Radiofrequency Ablation: Technique and Clinical Applications

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Radiofrequency ablation: Technique and clinical applications

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DOI: 10.4261/1305-3825.DIR.5168-11.1 · Source: PubMed

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Diagn Interv Radiol 2012; 18:508–516 INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY
© Turkish Society of Radiology 2012 R E VI E W

Radiofrequency ablation: technique and clinical applications

Servet Tatlı, Ümit Tapan, Paul R. Morrison, Stuart G. Silverman

I
ABSTRACT n last decade, there has been a rapid advancement in the utiliza-
Radiofrequency ablation is the most commonly used percu- tion of percutaneous, image-guided tumor ablation methods.
taneous ablation technique and well-documented in the lit-
erature on focal therapies. It has become the image-guided Radiofrequency (RF) ablation has become the method of choice be-
ablation method of choice because of its efficacy, safety, and cause of its safety and efficacy. Image-guided RF ablation is minimally
ease of use. Radiofrequency ablation has shown promise in
treating selected solid tumors, particularly those involving the invasive and usually appropriate for inoperable patients with other co-
liver, kidneys, lungs, and the musculoskeletal system. It is a morbidities. It requires a minimal hospital stay or can be performed on
minimally invasive technique often used in inoperable patients an outpatient basis. It preserves more normal organ tissue and is less
with other comorbidities. Radiofrequency ablation requires a
minimal hospital stay or can be performed on an outpatient expensive than surgery (1–3). The procedures are generally performed by
basis. The aim of this article is to review radiofrequency abla- using 14–21 G, partially insulated electrodes that are placed under guid-
tion techniques and their clinical applications.
ance (computed tomography [CT], magnetic resonance imaging [MRI],
Key words: • radiofrequency catheter ablation • tumor or ultrasonography [US]) into the tumor to be ablated. In most cases,
• percutaneous
percutaneous RF ablation can be performed in patients under conscious
sedation, by using medications similar to those used with any other in-
terventional radiology procedure. In the clinical arena, RF ablation has
been used for the treatment of various neoplasms, including metastases
from a variety of primary tumors (4, 5), such as hepatocellular carci-
noma (HCC) (6, 7), renal cell carcinoma (RCC) (8, 9), non-small cell lung
cancer (NSCLC) (10, 11), and osteoid osteoma (12, 13). In this article we
review RF ablation techniques and their clinical implications.

The mechanism of RF ablation


Deposition of energy into tumors induces thermal injury resulting in
a tumoricidal effect. RF ablation involves flow of electrical alternating
current through tissues whereby ionic agitation and resistive heating of
the tissues occurs. In order to establish this current, the RF ablation sys-
tem requires a closed-loop circuit comprised of an electrical generator, a
needle electrode, a patient (a resistor), and large dispersive electrodes (or
“grounding pads”) (Fig. 1). The nature of the thermal damage depends
on the tissue temperature and the duration of heating (Table). Effective
ablation can only be achieved by optimizing heat production and mini-
mizing heat loss. The difference between the amount of heat produced
and heat lost is called heat efficacy. While heat production is correlated
with the intensity and duration of the RF energy deposited, heat loss is
mainly due to the blood flow within adjacent blood vessels, which is the
so-called heat-sink effect (Fig. 2).
Effective RF ablation can be decreased when tissues are heated to
From the Department of Radiology (S.T.  statli@partners.org, greater than 100°C and/or when charring of tissues occur. Rapid loss
P.R.M., S.G.S.), Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women’s of heat at a distance from the electrode also limits the size of abla-
Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; the Department of Internal
Medicine (Ü.T.), Tufts University School of Medicine, Steward tion. An important element of effective ablation is the extent of the
Carney Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA. ablation zone. In order to assure eradication of microscopic tumoral
Received 26 September 2011; revision requested 3 October 2011; revision extensions, the ablation zone needs to include areas beyond the tumor
received 12 December 2011; accepted 19 December 2011. margin. This is called the ablation margin, and safe ablation margins
Published online 9 March 2012
vary depending on the organ being ablated and should preferentially
DOI 10.4261/1305-3825.DIR.5168-11.1 be approximately 1 cm.

