Thermal Ablation for Benign Thyroid Nodules and Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma.

Ultrasound-guided minimally invasive thermoablative (MIT) therapies are a therapeutic option for selected patients with large, hypoenhancing, benign thyroid nodules that cause compression disorders or aesthetic discomfort. MIT, which does not require general anaesthesia, causes thermal necrosis of the treated nodule, which is reduced in size by 50 % without functional consequences, and is indicated for patients who are not too young or in the presence of anaesthesia-related risk factors or recurrence following thyroidectomy or refusal of surgery. For the above indications, MIT complements surgery but does not replace it; it must always be performed in centres and by surgeons with proven technical skills and clinical experience. Subject to appropriate informed consent, the treatment is short-duration, well-tolerated by the patient, safe, and non-invasive. It does not require anaesthesia and complications are rare and transient. MIT, and in particular laser-based procedures (TAL), can also be effective and safe for the treatment of potentially destructible papillary microcarcinoma, as shown by the limited but sufficient literature, including the most recent guidelines, which consider it to be a therapeutic alternative that requires a better understanding of its efficacy and safety.

Interventional Radiology ex-machina: impact of Artificial Intelligence on practice.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a branch of Informatics that uses algorithms to tirelessly process data, understand its meaning and provide the desired outcome, continuously redefining its logic. AI was mainly introduced via artificial neural networks, developed in the early 1950s, and with its evolution into "computational learning models." Machine Learning analyzes and extracts features in larger data after exposure to examples; Deep Learning uses neural networks in order to extract meaningful patterns from imaging data, even deciphering that which would otherwise be beyond human perception. Thus, AI has the potential to revolutionize the healthcare systems and clinical practice of doctors all over the world. This is especially true for radiologists, who are integral to diagnostic medicine, helping to customize treatments and triage resources with maximum effectiveness. Related in spirit to Artificial intelligence are Augmented Reality, mixed reality, or Virtual Reality, which are able to enhance accuracy of minimally invasive treatments in image guided therapies by Interventional Radiologists. The potential applications of AI in IR go beyond computer vision and diagnosis, to include screening and modeling of patient selection, predictive tools for treatment planning and navigation, and training tools. Although no new technology is widely embraced, AI may provide opportunities to enhance radiology service and improve patient care, if studied, validated, and applied appropriately.

LI-RADS to categorize liver nodules in patients at risk of HCC: tool or a gadget in daily practice?

PURPOSE: To determine the effectiveness of liver reporting and data system (LI-RADS) to diagnose hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to retrospectively evaluate its impact on the adopted therapeutic strategy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Preoperative imaging of 40 of 350 patients (median age 66, 31 M/9 F) submitted to liver resection for suspected HCC, between January 2008 and August 2019, has been retrospectively analyzed by two radiologists with different expertise, according to CT/MRI LI-RADS® v2018, both blinded to clinical and pathological results and untrained to using aforementioned scoring system. RESULTS: The perfect agreement between the readers was about 62.5% (25/40) (Cohen k: 0.41), better for LR-5 category (16/25) and higher in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) investigations (68%; 13/19), which has been demonstrated the modality of choice for diagnosis of high probable and certain HCC, with arterial phase hyperenhancement as the most sensitive and accurate major feature. Compared to final histology, LR4 and LR5 scores assigned by senior radiologist reached sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (PPV, PNV) and diagnostic accuracy of 90,9%, 29,0%, 93,8%, 62,5% and 87,5%, respectively, slightly higher than junior's ones. Misdiagnosis of HCC was done by both radiologists in the same two patients: 1 primary hepatic lymphoma (PHL) and 1 regenerative liver nodule (RLN). If LI-RADS would have been applied at the time of pre-surgical imaging, treatment planning would be modified in 10% of patients (4/40); the patient scheduled as LR-3 and finally resulted a focal nodular hyperplasia would have avoided liver resection. CONCLUSIONS: Application of LI-RADS, especially on MRI, may provide a more accurate evaluation of suspected HCC. PHL and RLN are the Achille's heels according to our experience.

Modified Sling Technique for Difficult Filter Retrieval.

