison with the Conventional MR Imaging

PURPOSE: We wanted to evaluate the findings of ferucarbotran-enhanced MR imaging of the radiofrequency (RF) ablation zones in normal rabbit livers and we compared the findings with the conventional MR imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: RF ablation zones were created in the livers of 12 rabbits in vivo by using a 17-gauge internally cooled electrode with 1-cm active tip, and RF energy (maximum power: 30 Watt) was applied for three minutes. Three rabbits were sacrificed immediately and then at three days, two weeks and six weeks after RF ablation. Before sacrifice, the T1- and T2-weighted images (WI) and the ferucarbotran-enhanced T2*WIs were obtained and compared regarding the signal intensity of ablation zone, the laminar pattern of the signal intensity and the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of the ablation zone to the liver parenchyma. RESULTS: On T1- and T2WIs, the RF ablation zones showed two to four laminar patterns of signal intensity according to the time. Meanwhile, on the ferucarbotran-enhanced T2WIs, the RF ablation zones showed high signal intensity without a laminar pattern regardless of time. The CNRs of the ablation zones to the liver parenchyma on the ferucarbotran-enhanced T2*WIs (18.2+/-5.9) were significantly higher than those of the TIWIs (1.6+/-1.5) and T2WIs (2.7+/-1.9) (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: On the ferucarbotran-enhanced T2*WI, the RF ablation zones showed high signal intensity without a distinct laminar pattern and significantly higher lesion conspicuity than did the conventional T1- and T2WIs. Therefore, the ferucarbotran-enhanced T2*WI shows the RF ablation zone more accurately and clearly than do the conventional T1- and T2WIs.

Radiofrequency Ablation of Hepatic Cysts: Case Report

Radiofrequency ablation has been frequently performed on intra-hepatic solid tumor, namaly, hepatocellular carcinoma, metastatic tumor and cholangiocarcinoma, for take the cure. But, the reports of radiofrequency ablation for intrahepatic simple cysts are few. In vitro experiment of animal and in vivo treatment for intrahepatic cysts of human had been reported in rare cases. We report 4 cases of radiofrequency ablation for symptomatic intrahepatic cysts.

Combined Radiofrequency Ablation and Acetic Acid Hypertonic Saline Solution Instillation: An In Vivo Study of Rabbit Liver

OBJECTIVE: We wanted to determine whether combined radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and acetic acid-hypertonic saline solution (AHS) instillation can increase the extent of thermally mediated coagulation in in vivo rabbit liver tissue. We also wished to determine the optimal concentration of the solution in order to maximize its effect on extent of the RFA-induced coagulation. MAERIALS AND METHODS: Forty thermal ablation zones were produced in 40 rabbits by using a 17-gauge internally cooled electrode with a 1-cm active tip under ultrasound guidance. The rabbits were assigned to one of four groups: group A: RFA alone (n=10) ; group B: RFA with 50% AHS instillation (n=10) ; group C: RFA with 25% AHS instillation (n=10) ; group D: RFA with 15% AHS instillation (n=10). A range of acetic acid concentrations diluted in 36% NaCl to a total volume of 1 mL were instilled into the liver before RFA. The RF energy (30 W) was applied for three minutes. After RFA, in each group, the maximum diameters of the thermal ablation zones in the gross specimens were compared. Technical success and the complications that arose were evaluated by CT and on the basis of autopsy findings. RESULTS: All procedures are technically successful. There were six procedure-related complications (6/40; 15%) : two localized perihepatic hematomas and four chemical peritonitis. The incidence of chemical peritonitis was highest for group B with the 50% AHS solution instillation (30%). With instillation of 15% AHS solution, a marked decrease of tissue impedance (24.5+/-15.6 omega) and an increase of current (250 mA) occurred as compared to RFA alone. With instillation of the solutions before RFA (group B, C and D), this produced a greater mean diameter of coagulation necrosis than the diameters for rabbits not instilled with the solution (group A) (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference between group B, C, and D. CONCLUSION: Combined AHS instillation and RFA can increase the dimension of coagulation necrosis in the liver with a single application. A low concentration of AHS (15%) showed similar effects in increasing the extent of RF-induced coagulation, but there were less side effects as compared to the high concentration of AHS.

Radio-frequency Ablation in Patients with Malignant Hepatic Tumor and Experimental Model: Comparison of Expandable Needle and Water-Cooled Needle