508
RF ablation systems
Substantial efforts have been made
to increase heating efficacy, reduce
charring and to achieve larger and
more effective tissue damage. New RF
ablation devices with more powerful
generators (200 watts) are the result of
these efforts. Currently, the following
three major commercial RF ablation
systems are globally available: Cool-
tipTM system (Covidien, Mansfield,
Massachusetts, USA) (Fig. 3), RF 3000®
(Boston Scientific Corporation, Natick,
Massachusetts, USA) (Fig. 4), and Model
1500X RF generator (AngioDynamics,
Latham, New York, USA) (Fig. 5). The
Cool-tipTM system monitors the im-
pedance (electrical resistance) of the
tissue during ablation, automatically
adjusting the power output to assure a
consistent flow of current to the tissue.
Excessive impedance for this device cor-
Figure 1. RF ablation circuit. Both the grounding pad (arrowheads) and needle electrode relates to excessive gas formation in the
(arrow) are active, while the patient acts as a resistor, creating an alternating electric field tissue. RF 3000® also tracks tissue im-
resulting in marked agitation of the ions in the tumor and the surrounding tissue. This ionic pedance for the user. Here, an increase
agitation creates heat. The marked discrepancy between the surface area of the needle
in tissue impedance is taken as a clini-
electrode and the grounding pad causes the generated heat to be concentrated around the
needle electrode. cal endpoint, correlating to a thorough
coagulation of the tissue around the
electrode. Model 1500X RF generator
Table. Tissue reaction for various degrees of thermal injury provides direct multi-point temperature
Temperature (°C) Tissue reaction
measurements throughout the tissue to
allow the user to target a pre-selected
42 More susceptible to chemotherapy or radiation target temperature for the tumor.
45 Irreversible cellular damage in several hours The Cool-tipTM system uses inter-
nally cooled electrodes, which mini-
50–55 Irreversible cellular damage in 4–6 min
mize charring and permit optimal
60–100 Coagulation of tissue energy deposition and deeper tissue
100–110 Vaporization and carbonization of tissue
heating. Multiple probe systems (so-
called cluster or switch box system)
For successful ablation, the tissue temperature should be maintained in the ideal range, which is 60–100°C. can achieve greater coagulation necro-
sis than any individual electrode alone.
Expandable, multi-tined electrodes,
such as the ones used in the RF 3000®,
permit the deposition of energy over a
larger area and decrease the distance
between the tissue and the electrode.
With the Model 1500X RF generator’s
perfused RF electrodes, slow infusions
of saline from the tines into the tissue
around the electrode allow for more
thorough heating.
Despite all these advancement, RF ab-
lation techniques still have some limita-
tions regarding ablation size, procedure
time, and heat sink effect from adjacent
vessels. This resulted in substantial work
to develop other tumor ablation tech-
nologies such as microwave ablation.

Clinical applications
Figure 2. Schematic illustration of the heat-sink effect. Blood flow within adjacent vessels is a In the last decade, there has been a
major factor for heat loss. rapid advancement in the utilization

Volume 18 • Issue 5 Radiofrequency ablation • 509


a b

Figure 3. a, b. The internally cooled needle-like electrodes (a) of the Cool-tip™ system (Covidien, formerly Radionics). An electrode is
electrically insulated along its shaft except for the final 1–3 cm, which is the exposed “active” tip. On the left is a “single” 17 G electrode with
a 3 cm active tip; on the right is a “cluster” electrode comprised of three 2.5 cm tipped single electrodes incorporated into one handle. The
RF generator (Covidien) (b) with a peristaltic pump to drive cooled saline to the electrode prevents charring. The generator provides up to 2
amps of RF electrical current, which is delivered at a power of up to 200 watts. The numeric displays on the front control panel allow the user to
observe the electrical impedance in the tissue, the current and power, and the probe temperature as well as the elapsed time.