Caval filters are placed in the inferior vena cava (IVC) to prevent pulmonary thromboembolism in patients with deep vein thrombosis. If there is no indication for thrombo-embolic risk prevention, the filter can be removed to reduce potential filter-related complications. Advanced endovascular techniques are frequently used to retrieve IVC filters. We describe an alternative filter-removal technique for use when standard techniques are not practicable. In our method, the filter hook is embedded within the IVC wall. To retrieve it, a long introducer is inserted; a guidewire and the "loop snare" retrieval system are then advanced through it with a coaxial system and positioned below the filter at the level of the common iliac vein confluence. The guidewire is then passed through the loop, creating a "sling" around the filter which allows the application of traction from the bottom upwards, releasing the hook from the wall. The loop is then held under tension with the filter aligned in the IVC lumen, and the introducer is advanced distally to completely cover the filter, allowing complete retrieval of the filter without damaging the vessel walls. This modified Sling technique is a safe and feasible method for complicated IVC filter retrieval.

Percutaneous microwave ablation of uterine fibroids: correlation between shrinkage and trend symptoms.

PURPOSE: To assess a correlation between the shrinkage of the fibroid and the course of the symptoms. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fourteen patients with symptomatic uterine leiomyomas (mean fibroid volume: 111.45 cm3) underwent percutaneous microwave ablation. Contrast-enhanced MRI follow-up was performed before and after treatment to evaluate the volume shrinkage. Two scores obtained from the Uterine Fibroids Symptom and Quality of Life questionnaire were used to perform a clinical follow-up to evaluate the symptoms and the quality of life at baseline, and at 3, 6 and 12 months after treatment. RESULTS: All patients were treated, no complications occurred. During a mean MR follow-up of 8.1 months we observed shrinkage of the fibroids in all patients (mean 70.3 cm3). During 12 months clinical follow-up, we observed a significant improvement of symptoms and an excellent improvement of quality of life (p < .001). CONCLUSION: Uterine fibroids percutaneous microwave ablation is a safe tool to obtain a significant improvement in quality of life for all the patients of our cohort.

Percutaneous microwave ablation of renal angiomyolipomas in tuberous sclerosis complex to improve the quality of life: preliminary experience in an Italian center.

AIM: To evaluate efficacy, safety and quality of life of the patients with renal angiomyolipomas (AMLs) associated with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) treated with percutaneous microwave ablation (MWA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nine patients (7 females and 2 males; mean age 27.6 years, range 23-34), with 10 renal AMLs with a mean size of 6.3 cm (range 4.5-8.5) were treated with image-guided percutaneous MWA. Indications for treatment were the risk of rupture/hemorrhage due to size greater than 4 cm and symptomatology; in one case, a previous hemorrhage was the indication for treatment. During follow-up, the volume of the ablated AMLs and its relationship with the relief of symptoms were registered. Technical and clinical success, safety, and quality of life (QOL) were evaluated in a mean follow-up of 9 months (range 3-12). RESULTS: Technical success was obtained in all cases. Clinical success was obtained in all cases; the volume of the ablated AMLs was not related with symptoms relief; all patients referred a significant improvement in their QOL, with a regularization of daily activities. There were no major procedural complications or delayed adverse events. A small self-limited post-procedural subcapsular hematoma was registered. Post-ablation syndrome was registered in 5 cases and was self-limited in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: Symptoms relief, lower risk of hemorrhage and a normalized QOL were obtained in all patients with a safe and mini-invasive procedure.

In-stent restenosis associated with dual-layer Roadsaver carotid artery stent: a retrospective single-center study.

AIM: To evaluate the incidence of in-stent restenosis (ISR) at 12-month follow-up, in patients treated with new dual-layer Roadsaver (Terumo Corp, Tokyo, Japan) carotid artery stent (CAS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirteen patients underwent CAS and received a Roadsaver. Neurological examination was performed in all patients. Carotid stenosis was revealed by Doppler ultrasound (DUS) and multidetector CT (MDCT) scan. Four patients presented a peak systolic velocity (PSV) between 130 and 150 cm/s, six a PSV between 150 and 180 cm/s, and three a PSV > 180 cm/s. MDCT gave further anatomic information. Direct stenting was performed in 11 (84.6%) cases, whereas in 2 (15.4%) cases predilatation was required. In all cases postdilatation was performed. Technical and clinical success and safety were evaluated. Stent patency was evaluated during the 12-month follow-up. RESULTS: Technical success was achieved in all cases. In three patients a nonsignificant residual stenosis < 30% has been reported. No major complications during or after the procedure occurred. One patient (7.7%) showed a transitory bradycardia during angioplasty. One (7.7%) local bleeding at the puncture site treated conservatively occurred. All the neurological examinations performed 24 h and 30 days after the procedure were negative. No significant ISR was registered. In 2 patients, < 30% ISR was revealed at DUS performed after 6 months and confirmed at 12 months. In both patients CEUS and MDCT denied the presence of significant stenosis. CONCLUSIONS: Roadsaver stent seems to be durable. Further studies with longer-term outcome are necessary to confirm our results.

