Complications from radiofrequency ablation of liver metastases

The objective of this study is to evaluate complications from radiofrequency ablation of liver metastases. Eighty-one liver tumors in 38 consecutive patients were treated with radiofrequency ablation. All patients had one to six metastases treated in a single session. Eight patients underwent radiofrequency ablation intraoperatively after laparotomy and the remaining 30 patients were treated percutaneously with CT or ultrasound guidance. A total of 43 radiofrequency ablation procedures were studied. There was one (2%) mortality related to a hepatic abscess development 8 days after the procedure. One patient (3%) required a blood transfusion. Three patients (8%) developed severe upper abdominal or pleuritic chest pain that persisted several days after the procedure. We conclude that radiofrequency ablation of liver metastases is associated with a low rate of serious complications (two of 38; 5%). Complications requiring treatment usually develop several days after the procedure.     

猪心房Atricure双极射频消融系统消融组织透壁性损伤分析

目的 分析Atricure双极射频消融系统对猪心房不同部位不同次数的消融产生的组织透壁性损伤.方法 选取6只新鲜(离体时间＜20 min)的保存完整心房组织的普通家猪心脏,按消融部位分为4组,分别对左心房后壁、左心房顶、右心房前壁以及左心房后壁近二尖瓣后瓣环部位使用Atricure双极射频消融系统进行消融.对各部位心房组织,在长约2.0 cm的厚度均一区域,间隔0.5 cm行4次夹闭消融,记录每次消融结束时间,取各次消融后的心房组织,分别用4%甲醛和5%戊二醛保存,送光镜下和透射电镜下观察组织透壁性损伤情况.对消融时间以及损伤情况行统计学分析、处理.结果 同一部位心房组织,随着消融次数的增加,所需消融时间逐渐降低;不同部位的心房组织,相同次数的消融,所需消融时间与组织厚度呈正比.结论 Atricure双极射频消融系统安全、有效,操作方便.左心房后壁、左心房前壁相对较薄的部位,至少2次消融才能确保组织的透壁性损伤;右心房前壁以及左心房后壁近二尖瓣后瓣环部位,3～4次消融才能确保组织的透壁性损伤.     

How effective is bipolar radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation during concomitant cardiac surgery?

A best evidence topic in cardiothoracic surgery was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was whether, in patients undergoing cardiac surgery, concomitant bipolar radiofrequency ablation had an acceptable success rate to justify the additional procedure. Altogether 263 papers were found using the reported search, of which 12 represented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The authors, journal, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes and results of these papers are tabulated. The consensus in the literature was that bipolar radiofrequency ablation was highly successful in restoring sinus rhythm. One meta-analysis of six non-randomized studies demonstrated that 76% of patients were in sinus rhythm compared with 16% in atrial fibrillation 3 months postoperatively. One randomized controlled trial found that the sinus rhythm conversion rate for any maze procedure was highly significant compared with the control group (P?=?0.001). Another found that Cardioblate radiofrequency ablation was significantly better at restoring sinus rhythm at 1 year (75 vs 39% control, P?=?0.019). Prospective studies showed a similar rate of sinus rhythm return at 1 year (89%). Notably some studies demonstrated a significant reduction in the New York Heart Association class when sinus rhythm was restored compared with those remaining in atrial fibrillation (P?相似文献   

腹腔镜射频消融术治疗肝血管瘤

目的 :探讨腹腔镜射频消融治疗肝血管瘤的可行性及实用性。方法 :2 5例肝血管瘤患者全麻气管插管后 ,腹腔镜下行射频消融治疗 ,其中 5例同时行胆囊切除术。结果 :患者经治疗均获满意效果 ,术后无残留病灶 ,无明显并发症。结论 :腹腔镜射频消融治疗肝血管瘤安全可行 ,治疗彻底 ,是治疗肝血管瘤的微创新技术。     

Basic and clinical studies of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of osteoid osteoma using a standard electrosurgical generator