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the shape and volume of the radio-frequency induced lesions produced by two commercially available radio-frequency ablation (RFA) systems, the expandable and cooled-tip needles, in clinical patients and an experimental model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A twelve-array anchor expandable needle electrode and a single cooled-tip needle electrode were used to treat hepatic tumors with a single session in 23 patients (20 hepatocellular carcinomas and 3 hepatic metastases) and fourteen patients (10 hepatocellular carcinomas and 4 hepatic metastases), respectively. Twenty RFA induced lesions were created with each system in 10 explanted bovine livers. The shape of the RFA induced lesions were divided into oval lesions along or perpendicular to the axis of the electrode and spherical lesions, and we then calculated the volumes of the RFA induced lesions. RESULTS: Fourteen (61%) lesions of the 23 patients treated with the expandable system were oval perpendicular to the axis of the electrode and nine (39%) of the lesions were spherical. All the lesions (100%) of the 14 patients treated with the cooled-tip needle were oval along the axis of the electrode. In the ex vivo bovine livers, the shape of the all RFA induced lesions was oval perpendicular to the axis of the electrode for the expandable needle, and oval along the axis of the electrode for the cooled-tip needle. The mean diameter and volume of the RFA induced lesions in the patients were 3.35+/-0.56cm and 19.9+/-6.53 cm3, respectively, for the expandable needle and 3.58+/-0.78 cm and 23.19+/-5.27 cm3, respectively, for the cooled-tip needle. In the ex vivo model, the mean diameter and volume of RFA induced lesions were 3.41+/-0.59 cm and 26.59+/-8.02 cm3, respectively, for the expandable needle, and 4.04+/-0.65 cm and 33.82+/-6.16 cm3, respectively, for the cooled-tip needle (p<0.05). CONCLUSION:These results indicate that the shape of RFA induced lesions with the expandable needle were oval perpendicular to the axis of the electrode but those with the cooled-tip needle were oval along the axis of the electrode in both the clinical and experimental models. The cooled-tip needle induced significantly larger lesions than the expandable needle in the clinical patients and the experimental model. We need to consider these characteristic findings for RFA when we are performing such procedures.

Feasibility of Saline Infusion on the Liver Surface during Radiofrequency Ablation of Subcapsular Hepatic Tumor: An Experimental Study

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the feasibility of infusion of normal saline onto the surface of the liver capsule for minimizing thermal injury of the adjacent organs during radiofrequency ablation of subcapsular hepatic tumor in an ex-vivo porcine model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used porcine small bowel with it's serosal surface spread onto the porcine liver as an experiment model. The puncturing electrode was inserted into a 6 Fr introducer sheath, and the introducer sheath was connected to the infusion pump for creating a saline flow over the liver surface . A total of 15 ablations were divided into the control group (n=5), intermittent saline infusion group (n=5) and continuous saline infusion (n=5) group. The ablations were done during 3 minutes, and the infusion was set at 2 ml/min and stopped every 30 seconds in the intermittent saline infusion group. After the ablation, we measured the size of the ablated lesion on the surface of bowel and liver, and we also measured the depth of hepatic lesion. RESULTS: Ablated areas of bowel and liver surface in the control group, intermittent saline infusion group and continuous infusion group were 210.7+/-89.1 mm2, 74.6+/-27.2 mm2 and 35.8+/-43.4 mm2, respectively, and 312.6+/-73.6 mm2, 228.4+/-110.5 mm2, and 80.9+/-55.1 mm2, respectively. In contrast to the broad base of the ablated area on the surface of the liver in the control group, the shapes of the lesions became narrower approaching to the liver surface in all cases of the continuous saline infusion group, and the shapes of the lesions were broad based in 3 cases and narrow based in 2 cases of the intermittent saline infusion group. CONCLUSION: Continuous infusion of normal saline onto the surface of the liver during radiofrequency ablation of subcapsular hepatic tumor is a feasible method for minimizing thermal injury of the adjacent organs. Further exploration of the optimal parameters or techniques to maximize the hepatic ablation and simultaneously to minimize the thermal injury of adjacent organs is required.

Radiofrequency Ablation of Rabbit Liver In Vivo: Effect of the Pringle Maneuver on Pathologic Changes in Liver Surrounding the Ablation Zone

OBJECTIVE: We wished to evaluate the effect of the Pringle maneuver (occlusion of both the hepatic artery and portal vein) on the pathologic changes in the hepatic vessels, bile ducts and liver parenchyma surrounding the ablation zone in rabbit livers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Radiofrequency (RF) ablation zones were created in the livers of 24 rabbits in vivo by using a 50-W, 480-kHz monopolar RF generator and a 15-gauge expandable electrode with four sharp prongs for 7 mins. The tips of the electrodes were placed in the liver parenchyma near the porta hepatis with the distal 1 cm of their prongs deployed. Radiofrequency ablation was performed in the groups with (n=12 rabbits) and without (n=12 rabbits) the Pringle maneuver. Three animals of each group were sacrificed immediately, three days (the acute phase), seven days (the early subacute phase) and two weeks (the late subacute phase) after RF ablation. The ablation zones were excised and serial pathologic changes in the hepatic vessels, bile ducts and liver parenchyma surrounding the ablation zone were evaluated. RESULTS: With the Pringle maneuver, portal vein thrombosis was found in three cases (in the immediate [n=2] and acute phase [n=1]), bile duct dilatation adjacent to the ablation zone was found in one case (in the late subacute phase [n=1]), infarction adjacent to the ablation zone was found in three cases (in the early subacute [n=2] and late subacute [n=1] phases). None of the above changes was found in the livers ablated without the Pringle maneuver. On the microscopic findings, centrilobular congestion, sinusoidal congestion, sinusoidal platelet and neutrophilic adhesion, and hepatocyte vacuolar and ballooning changes in liver ablated with Pringle maneuver showed more significant changes than in those livers ablated without the Pringle maneuver (p < 0.05) CONCLUSION: Radiofrequency ablation with the Pringle maneuver created more severe pathologic changes in the portal vein, bile ducts and liver parenchyma surrounding the ablation zone compared with RF ablation without the Pringle maneuver. Therefore, we suggest that RF ablation with the Pringle maneuver should be performed with great caution in order to avoid unwanted thermal injury.