Solid bone tumors of the spine: Diagnostic performance of apparent diffusion coefficient measured using diffusion-weighted MRI using histology as a reference standard.

PURPOSE: To assess the diagnostic performance of mean apparent diffusion coefficient (mADC) in differentiating benign from malignant bone spine tumors, using histology as a reference standard. Conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences have good reliability in evaluating spinal bone tumors, although some features of benign and malignant cancers may overlap, making the differential diagnosis challenging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In all, 116 patients (62 males, 54 females; mean age 59.5 ± 14.1) with biopsy-proven spinal bone tumors were studied. Field strength/sequences: 1.5T MR system; T1 -weighted turbo spin-echo (repetition time / echo time [TR/TE], 500/13 msec; number of excitations [NEX], 2; slice thickness, 4 mm), T2 -weighted turbo spin-echo (TR/TE, 4100/102 msec; NEX, 2; slice thickness, 4 mm), short tau inversion recovery (TR/TE, 4800/89 msec; NEX, 2; slice thickness, 4 mm, IT, 140 msec), axial spin-echo echo-planar diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) (TR/TE 5200/72 msec; slice thickness 5 mm; field of view, 300; interslice gap, 1.5 mm; NEX, 6; echo-planar imaging factor, 96; no parallel imaging) with b-values of 0 and 1000 s/mm², and 3D fat-suppressed T1 -weighted gradient-recalled-echo (TR/TE, 500/13 msec; slice thickness, 4 mm) after administration of 0.2 ml/kg body weight gadolinum-diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid. Two readers manually drew regions of interest on the solid portion of the lesion (hyperintense on T2 -weighted images, hypointense on T1 -weighted images, and enhanced after gadolinium administration on fat-suppressed T1 -weighted images) to calculate mADC. Histology was used as the reference standard. Tumors were classified into malignant primary tumors (MPT), bone metastases (BM), or benign primary tumors (BPT). Statistical tests: Nonnormality of distribution was tested with the Shapiro-Wilk test. The Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U-test with Bonferroni correction were used. Sensitivity and specificity of the mADC values for BM, MPT, and BPT were calculated. Approximate receiver operating characteristic curves were created. Interobserver reproducibility was evaluated using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). RESULTS: The mADC values of MPT (n = 35), BM (n = 65), and BPT (n = 16) were 1.00 ± 0.32 (0.59-2.10) × 10-3 mm2 /s, 1.02 ± 0.25 (0.73-1.96) × 10-3 mm2 /s, 1.31 ± 0.36 (0.83-2.14) × 10-3 mm2 /s, respectively. The mADC was significantly different between BPT and all malignant lesions (BM+MPT) (P < 0.001), BM and BPT (P = 0.008), and MPT and BPT (P = 0.008). No difference was found between BM and MPT (P = 0.999). An mADC threshold of 0.952 × 10-3 mm2 /s yielded 81.3% sensitivity, 55.0% specificity. Accuracy was 76% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 63.9%-88.1%). Interobserver reproducibility was almost perfect (ICC = 0.916; 95% CI = 0.879-0.942). CONCLUSION: DWI with mADC quantification is a reproducible tool to differentiate benign from malignant solid tumors with 76% accuracy. The mADC values of BPT were statistically higher than that of malignant tumors. However, the large overlap between cases may make mADC not helpful in a specific patient. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Technical Efficacy: Stage 2 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;47:1034-1042.

Treatment of venous stenosis in oncologic patients.

Symptomatic obstruction related to malignant involvement of large veins may occur in central veins both in the thoracic and pelvic regions, and in the abdominal region of the body. Both cases represent a therapeutic challenge, and endovascular revascularization, consisting of angioplasty and stent placement, is safe and effective. Superior vena cava stenting has become widespread in the management of occlusive venous disease. The percutaneous placement of large expandable metal stents allows rapid restoration of normal blood flow in the majority of patients, thus improving symptoms. Published data on the diagnosis and treatment of symptomatic cancer-related iliocaval obstructions are limited and mainly consist of case reports and small case series. The present review reports the current state of endovascular treatment for both superior vena cava occlusion and iliac compression syndrome in cancer patients.

