Interstitial Radiofrequency Hyperthermia in the Treatment of Small Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Percutaneous US-Guidance of Electrode Needle

Radiofrequency (RF) thermal lesions are commonly used in neurosurgery selectively to destroy neural tissues [1]. We have observed that a necrosis volume of about 1 cm3 can be obtained in pig liver, using an RF-electrode needle of 1.1 mm caliber with exposed tip of 10 mm length and 90 °C with an exposure time of 120“ [2]; the necrosis volume is about 1.8 cm3 using an electrode needle with a caliber of 1.6 mm and exposed tip 15 mm length. The RF-electrode needle can be easily monitored by US [2], as confirmed by a recent “in vitro” study [3]. Given these data, we thought it possible to employ this technique for percutaneous ablation of small HCC in patients without surgical prospects. We describe here the results obtained in the first 10 patients treated.