a b

Figure 4. a, b. The LeVeen electrode (Boston Scientific Corporation) (a). This array-type of electrode is expandable and multi-tined. When it
is placed in the tumor under image guidance, the non-insulated “tines” of the electrode are deployed and extend from the distal tip of the
cannula. The photo shows a deployed electrode. The array diameters are available in a range of 2–5 cm. The RF 3000® Generator (b) provides
up to 2 amps of current and can provide a power of up to 200 watts, which is typical of currently-used systems. The level of power delivered
is controlled by the user. The power level is set low to start and is steadily increased to allow for a gradual heating of the tumor volume. When
heating is sufficient to coagulate the target tumor volume, the numeric display in the center of the control panel (reading 42 ohms) shows a
marked increase in tissue impedance by an order of magnitude.

a b

Figure 5. a, b. The Starburst electrode (AngioDynamics, formerly Rita Medical) (a). This is an array-type electrode, which is expandable and
multi-tined. After the active tines have been deployed as shown, the array diameters can be adjusted between 2 and 5 cm. Alternating tines of
the array have built-in thermal sensors and are able to detect the temperature in the tissue, providing feedback to the generator. The Model
1500X RF generator (b) provides up to 2 amps of RF current at up to 200 watts. The operator selects a target temperature for the tissue (such
as 105°C seen in the left numeric display). The device then adjusts the power that is delivered to the tissue until the thermocouples “see” that
temperature. Temperatures are displayed in the five numeric displays in the circular area on the right. Thereafter, the temperature is held for
several minutes to assure tissue necrosis.

510 • September–October 2012 • Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Tatlı et al.


a b c

d e f

g h Figure 6. a–h. A 61-year-old man with a


history of lung cancer was found to have
a mass in the right liver lobe, which was
proven to be a HCC. He was not a surgical
candidate due to many other comorbidities
including, coronary artery disease, cirrhosis,
hypertension, insulin dependent diabetes, and
gout, and he was referred for percutaneous
RF ablation. Pre-procedural MRI (a) showed a
4×3.5 cm enhancing mass (arrowhead), which
was ablated using CT guidance and internally
cooled clustered electrodes (Covidien) under
general anesthesia (b). Follow-up MRI (c),
which was obtained the next day, revealed
coagulation necrosis in the ablation zone.
Note that coagulation necrosis appears
hyperintense (arrowhead) on unenhanced
T1-weighted images (c) and subtraction of
post-contrast enhanced T1-weighted images (d) eliminate hyperintense coagulation necrosis and demonstrate the lack of enhancement better
(arrowhead). The patient had a follow-up MRI every three months. Enhanced MRI on nine month follow-up (e) showed no recurrence of the
ablated tumor (arrowhead), but there was a new enhancing focus (f, arrowhead), which was first proven to be a second HCC and then ablated
percutaneously by using an internally cooled RF electrode (Covidien) (g). Enhanced MRI with subtraction (h) which was performed on the next
day shows good tumor coverage with no enhancement (arrowhead).

of percutaneous, image-guided tumor RF ablation in liver tumors (6, 14). Furthermore, RF ablation com-
ablation methods, and RF ablation has Surgery is accepted as the first-line pares reasonably well with survival
been the method of choice because treatment for HCC and colorectal me- rates of surgery in patients with smaller
of its availability, safety, efficacy, and tastases that are limited in number. RF (≤3 cm) tumors (7, 15).
cost. In the clinical setting, RF ablation ablation has been shown to be an effec- RF ablation yields better results for
has shown promise for treating solid tive treatment option for patients with tumors surrounded by nontumor liver
tumors, particularly those involving primary and metastatic liver tumors, parenchyma. Tumors surrounded by
the liver (6, 7), kidneys (8, 9), lungs who are not surgical candidates due to cirrhotic parenchyma have the ad-
(10, 11, 4, 5), and the musculoskeletal tumor location, poor hepatic reserve, vantage of being insulated and can be
system (12, 13). other comorbidities, or advanced age coagulated better (Fig. 6). Subcapsular