Type 2 endoleaks in endovascular aortic repair: cone beam CT and automatic vessel detection to guide the embolization.

Background Dual-phase cone beam computed tomography (DP-CBCT) and automatic vessel detection (AVD) software are helpful tools for detecting arteries before planned endovascular interventions. Purpose To evaluate the usefulness of DP-CBCT and AVD software in guiding the trans-arterial embolization (TAE) of challenging T2 lumbar endoleaks (T2-L-EL). Material and Methods Ten patients with T2-L-EL were included in this study. The accuracy of DP-CBCT and the AVD software was defined by the ability to detect the endoleak and arterial feeding vessel, respectively. Technical success was defined as the correct positioning of the microcatheter using AVD software and the successful embolization of the endoleak. Clinical success was defined as the absence of recurrent endoleaks during follow-up and the stability of the sac diameter for persistent endoleaks. The total volume of iodinated contrast medium, overall procedure time, mean procedural radiation dose, and mean fluoroscopy time were recorded. Results The EL was detected by DP-CBCT in all patients. The AVD software identified the feeding arterial branch in all cases. In one patient, the nidus of the endoleak was not reached due to the small caliber of the feeding artery, even though the software had clearly identified the vessel route. The mean contrast volume was 109 mL, the mean overall procedural time was 74.3 min. The mean procedural radiation dose was 140.97 Gy cm2, and the mean fluoroscopy time was 29.8 min. Conclusion The use of DP-CBCT and the AVD software is feasible and may facilitate successful embolization in challenging occult T2-L-EL with complex vasculature.

The role of ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer in association with other embolic agents for the percutaneous and endovascular treatment of type Ia endoleak.

AIM: To evaluate safety, technical and clinical success of embolization of type Ia endoleak (T1a EL) using ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer as embolic agent alone or in combination with other materials. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five patients presented T1a EL after endovascular repair of aortic aneurysms (EVAR) with radiological evidence of expanding sac size; in particular, three had contained rupture. In one patient, proximal cuff insertion was previously performed, in three patients proximal cuff was urgently inserted but T1a EL persisted; one patient, previously treated with Ovation Abdominal Stent Graft System, was directly proposed for endovascular treatment. In all cases, endovascular embolization was successfully performed and the transfemoral approach was always chosen; in one case it failed and translumbar approach by direct puncture of the sac was required. Used embolization agents were glue, ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (Onyx) and coils in three cases, n-butyl cyanoacrylate and Onyx in one case, Onyx and coils in the last case. RESULTS: Technical success rate was 100% as well as clinical success. No major or minor complication, including non-target embolization, was registered. Clinical success was 100% until today and the sac diameter remained stable in four patients and decreased in one. CONCLUSIONS: Onyx may be considered a suitable embolic agent in the treatment of patients with type Ia endoleaks after EVAR, after failure of conventional treatments such as prolonged balloon inflation of the aortic neck or deployment of large bare stent.

Factors predicting outcomes of microwave ablation of small hepatocellular carcinoma.

PURPOSE: The aim of our study was to evaluate factors influencing effectiveness of percutaneous microwave ablation (MWA) in patients with small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (<3 cm). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between December 2007 and August 2015, 49 patients with 65 previously histological typed HCC were treated in a total of 61 sessions. Tumours were subdivided into central (>3 cm from the capsule) (n = 22) and peripheral (<3 cm from the capsule) (n = 43). Imaging follow-up was performed at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment, then annually. Mean follow-up period was 18 months (range 1-55). Location of the lesion, age, sex, and underlying disease of the patients was analyzed and related with efficacy. RESULTS: Technical success was obtained in all cases. Residual disease was registered in 21 lesions (32.3 %): 13 were peripheral and 8 were central. Twelve of them were retreated with percutaneous MWA. Local recurrence was recorded in 8 lesions (12.3 %): 5 were retreated with MWA. No significant difference in terms of effectiveness was observed in lesions located in a central position and those situated in the peripheral position. Age, sex, and underlying disease not influenced results. Only one major complication was observed. The rate of minor complications was 24.5 %. Mortality at 30 days was 0 %. CONCLUSIONS: Our results encourage the role of MWA in the treatment of small HCC. More numerous series and randomized studies are necessary to state the role of MWA and to select cases in which MWA may be more effective and safer than RFA.

