Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a commonly used technique for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. However, current techniques still face issues with incomplete ablation, local tumor recurrence, or excessive ablation that causes damage to normal tissues. This study aims to compare the ablation effects of traditional constant-power RFA (TCP-RFA) and boundary temperature-controlled RFA (BTC-RFA) conditions in an ex vivo bovine liver under water-cooling equipment. Additionally, it seeks to optimize the parameters of the BTC-RFA algorithm to improve the precision of ablation. The proportion of damage area (PDA) were evaluated by ImageJ software and statistical analysis was performed on the experimental results. Results indicated that BTC-RFA mode significantly reduced the PDA compared to TCP-RFA. Optimal ablation was achieved with 45 W initial power, a temperature control range of 55°C–65°C, and a 10°C temperature control step, demonstrating BTC-RFA's superiority in achieving precise and effective tumor ablation. This study confirmed the effectiveness of the BTC-RFA algorithm, which can achieve complete ablation of tumor tissue while significantly reducing damage to non-targeted normal tissues.
GalandiDAntesG.Radiofrequency thermal ablation versus other interventions for hepatocellular carcinoma. Cochrane Database Syst Rev2004: Cd003046.
2.
LeeDHLeeJM.Recent advances in the image-guided tumor ablation of liver malignancies: radiofrequency ablation with multiple electrodes, real-time multimodality fusion imaging, and new energy sources. Korean J Radiol2018; 19: 545–559.
3.
IharaHGobaraHHirakiT, et al. Radiofrequency ablation of lung tumors using a multitined expandable electrode: impact of the electrode array diameter on local tumor progression. J Vasc Interv Radiol2016; 27: 87–95.
4.
KhoASKOoiEHFooJJ, et al. Saline-infused radiofrequency ablation: a review on the key factors for a safe and reliable tumour treatment. IEEE Rev Biomed Eng2024; 17: 310–321.
5.
GyftopoulosAZiogasIABarbasAS, et al. The synergistic role of irreversible electroporation and chemotherapy for locally advanced pancreatic cancer. Front Oncol2022; 12: 843769.
6.
KimYSLeeWJRhimH, et al. The minimal ablative margin of radiofrequency ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma (> 2 and < 5 cm) needed to prevent local tumor progression: 3D quantitative assessment using CT image fusion. AJR Am J Roentgenol2010; 195: 758–765.
7.
NiYMulierSMiaoY, et al. A review of the general aspects of radiofrequency ablation. Abdom Imaging2005; 30: 381–400.
8.
YuyunMFStaffordPJSandilandsAJ, et al. The impact of power output during percutaneous catheter radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation on efficacy and safety outcomes: a systematic review. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol2013; 24: 1216–1223.
9.
StrandNHHagedornJMDunnT, et al. Advances in radiofrequency ablation: mechanism of action and technology. Ann Palliat Med2024; 13: 1028–1034.
10.
SolazzoSAAhmedMLiuZ, et al. High-power generator for radiofrequency ablation: larger electrodes and pulsing algorithms in bovine ex vivo and porcine in vivo settings. Radiology2007; 242: 743–750.
11.
de BaereTDeschampsFBriggsP, et al. Hepatic malignancies: percutaneous radiofrequency ablation during percutaneous portal or hepatic vein occlusion. Radiology2008; 248: 1056–1066.
LauWYLaiEC.The current role of radiofrequency ablation in the management of hepatocellular carcinoma: a systematic review. Ann Surg2009; 249: 20–25.
14.
LiangHHChenMSZhangYQ, et al. [Experimental study on optimal operating parameters setting of radiofrequency thermal ablation in normal ex-swine livers]. Ai Zheng2005; 24: 12–18.
15.
SandhuANguyenDT.Letter in reply: Forging ahead: update on radiofrequency ablation technology and techniques. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol2020; 31: 1240.
16.
MertynaPHines-PeraltaALiuZJ, et al. Radiofrequency ablation: variability in heat sensitivity in tumors and tissues. J Vasc Interv Radiol2007; 18: 647–654.
17.
AhmedMBraceCLLeeFTJr., et al. Principles of and advances in percutaneous ablation. Radiology2011; 258: 351–369.
18.
OgunwobiOOHarricharranTHuamanJ, et al. Mechanisms of hepatocellular carcinoma progression. World J Gastroenterol2019; 25: 2279–2293.
19.
ClarkeRLter HaarGR.Temperature rise recorded during lesion formation by high-intensity focused ultrasound. Ultrasound Med Biol1997; 23: 299–306.
20.
ArenasJPerezJJTrujilloM, et al. Computer modeling and ex vivo experiments with a (saline-linked) irrigated electrode for RF-assisted heating. Biomed Eng Online2014; 13: 164.
21.
SteelAWPostgateAJKhorsandiS, et al. Endoscopically applied radiofrequency ablation appears to be safe in the treatment of malignant biliary obstruction. Gastrointest Endosc2011; 73: 149–153.
22.
HaemmerichDLaesekePF.Thermal tumour ablation: devices, clinical applications and future directions. Int J Hyperthermia2005; 21: 755–760.
23.
TrujilloMAlbaJBerjanoE.Relationship between roll-off occurrence and spatial distribution of dehydrated tissue during RF ablation with cooled electrodes. Int J Hyperthermia2012; 28: 62–68.
24.
KhoASKOoiEHFooJJ, et al. The effects of vaporisation, condensation and diffusion of water inside the tissue during saline-infused radiofrequency ablation of the liver: a computational study. Int J Heat Mass Transf2022; 194: 123062.
25.
AmashaHMAndersonAPConwayJ, et al. Quantitative assessment of impedance tomography for temperature measurements in microwave hyperthermia. Clin Phys Physiol Meas1988; 9(Suppl A): 49–53.
26.
KiliszekMKrzyżanowskiKWierzbowskiR, et al. The value of the ablation index in patients undergoing ablation for atrial fibrillation. Kardiol Pol2020; 78: 1015–1019.
27.
BorneRTSauerWHZipseMM, et al. Longer duration versus increasing power during radiofrequency ablation yields different ablation lesion characteristics. JACC Clin Electrophysiol2018; 4: 902–908.
28.
HeXBischofJC.Quantification of temperature and injury response in thermal therapy and cryosurgery. Crit Rev Biomed Eng2003; 31: 355–422.
29.
GriffithsHAhmedA.Applied potential tomography for non-invasive temperature mapping in hyperthermia. Clin Phys Physiol Meas1987; 8(Suppl A): 147–153.
