- 109 liver tumors
were treated with radiofrequency ablation with a wet electrode under
simultaneous control of impedance and temperature (Berchtold®, Tuttlingen,
Germany). The study included 39 colorectal metastases (age of patients:
41-77 years old), 12 breast cancer metastases (age of patients: 44 -64
years old) and 58 hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) (age of patients:
52-81 years old). The 18 to 16 gauge electrodes contain a coaxial lumen
that enables a saline (0.9 %) interstitial infusion (1 ml/min, 40 W
during 10 min).
- The volume of NaCl
injected depends on power and impedance. If the impedance is high at
the beginning of the procedure, the needle position should be modified.
If the impedance is still high, 10% NaCl can be used. The NaCl concentration
had significant but nonlinear effects on electrical conductivity, RF
deposition, and heating.
- The Indications
were:
- Curative: HCC
and colorectal liver metastases up to 4 cm in diameter
- Palliative:
HCC and colorectal liver metastases bigger than 3 cm in diameter
- All solitary
metastases resisting to conventional therapy
- Ten days after
the procedure, the patient underwent the initial MRI control. After
complete necrosis of the tumor, a control MRI was performed every 3
months the ablation areas were analyzed for overall conspicuity, presence
of hemorrhage, enhancement patterns, and presence of residual tumor
and its pattern.
|
hepatocellular
carcinoma