Volume 18 • Issue 5 Radiofrequency ablation • 511


tumors adjacent to visceral organs and evidence to suggest that percutane- from other primaries. Although metas-
central tumors surrounded by large ous RF ablation is a safe and effective tases from any primary, providing their
blood vessels carry the risk of incom- method to treat larger (3–5 cm) HCCs appropriate number, size and location,
plete ablation. Adjacent visceral or- as well (25). Patients with end-stage can be treated with RF ablation, more
gans, such as small bowel or colon, cirrhosis (Child-Pugh C) are generally experience has been accumulated in
can be displaced away from the tumor not appropriate candidates for RF ab- metastases from breast carcinoma and
through patient positioning or hydro- lation because their life expectancy is neuroendocrine malignancies (29, 30).
dissection (16). Hydrodissection can limited by their hepatic dysfunction
also be used to displace the diaphragm rather than cancer (22). Patients with RF ablation in lung tumors
to prevent diaphragmatic injury dur- uncorrectable coagulopathies and ac- Lung cancer is the leading cause of
ing the ablation of tumors in the liver tive alcohol abuse are also not ideal RF cancer-related death in both men and
dome (17). Hydrodissection should ablation candidates (22). RF ablation women, and NSCLC accounts for the
be performed with sterile water or 5% can also be used as a bridge therapy majority of the cases. Although sur-
dextrose rather than saline because the for patients awaiting transplantation. gery provides the best possibility for a
latter conducts electricity. During en- According to the Milan criteria, pa- cure in early stages (I/II) of NSCLC, the
ergy application, the tip of the hydro- tients with a single (≤5 cm) or multiple majority of these patients have insuf-
dissection needle should be placed at tumors (less than three in number, and ficient cardiopulmonary reserve and
least 1 cm away from the tip of the RF ≤3 cm in size) are eligible for transplan- thus are not surgical candidates (31,
applicator. tation (23). Generally, patients with 32). RF ablation, alone or in combina-
RF ablation of hepatic tumors is a cirrhosis awaiting transplantation un- tion with other treatment modalities
relatively safe modality with a report- dergo surveillance with enhanced CT such as external beam radiation, is an
ed overall complication rate of 7.1% or MRI and alpha-feto-protein levels. alternative option for these patients
and a very low mortality (0.3%) (6). If a patient develops HCC(s) during and is currently the most commonly
Immediate major complications in- this waiting period, RF ablation can be utilized thermal ablation method with
clude hemorrhage, biliary leakage or utilized to treat the tumors to keep the promising survival data; 68% for two-
obstruction, infection, pneumothorax, patient eligible for transplantation. year survival (10) and 74% for three-
and injury to adjacent organs (18, 19). Hepatic metastases develop in half of year survival (11) (Fig. 7).
Careful selection of appropriate pa- the patients with colorectal cancer and RF ablation can also be used in pa-
tients and RF ablation tools, as well as are the most common cause of morbid- tients with metastatic lung disease for
utilization of adjunctive maneuvers are ity and mortality (26). Hepatectomy eradication of small tumors (<3 cm)
important to prevent complications. has been shown to improve survival; limited in number or for palliation
In order to decrease the risk of postpro- however, it is feasible in only a small of larger tumors that cause symptoms
cedural bleeding and tumor seeding, number of patients. Systemic chemo- such as cough, hemoptysis, or pain (5).
exophytic tumors should be avoided, therapy is the mainstay therapy for A recent prospective, intent-to-treat
and a transhepatic route rather than a those who are not surgical candidates. multicenter clinical trial studied 106
direct route should be selected to ap- RF ablation, either alone or in con- patients with 183 primary or second-
proach peripheral tumors (20). Also, junction with chemotherapy, can be ary lung tumors smaller than 3.5 cm,
the puncture site should be selected as used as an alternative local therapy if which had been treated with RF abla-
anteriorly and inferiorly as possible, to the size, location, and number of the tion. Cancer-specific survival rates at
prevent a pneumothorax because the metastases are appropriate. Berber et one and two years were 92% and 73%,
pleural space extends more inferiorly al. (27) also showed significant sur- respectively, for patients with NSCLC,
in the posterior chest. Patients with bil- vival benefits of RF ablation in color- 91% and 68%, respectively, for pa-
iary dilatations have an increased risk ectal liver metastasis when lesions tients with colorectal metastases, and
of developing a postprocedural abscess were ≤3 cm in size. Stang et al. (28) 93% and 67%, respectively, for patients
or sepsis because of bacterial coloniza- recently published a systematic review with other metastases (4). Crocetti and
tion in the biliary tract. Prophylactic of RF ablation for colorectal hepatic Lencioni (33) also reported a complete
use of antibiotics may be beneficial for metastasis and identified local recur- ablation rate of approximately 80% in
these patients who are at higher risk rence rates varying from 5% to 42%. tumors smaller than 3.5 cm in size.
for developing infection (20). In this review, tumor size was noted Pulmonary RF ablation is a safe pro-
The incidence of HCC is increasing, to be the dominant factor influencing cedure with a reported mortality of
largely due to infection with the hepa- local failure rates with an increase in 0.4% (34) and an overall major com-
titis B and hepatitis C viruses, and alco- relapse rate when ablating tumors ≥3 plication rate ranging between 8% and
holism (21). For patients with cirrhosis cm. In a prospective study, which in- 12% (35). Pneumothorax is the most
and HCC ≤3 cm, who are not surgical volved 167 patients, Gillams and Lees common complication (~20%). Small
candidates based on impairment of (26), showed that the five-year survival pleural effusions are frequent and gen-
liver function, the number and distri- rate for RF ablation and surgical resec- erally self-limited. Productive cough
bution of tumors, or cardiopulmonary tion are comparable in patients with with brown sputum occurs in a minor-
dysfunction, RF ablation can be used fewer than five metastases, each ≤5 cm ity of patients and may last 1–2 weeks.
as a first-line treatment method (22). in size. Successful use of RF ablation Peripheral, pleural based tumors or
There is substantial data that has dem- in the treatment of HCC and colorec- tumors surrounded by normal lung
onstrated the safety and efficacy of RF tal metastases led to the utilization of parenchyma are best suited for RF ab-
ablation (23, 24). There is increasing this technique to treat liver metastases lation. Central tumors located close to

