ABSTRACT
Radiofrequency (RF) tumor ablation has been shown to be a useful method for creating
thermally induced coagulation necrosis, using either a percutaneous approach with
image-guidance, laparoscopic guidance, or direct surgical placement of thin electrodes
into tissues to be treated. RF has gained widespread clinical use for the treatment
of hepatic, renal, and bony malignancies. This article discusses the principles and
technical considerations of RF ablation, with the goal of defining optimal parameters
for the therapy of focal tumors. These parameters include innovations that permit
large volume tumor ablation (i.e., multitined and internally cooled electrodes), as
well as adjuvant therapies that can modulate tumor physiology to allow improved tumor
destruction (i.e., altered tissue conductivity and blood flow). Recent adjuvant chemotherapy
also will be reviewed. Finally, the principles governing the safe use of the system,
including proper grounding pad placement, will be addressed.
KEYWORDS
Radiofrequency (RF) ablation - tumor therapy - electrode