Prophylactic occlusion balloon placement in internal iliac arteries for the prevention of postpartum haemorrhage due to morbidly adherent placenta: short term outcomes.

PURPOSE: To evaluate outcomes of uterine conserving surgery with occlusion balloon technique. A critical review of the complications was performed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2010 and 2016, pregnant women, with a prenatal diagnosis of morbidly adherent placenta (MAP), were treated with occlusion balloon catheters in both internal iliac arteries. Parameters such as need for hysterectomy, incidence of PPH, grade of MAP, estimated blood loss during delivery (EBL) and transfusion requirements, mean recovery time and duration of the balloon inflation, were collected and reviewed. Complications requiring further management were analysed. RESULTS: Thirty-seven women with MAP underwent prophylactic occlusion balloon placement (POBC). Mean recovery was 4.48 days (range 2-10). Catheters were successfully positioned and balloons inflated in obstetric theatre following caesarean delivery in 100% of the cases. The uterus was conserved in every case. The MAP grades were 20 percreta, 3 increta and 14 accreta. The EBL was not statistically different between the different grades of placentation. There was a statistically significant association in the number of patients requiring blood transfusions and the degree of placental invasion (p = 0. 0119). PPH occurred in 5 patients (13.5%) and arterial thrombosis in 4 patients (11%). The EBL during delivery was significantly higher (2811 mL) in patients with complications (p = 0.0102). Furthermore, the group of patients that had complications required statistically significant more blood transfusions compared to those without complications (p = 0.0001). No maternal mortality or foetal morbidity occurred. CONCLUSION: The utilisation of Prophylactic occlusion balloon catheters allows uterine conserving surgery to be performed safely with few maternal complications.

Ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer as embolic agent for treatment of type II endoleak: our experience.

AIM: To evaluate safety, technical and clinical success of embolization of type II endoleak (T2 EL) using ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer as embolic agent alone or in combination with others materials. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From March 2007 to March 2015, 104 patients presented T2 EL during follow-up. A total of 21 patients met the criteria for treatment. T2 EL was treated with TAE (n = 18), DPSI (n = 10) or laparoscopic ligature of the inferior mesenteric artery (n = 1). DPSI was considered in case TAE was unsuccessful (8/18 patients). Ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer was used as embolic agent in 12 patients: alone in 5 cases, in association with glue and with glue and thrombin in 3 and 2 cases, respectively, during TAE. Onyx was injected in two cases of embolization performed with DPSI: in one case alone and in the other in combination with thrombin and glue. RESULTS: Technical success rate was 100%. Immediate clinical success was 91.7%; in one patient CEUS revealed persistent T2 EL, decreased if compared with that before the procedure. Secondary clinical success was 91.7%; until today, in one patient T2EL is persistent, nevertheless, the sac diameter remained stable. No major or minor complications were registered. CONCLUSIONS: Onyx could be an ideal embolic agent for endovascular and percutaneous embolization of T2 EL.

A case of severe pulmonary exacerbation in a young patient with cystic fibrosis in the era of CFTR modulators.

The introduction of CFTR modulator drugs like Elexacaftor-Tezacaftor-Ivacaftor (ETI) has transformed the management of Cystic Fibrosis (CF), significantly improving symptoms, lung function, and quality of life, while reducing reliance on intravenous antibiotics. However, respiratory exacerbations in the CFTR modulators era remain poorly understood from both pathophysiological and clinical perspectives. We present the case of a 20-year-old Caucasian woman with CF (F508del/L1077P) who, after three years of ETI treatment, experienced a severe episode of haemoptysis, despite being almost asymptomatic in the weeks leading up to admission, requiring bronchial artery embolization. Following ETI treatment, auscultatory findings and FEV1 changes may be less significant, making the detection of respiratory exacerbation more challenging. This highlights the need for heightened vigilance in managing such cases and underscores the challenge of diagnosing and managing exacerbations in the era of modulators. Long term real-world studies are essential to comprehend the evolving course of the disease during ETI treatment.

Advances in Imaging Guidance During Percutaneous Ablation of Renal Tumors.