512 • September–October 2012 • Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Tatlı et al.


a b c

Figure 7. a–c. A 72-year-old woman with a biopsy-proven NSCLC, who was not a surgical candidate due to severe chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease, and was referred for percutaneous RF ablation. The mass (arrowhead) was 2.5×2 cm in size, pleural-based, and located in
the left upper lobe on CT (a). It was ablated using CT guidance and a 3 cm expandable, multi-tined RF ablation electrode (Boston Scientific
Corporation) (b). RF energy was applied according to the standard vendor’s protocol, starting from 40 watts and gradually increasing up to
150 watts over a total of 22 min. Follow-up MRI (c) obtained the next day showed no residual tumor (arrowhead) in the ablation zone. There
was no recurrence at 12 months follow-up (not shown here).

a b c

Figure 8. a–c. A 65-year-old woman with a 2×2 cm right kidney mass, which was found incidentally. The patient has a pacemaker due to heart
block. Axial CT image (a) shows an enhancing mass (arrowhead) in the medial aspect of the upper pole of the right kidney. Percutaneous RF
ablation (b) was performed using CT guidance and a 3 cm expandable, multi-tined RF ablation electrode (Boston Scientific Corporation). RF
energy was applied starting from 40 watts and gradually increased to 150 watts over 13.5 min, including a booster dose. After the procedure,
the patient developed mild hematuria, which subsided spontaneously. Follow-up CT (c), which was obtained the next day, showed good tumor
coverage with no evidence of suspicious enhancement (arrowhead) in the tumor to suggest residue.

