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Thermal Ablation of Lung Tissue: In Vivo Experimental Comparison of Microwave and Radiofrequency

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Abstract

This study was designed to compare feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of microwave (MW) ablation versus radiofrequency (RF) ablation of lung tissue in a rabbit model. Twenty New Zealand White rabbits were submitted to MW (n = 10, group A) or RF ablation (n = 10, group B). The procedures were performed with a prototype MW ablation device with a 1.6-cm radiating section antenna (Valleylab MW Ablation System) and with a 2-cm exposed-tip RF electrode (Cool-tip RF Ablation System). At immediate computed tomography increase in density, maximum diameters (D1–D3) of ablation zones were measured and ablation volume was calculated. Histopathologic assessment was performed 3 and 7 days after the procedure. Technical success was achieved in nine of 10 rabbits in each group. One death occurred in group B. Complications included pneumothorax (group A, n = 4; group B, n = 4), abscess (group A, n = 1; group B, n = 1), and thoracic wall burn (group A, n = 4). No significant differences were demonstrated in attenuation increase (P = 0.73), dimensions (P = 0.28, 0.86, 0.06, respectively, comparing D1–D3) and volume (P = 0.17). At histopathology, ablation zones were similar, with septal necrosis, edema, hemorrhage, and peripheral lymphocytic infiltrate. Complete thrombosis of more than 90% of vessels up to 2 mm in diameter was depicted at the periphery of the ablation zone in group A specimens. In group B specimens, complete thrombosis was depicted in 20% of vessels. Feasibility and safety of MW and RF ablation are similar in a lung rabbit model. MW ablation produces a greater damage to peripheral small vessels inducing thrombosis.

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Acknowledgments

The authors thank Prof. Carlo Bartolozzi, Chairman of the Division of Radiodiagnostic, for the general support given for the conduction of this research project.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Author notes

  1. Dania Cioni & Riccardo Lencioni

    Present address: Division of Diagnostic Imaging and Intervention, Department of Hepatology and Liver Transplantation, Pisa University Hospital, Cisanello Hospital - Building 29, Via Paradisa 2, 56124, Pisa, Italy

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Radiodiagnostic, Department of Oncological and Radiological Sciences, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa, Italy

    Laura Crocetti, Elena Bozzi, Dania Cioni, Clotilde Della Pina & Riccardo Lencioni

  2. Division of Diagnostic Imaging and Intervention, Department of Hepatology and Liver Transplantation, Pisa University Hospital, Cisanello Hospital - Building 29, Via Paradisa 2, 56124, Pisa, Italy

    Laura Crocetti & Clotilde Della Pina

  3. Division of Pathology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Molecular Diagnostics, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa, Italy

    Pinuccia Faviana & Gabriella Fontanini

  4. University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy

    Alberto Sbrana

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  1. Laura Crocetti
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  2. Elena Bozzi
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  3. Pinuccia Faviana
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  4. Dania Cioni
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  5. Clotilde Della Pina
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  7. Gabriella Fontanini
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  8. Riccardo Lencioni
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Correspondence to Laura Crocetti.

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Crocetti, L., Bozzi, E., Faviana, P. et al. Thermal Ablation of Lung Tissue: In Vivo Experimental Comparison of Microwave and Radiofrequency. Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol 33, 818–827 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00270-010-9869-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00270-010-9869-z

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