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| What
is Radiofrequency (RF) Ablation
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| Radiofrequency
ablation is minimally invasive method
that uses thermal energy to destroy
tumor cells. Initially computed tomography
or ultrasound is performed to locate
the tumor. A special needle is introduced
into the tumor using direct image guidance.
This is equivalent to a standard needle
biopsy. The needle is attached to a
radiofrequency generator. The generator
sends radiofrequency through the needle,
which generates heat from frictional
movement of ions. The heat destroys
the tumor cells. |
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| Who
is eligible for RF Ablation
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| Patients with
multiple tumors or a single large tumor
that cannot be resected surgically are
considered candidates for RF ablation.
This includes patients with metastatic
disease. Patients who cannot tolerate
surgery are also ideal candidates. |
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| What
type of tumors can be treated |
| Multiple types
of tumors have been successfully treated
with RF ablation. Liver tumors are the
most common type of lesions treated.
Liver tumors are treated by RF ablation
in over 200 centers in the United States.
Other tumor types such as lung, bone,
kidney and adrenal are treated at only
a few institutions. At the University
of South Alabama we treat lung, liver,
kidney, adrenal and bone lesions. We
have plans to expand to other types
of tumors as well. Treatment options
are considered on a case by case basis.
Patients can send their films to us
to be reviewed for treatment planning.
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| How
is RF performed? |
| RF ablation is
a minimally invasive procedure that
involves placing a special needle into
a tumor using image guidance. The RF
energy generates heat in a sphere of
tissue surrounding the needle. The heat
generated kills the tumor. The procedure
is generally performed using conscious
sedation. Treatment can usually be done
with a single overnight stay at the
hospital. Certain treatments can be
done on an outpatient basis. The following
figures demonstrate in order; preprocedure,
placement of needle, deployment of the
needle array, ablation of tumor and
post ablation with a margin of tumor
free tissue. These images are followed
by pictures from a lung and adrenal
tumor ablation. |
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