the central airway carry a risk of injury not surgical candidates (8), and there Renal RF ablation is a safe procedure
of the bronchus, resulting in cavita- is increasing evidence that it can be with a serious complication rate of <1%
tion, abscess formation, and broncho- a curative treatment option for these (18). The complications depend on the
pleural fistula (5). patients, sparing them the risk of mor- location of the tumor. In peripherally
tality and substantial morbidity as- located tumors, there is a potential for
RF ablation in kidney tumors sociated with surgery (9). RF ablation thermal injury to adjacent bowel, and
The incidence of RCC has signifi- seems to provide the lowest rate of in more central or medial lower pole tu-
cantly increased in the USA, with an renal impairment compared to extir- mors, injury to the collecting system is
expected incidence of more than 50 pative treatment options (37), which more common (18). Patient positioning
000 new cases each year (36). Surgery is particularly important in patients and hydrodissection may help to dis-
is the method of choice for localized with a solitary kidney. RF ablation has place the adjacent bowel to prevent in-
RCC; however, there are a significant also been used effectively for treatment jury. Prophylactic placement of ureteral
number of patients who are not suit- of multiple renal cell cancers such as stents can be considered in patients with
able for surgery because of comorbid those seen in von Hippel-Lindau pa- a tumor near the ureter, carrying high
illnesses. RF ablation is emerging as a tients. Peripheral, exophytic and small risk of ureter injury. The stent is placed
safe and effective alternative for elderly (<3 cm) tumors are more suitable for prior to the ablation and stays in place
patients with early-stage RCC who are RF ablation (Fig. 8). until 4–6 weeks after the procedure.

Volume 18 • Issue 5 Radiofrequency ablation • 513


Figure 9. a–d. A 59-year-old man
a b with metastatic RCC was found to
have a lytic mass (arrowhead) in the
body of the L2 vertebra, which was
consistent with a metastasis as shown
on T2-weighted MRI (a). The patient
was referred for percutaneous RF
ablation, followed by vertebroplasty
to prevent a potential compression
fracture. Following a biopsy, an
internally cooled RF ablation electrode
(b) with a 2 cm active tip (Covidien)
was placed within the mass through
a 13 G introducer, and RF energy
was applied over 8 min, starting at
40 watts and increasing gradually
to 120 watts. After completion of
RF ablation, the same introducer
c d and CT fluoroscopy guidance were
used and polymethylmethacrylate
(arrowhead) was injected into the lytic
lesion (c). Follow-up MRI (d), which
was obtained the next day, showed
that the lytic lesion is filled with T2-
hypointense cement (arrowhead).

RF ablation in bone tumors presents with nocturnal pain and re- CT guidance and then the RF elec-
Painful bone metastases are a com- sponds to anti-inflammatory drugs. trode is inserted through the penetra-
mon cause of morbidity in cancer Surgical removal has been the estab- tion needle. If needed, a biopsy needle
patients. Metastatic bone disease gen- lished treatment method for many can be placed through the penetration
erally indicates limited life expect- years. Utilization of RF ablation for needle and specimen can be obtained
ancy; therefore, a safe, effective, and osteoid osteoma was first reported in for histopathological evaluation. The
tolerable local treatment is essential 1992 by Rosenthal et al. (40), and sev- RF electrode should be selected to be
for providing local pain control and eral studies have shown effects of RF long enough so that the penetration
to increase quality of life. Radiation ablation in treatment of osteoid osteo- needle can be withdrawn by at least a
therapy, systemic chemotherapy, ma since then. In a recent prospective few centimeters from the tip of the RF
hormonal therapy, surgery and pain trial by Hoffman et al. (12), 38 patients electrode, to prevent skin burn along
medications have been used to control were successfully treated with RF abla- the shaft of the needle.
pain in these patients (38). RF abla- tion with only three recurrences dur-
tion is a practical alternative to treat ing an average follow-up of 32 months, Other clinical applications for RF ablation
painful bone metastases that are not all of which were treated with a second A solitary metastasis from a variety
responding to standard measures such RF ablation. Currently, RF ablation has of primary tumors to the adrenal gland
as narcotics or radiation therapy (Fig. been shown to be effective in as many can be treated with percutaneous abla-
9). There is growing evidence on the as 90% of cases (13). It has replaced tion (41). Ablation of normal adrenal
effectiveness and durability of pain surgery in many centers and is now gland tissue may cause a hypertensive
palliation via RF ablation. The recent- considered a standard of care. crisis during the procedure and pre-
ly reported ACRIN (American College During RF ablation of osteoid os- medication with  and/or  blockers
of Radiology Imaging Network) trial teoma or any other skeletal tumors, may be helpful.
demonstrated that pain intensity de- RF electrodes can be placed into the Although RF ablation is typically
creased by 26.92 and 14.16 points (on tumors with help of a bone biopsy sys- used to treat cancer patients with vir-
a scale of 0–100 points) in one and tem such as the Binopty (Radi Medical tually any solid primary and meta-
three months, respectively (39). Systems, Uppsala, Sweden). First, a 14 static organ tumors, it can be utilized
Osteoid osteoma is a benign bone G penetration set of this bone biopsy beyond oncology, such as for ligation
tumor of young adults which typically system is placed into the tumor under of the umbilical cord of fetuses with