 For percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of osteoid osteoma for pain management, we used a standard electrosurgical generator instead of the radiofrequency generator system. First, we used the standard electrosurgical generator to determine the diameter of the coagulated area of normal femurs and humeruses of dogs under general anesthesia and to detect damage to normal tissue around the bone. We then used a standard electrosurgical generator to perform percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of the osteoid osteoma. All three patients were almost pain-free within the first 24 h after the procedure, and they were discharged the day after the operation, being hospitalized for only 2 days. We thus confirmed that percutaneous radiofrequency ablation using a standard electrosurgical generator produced results similar to those achieved with the radiofrequency generator system. Received: August 19, 2002 / Accepted: January 11, 2003 RID="*" ID="*" Offprint requests to: A. Takeda     

A technique for off-pump ablation of atrial fibrillation on beating heart using the epicardial radiofrequency approach

Recently ablation surgery for atrial fibrillation, so-called maze procedure, has become popular. However, this procedure usually needs cardiopulmonary bypass. Here we describe 3 patients for whom the simple, new procedure in which epicardial radiofrequency ablation is sucessfully done without cardiopulmonary bypass prior to concomitant cardiac operation. Our modified maze procedure consists of isolation of pulmonary veins using the FLEX 7 radiofrequency ablation device (COBRA). Following the surgery, all patients quickly attained regular sinus rhythm. We believe our procedure would be especially useful for patients for whom concomitant cardiac procedure can be done on beating heart.     

射频消融在直肠癌术后盆腔复发的临床探讨

目的本研究主要是评估射频消融在直肠癌术后盆腔复发的有效性。方法 6位直肠癌术后复发的患者,术前评估肿瘤不能切除,予放化疗和止痛药治疗后,仍伴有顽固剧烈疼痛,在CT定位指引下,予射频消融治疗。结果治疗过程没有大的并发症。5例患者埋怨盆腔有灼热感但可以忍受。治疗后复查MR示肿瘤明显坏死,疼痛明显减轻,服用止痛药明显减少。血清CEA明显下降。6个月后复查肿瘤无明显复发。结论射频消融治疗直肠癌术后盆腔复发,操作相对简单安全,值得临床上进一步积累经验。     

Surgical radiofrequency ablation of both atria for atrial fibrillation: results of a multicenter trial

BACKGROUND: The Cox maze procedure has shown to be effective in treating atrial fibrillation. Radiofrequency ablation, with a similar objective, has been used as an adjunct to conventional cardiac surgery for the treatment of atrial fibrillation in more than 20 centers in Australia and New Zealand since March 2000. This is a report of those results. METHODS: One hundred thirty-two patients in 20 centers underwent radiofrequency ablation as an adjunct to conventional cardiac surgery, with a standardized lesion set created with a flexible, 7-electrode, temperature-controlled probe (Cobra; EPTechnologies, San Jose, Calif). All data were entered into a central registry, with regular follow-up prompted by the registry cocoordinator. Each radiofrequency scar was made with standard parameters requiring 2 minutes of tissue coagulation at 80 degrees C to 85 degrees C. Patients undergoing mitral procedures had radiofrequency ablation performed in the left atrium endocardially. Patients undergoing aortic valve replacement or coronary artery bypass surgery underwent epicardial radiofrequency ablation of the left atrium. Epicardial radiofrequency ablation lesions on the right atrium were common to both groups of patients. Preoperatively, 75% of the patients had chronic atrial fibrillation, 21% had paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, and 4% had flutter. Surgical procedures performed included mitral valve procedure in 60%, coronary artery bypass grafting in 14%, aortic valve replacement in 7%, and coronary artery bypass grafting plus aortic valve replacement in 4%. RESULTS: There were no major complications related to the use of radiofrequency ablation. There were no soft tissue or cardiac perforations. Ten patients were defibrillated into sinus rhythm within 3 months postoperatively. The freedom from atrial fibrillation was 84% at 3 months, 90% at 6 months, and 100% at 12 months. All patients at 12 and 18 months' follow-up were in sinus rhythm. There were no thromboembolic complications. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical radiofrequency ablation can be performed safely as an adjunct to conventional cardiac surgery. A standardized lesion set created by using similar temperature settings can be adopted in multiple centers and might be effective in treating atrial fibrillation. Data collection through a central registry has helped in monitoring the effectiveness of this new technique in a scattered population.     

