Bile aspiration and hydrodissection to prevent complications in hepatic RFA close to the gallbladder.

Background: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of liver tumors is a mainstay of interventional oncology. Its application, however, is limited by tumor size and location with lesions located within 1 cm to the gallbladder being at increased risk for complications.

Purpose: To evaluate the safety of hepatic RFA after bile aspiration with or without additional hydrodissection for lesions adjacent to the gallbladder.

CT-based temperature monitoring during hepatic RF ablation: feasibility in an animal model.

Purpose: The aim of this paper was to establish non-invasive CT-based temperature monitoring during hepatic radiofrequency (RF) ablation in an ex vivo porcine model followed by transfer of the technique into a feasibility in vivo experiment.

Materials And Methods: Bipolar RF ablations were performed in 10 specimens of porcine liver. Parallel to the needle-shaped RF applicator three optical temperature probes were inserted into the liver specimens at fixed distances of 5, 10 and 15 mm from the RF probe.

Multi-slice computed tomography: A tool for non-invasive temperature measurement?

Purpose: To investigate the potential of multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) as a tool for non-invasive temperature measurement.

Materials And Methods: Samples of water, 0.9% saline, sunflower oil and dilutions of (1:32, 1:64, 1:128) contrast agent (Iopromid 370, BayerSchering Pharma, Berlin) were heated in a plexiglass phantom.