514 • September–October 2012 • Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Tatlı et al.


a Figure 10. a–c. A 31-year- on T2-weighted images. The elimina-
old woman with a history of tion of previously seen enhancements
long-term infertility treatment suggests complete treatment (Fig. 6)
conceived a twin pregnancy.
(43). Subtracted images may be helpful
On US examination, one of the
twins showed early intra-uterine to differentiate between coagulation
growth restriction (a) compared necrosis and enhancing viable tumor
to the other (b), due to twin- (44). Ideally, the ablation zone should
twin transfusion syndrome, and cover the ablated tumors completely
it was decided to terminate with a 1 cm tumor-free margin (abla-
the fetus. Cord ligation of the tion margin) depending on the organ
donor twin was performed by
being ablated. Because of increased risk
placing an internally cooled
ablation electrode (arrowheads) of residual or recurrent tumor, patients
with a 1 cm long active tip with an absent or narrow ablation mar-
(Covidien) into the lower gin should be followed up more care-
abdomen of the abnormal fully with imaging. Because of inflam-
fetus, between the aorta and mation, a thin and even enhancing
umbilical cord, under real-time rim may develop around the ablation
US guidance (c). RF energy was
margin. A focal, nodular tissue tumor
applied for a total of 3.5 min.
b The procedure was successful. at the ablation margin with similar
No flow was identified in the signal characteristics and the same en-
umbilical cord on color Doppler hancement pattern as the original may
US examination after the represent residual tumor. Diffusion-
procedure, and the patient had weighted or perfusion images may be
an uneventful delivery of the helpful to detect residual or recurrent
remaining normal fetus.
tumors in addition to signal charac-
teristics and enhancement patterns of
ablated tumors (45, 46). Baseline MRI
scans should be performed 1–2 weeks
prior to the ablation to permit accurate
comparison with post ablation images,
which should be performed within one
week after the RF ablation to detect
potential residual viable tumor tissue
that requires immediate retreatment.
Close imaging follow-up should be
performed every three months for one
c year after ablation. For fluorodeoxy-D-
glucose (FDG)-avid tumors, positron-
emission CT surveillance scans can
also be performed. While elimination
of a previously seen FDG-avid tumor
with a thin and even activity around
the ablation zone, which represents
post-ablation inflammation, is an indi-
cator of a complete ablation, presence
of persistent asymmetric tracer uptake
in the location of previously FDG-avid
tumor suggests residual tumor (47).
In conclusion, image-guided RF ab-
lation is a safe and effective method
for treatment of a variety of primary,
recurrent, and metastatic tumors of
many organs, in particular the liver,
kidneys, lungs, adrenal glands, and
musculoskeletal system. Establishment
twin-twin transfusion (Fig. 10) or selec- detect residual or recurrent tumor. of ablation procedure rationale, care-
tive reduction in complicated mono- Although CT or MRI can be used for ful selection of appropriate patients
chorionic pregnancies (42). follow up, MRI provides better dem- and RF ablation systems are important
onstration of enhancing tissue within components of a successful ablation.
Imaging follow-up the ablation zone. Coagulation necro-
After an ablation has been performed, sis typically appears hyperintense on Conflict of interest disclosure
long-term follow-up is necessary to T1-weighted images and hypointense The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Volume 18 • Issue 5 Radiofrequency ablation • 515


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516 • September–October 2012 • Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Tatlı et al.

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