Percutaneous ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation of recurrent renal cell carcinoma in renal allograft after partial nephrectomy

Percutaneous thermal ablation is increasingly being studied in the treatment of renal tumors. Because radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive and nephron-sparing procedure, it is ideally suited for patients with a single kidney, multiple tumors, or contraindications to conventional surgery. We report on a patient with recurrent renal cell carcinoma in a transplanted kidney that was successfully treated with percutaneous ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation.     

A prospective, single-center clinical trial of a modified Cox maze procedure with bipolar radiofrequency ablation

OBJECTIVE: The Cox maze III procedure has excellent long-term efficacy in curing atrial fibrillation. It has not been widely practiced because it is technically challenging and requires prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass. The aim of this study was to examine a simplified Cox maze III procedure that uses bipolar radiofrequency energy as an ablative source. METHODS: Beginning January 2002, a total of 40 consecutive patients underwent a modified Cox maze III procedure with bipolar radiofrequency energy. Nineteen had a lone maze procedure and 21 had a maze procedure plus a concomitant operation. One month after the operation, the first 8 patients were investigated with high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging. Patients were followed up monthly with clinical examination and electrocardiography. RESULTS: There was no operative deaths. The crossclamp times were 47 +/- 26 minutes for the modified lone Cox maze III procedure and 92 +/- 37 minutes for the Cox maze III procedure plus concomitant procedures. These were significantly shorter than our previous times for the traditional Cox maze III procedure (93 +/- 34 minutes and 122 +/- 37 minutes, respectively, P <.05). Follow-up magnetic resonance imaging showed no evidence of pulmonary vein stenosis, and atrial contractility was preserved in all patients. There were no late strokes. At 6-month follow-up, 91% of patients (21/23) were in sinus rhythm. CONCLUSIONS: Bipolar radiofrequency ablation can be used to replace the surgical incisions of the Cox maze procedure. This energy source did not result in pulmonary vein stenosis. The modification of the Cox maze III procedure to use bipolar radiofrequency ablation simplified and shortened this procedure without sacrificing short-term efficacy.     

MSCT引导下冷极射频消融治疗难治性恶性肿瘤的应用价值

目的探讨在MSCT引导下经皮穿刺冷极射频消融治疗难治性恶性肿瘤的安全性、疗效及其应用价值。方法76例恶性肿瘤84个瘤灶，瘤体直径3．0～15．0cm，平均8．5cm。根据消融术前MSCT图像制定治疗计划，在MSCT引导下经皮穿刺准确将针型电极插入肿瘤预定位置进行热消融，消融温度58～90℃，治疗时间15～120min。术后2h复查，观察有无急性并发症。术后1个月和每3个月CT复查观察肿瘤有无残留和复发，必要时可多次治疗。通过影像学评估消融的疗效，并统计生存期。结果76例恶性肿瘤84个瘤灶在MSCT引导下消融针均准确插入肿瘤预定位置并顺利完成热消融过程，未见严重并发症。术后1个月复查，84个瘤灶完全坏死15个；不完全坏死和部分坏死45个，总有效率71．43％（60／84）。治疗后生存率随访：6个月90．79％，12个月63．16％，18个月36．84％，24个月14．47％。结论在MSCT引导下经皮穿刺冷极射频消融技术是一种创伤小、易耐受、安全有效的治疗难治性恶性肿瘤的方法。     

A novel approach to gallbladder cancer in a Jehovah's Witness

Transfusion of blood or blood products peri- or postoperatively is often necessary in patients undergoing liver resections for hepatic or biliary tract neoplasms. In Jehovah's Witnesses this inevitably poses a difficult dilemma for clinicians. A 66-year-old female Jehovah's Witness with a T1b gallbladder cancer was referred to our specialist unit for further treatment after having had a routine laparoscopic cholecystectomy in another hospital. Although an abdominal computed tomography scan preoperatively showed a normal liver with no evidence of regional lymph node involvement, histologically the tumor was found in the posterior wall of the gallbladder adherent to the liver bed and had a full thickness involvement of the muscular layer, raising suspicion of a local invasion into the liver bed. The patient, having refused liver resection, was treated with a laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation under intraoperative ultrasound guidance using a newly developed "cooled-tip" needle and a 500-kHz radiofrequency generator. A "zone of necrosis" measuring 3.5 cm in diameter was created in the liver bed and adjacent tissues. The procedure lasted 90 min with no blood loss. Postoperatively, the patient was discharged on the third postoperative day and remained disease free at the 9-month follow-up. Although the follow-up in this case was too short to determine the long-term result of this approach, we believe that this is a single unique case posing a challenging problem to clinicians for which radiofrequency ablation may have a role in offering an alternative to major resections.     