Currently, minimally invasive ablative techniques for the treatment of renal tumors have become a more common and feasible treatment option. New imaging technologies have been implemented and successfully merged with each other to improve the guidance of tumor ablation. In the present review, an overview of the real-time fusion of multiple imaging modalities, robotic and electromagnetic navigation and the application of artificial intelligence software, in field of tumor renal ablation treatment, are analyzed.

Performance and Safety of a Reflux-Control Microcatheter Used to Perform DEB-TACE with LUMITM Beads in HCC Patients: Preliminary Experience.

PURPOSE: The present study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the anti-reflux microcatheter during DEB-TACE with DC Bead LUMITM (radiopaque beads) for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: We performed an observational longitudinal prospective monocentric study to analyze all patients with HCC who underwent to DEB-TACE with DC Bead LUMITM and anti-reflux microcatheter. Technical success, the presence of residual disease, and clinical success were evaluated. The performance of the anti-reflux microcatheter on the basis of the percentage of tumor covered and the non-target embolization (NTE) was also evaluated. RESULTS: Twenty patients underwent DEB-TACE with DC Bead LUMITM and an anti-reflux microcatheter. Technical success was achieved in all cases. Residual disease in the target tumor was observed in 11/20 (55%) of cases and no residual disease was found in 9/20 (45%) of cases. The clinical response at 1-month follow-up was of PD 4/20 (20%), SD 7/20 (35%), and CR 9/20 (45%). No major complications were recorded, and 10% of cases had minor complications. The distribution of beads on post-procedural CBCT, classified according to the percentage of target nodule coverage, was ≥50% in 70% (14/20) of cases and between 30-50% in 30% of cases (6/20). NTE was never registered.

Percutaneous Microwave Ablation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma with "Double Fusion" Technique: Technical Note and Single-Center Preliminary Experience.

Percutaneous image-guided thermal ablation is included in most society guidelines for treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The results of this treatment in terms of efficacy depend on the ability to precisely place the device into the target tumor. Ultrasound (US) is a commonly used imaging guidance modality for its real-time feedback. However, an accurate device deployment remains challenging in some clinical scenarios, including cases of tumors that are undetectable or not clearly visible by US. To overcome this problem, fusion imaging techniques have been developed, which combine images from different modalities. The most widely known technique combines pre-procedural contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with real-time US scans. Cone beam CT (CBCT) is a technology that can provide intra-procedural cross-sectional images, which can be registered to images from other modalities, including preprocedural CT/MR scans. The aim of our study is to report the preliminary experience on percutaneous microwave ablation (MWA) of patients with HCC that were treated using the "double fusion" technique, which combines the use of US fusion imaging and CBCT fusion imaging. We describe the technical details, feasibility, safety and short-term efficacy of this technique in a small series of eight patients with 11 HCCs.

Ablative Therapies for Breast Cancer: State of Art.

Breast cancer (BC) is the most frequently diagnosed malignancy among women. In the past two decades, new technologies and BC screening have led to the diagnosis of smaller and earlier-stage BC (ESBC). Therefore, percutaneous minimally invasive techniques (PMIT) were adopted to treat patients unfit for surgery, women who refuse it, or elderly patients with comorbidities that could make surgery a difficult and life-threatening treatment. The target of PMIT is small-size ESBC with the scope of obtaining similar efficacy as surgery. Minimally invasive treatments are convenient alternatives with promising effectiveness, lower morbidity, less cost, less scarring and pain, and more satisfying cosmetic results. Ablative techniques used in BC are cryoablation, radiofrequency ablation, microwave ablation, high-intensity focused ultrasound (US), and laser ablation. The aim of our study is to discuss the current status of percutaneous management of BC, evaluate the clinical outcomes of PMIT in BC, and analyze future perspectives regarding ablation therapy in BC.

Robotics in Interventional Radiology: Review of Current and Future Applications.

This review is a brief overview of the current status and the potential role of robotics in interventional radiology. Literature published in the last decades, with an emphasis on the last 5 years, was reviewed and the technical developments in robotics and navigational systems using CT-, MR- and US-image guidance were analyzed. Potential benefits and disadvantages of their current and future use were evaluated. The role of fusion imaging modalities and artificial intelligence was analyzed in both percutaneous and endovascular procedures. A few hundred articles describing results of single or several systems were included in our analysis.