Factors affecting tumor ablation during high intensity focused ultrasound treatment.

Background/aims: High intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) utilizes a targeted extracorporeal focused ultrasound beam to ablate neoplastic pancreatic tissue. We used an in vitro model to examine the effects of bone, metallic stents, plastic stents, metal plates, and cyst-like lesions on HIFU treatment.

Methods: HIFU was delivered to the phantom models implanted with foreign bodies, and the location, shape, and size of the ablated zones were evaluated.

Forward-viewing endoscopic ultrasound-guided NOTES interventions: a study on peritoneoscopic potential.

Aim: To evaluate the feasibility of diagnostic and therapeutic transgastric (TG) peritoneoscopic interventions with a forward-viewing endoscopic ultrasound (FV-EUS).

Methods: This prospective endoscopic experimental study used an animal model. Combined TG peritoneoscopic interventions and EUS examination of the intra-abdominal organs were performed using an FV-EUS on 10 animal models (1 porcine and 9 canine).

EUS-guided radiofrequency ablation of the porcine pancreas.

Background: EUS-guided radiofrequency ablation (EUS-RFA) could be used as an adjunct and effective alternative mode of treatment for unresectable locally advanced and nonmetastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma. However, its translation into clinical practice has been restricted because of limited data and high procedure-related risk.

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of EUS-RFA in the normal porcine pancreas.