Minimally invasive epicardial left atrial ablation and appendectomy for refractory atrial tachycardia

Surgical removal or epicardial radiofrequency ablation of the left atrial appendage (LAA) is occasionally required when endocardial ablations fail. We report a modified minimally invasive surgical approach for elimination of recurrent atrial arrhythmias arising from the LAA, including both radiofrequency ablation and appendectomy. Ablation of the LAA base was performed using the Medtronic Cardioblate bipolar radiofrequency device (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN), and left atrial appendectomy was then completed using the EndoGIA stapling system (US Surgical, Norwalk, CT). This procedure successfully isolated and removed the tachycardia focus, and normal sinus rhythm was restored. Elimination of LAA arrhythmias using a combination of epicardial radiofrequency ablation and appendectomy ensures electrical isolation while minimizing surgical invasiveness.     

Percutaneous radiofrequency trigeminal rhizotomy in a patient with an implanted cardiac pacemaker

Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation is a frequently used treatment for trigeminal neuralgia. Radiofrequency is another potential source of electromagnetic interference to implanted cardiac pacemakers. Our patient had a permanent pacemaker and underwent the procedure without incident.     

Treatment of rectal mucosal prolapse with radiofrequency coagulation and plication--a new surgical technique.

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to assess the outcome of using a new technique of mucosal ablation using a radiofrequency device followed by its plication for rectal mucosal prolapse and to compare the results with those under the conventional ligature and excision procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The procedure of radiofrequency ablation and mucosal plication (RAMP) is described. A Ellman radiofrequency generator was used for the procedure. Out of the 46 patients with rectal mucosal prolapse, 24 patients were randomized to undergo ligature and excision procedure (LEP) and 22 were operated with RAMP. The operating time, amount of pain (VAS scale)[Primary end points], postoperative analgesic requirement, time to return to work, wound healing period and postoperative complications were documented. RESULTS: Radiofrequency ablation and mucosal plication procedure on an average resulted in shorter operation time (9 vs. 32 minutes, p < 0.0001), shorter hospitalization (16 vs. 42 hours, p < 0.0001) significantly lesser postoperative pain, fewer cumulative requests for analgesia by the patients (21 vs. 54 tablets, p < 0.0001), earlier return to work (7 vs. 18 days, p < 0.0001) and faster wound healing time (14 vs. 35 days, p < 0.0001). The complication rate was 9 % with RAMP group and 29 % with LEP group. CONCLUSION: The procedure of radiofrequency ablation and plication of mucosa shows promising results in patients with rectal mucosal prolapse. Being safe, effective, and a swift technique, it can be proposed as an improved alternative to conventional surgical procedure.     

Radiofrequency ablation through a right atrium incision in congenital atrial septal defect

BACKGROUND: The incidence of atrial fibrillation is similar in the clinical history of patients with atrial septal defect, either surgically corrected and uncorrected. We present an unpublished technique for treating atrial fibrillation by left endocardial radiofrequency ablation through the lone right atrium incision, coupled to atrial septal defect septum primum and secundum closure, thus reducing the surgical trauma related to paraseptal left atrium incision. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We treated 2 patients through a lone right atrium incision by radiofrequency ablation because of congenital atrial septal defect and chronic atrial fibrillation. RESULTS: The patients after defect closure were weaned off cardiopulmonary bypass in sinus rhythm. The postoperative hospital stay was uneventful and at more than 1 year of follow-up they are still in sinus rhythm. CONCLUSIONS: The radiofrequency ablation procedure is possible through the lone right atrium incision, avoiding any further incision and new source of possible bleeding when in presence of interatrial septal defects, and the technique is simple and useful.     

射频消融迷宫治疗心房纤颤

作者采用射频消融迷宫术治疗心房纤颤２０例,其中１９例合并风湿性二尖瓣病的患者,同时行瓣膜替换术,１例合并房间隔缺损患者进行修得。射频消融的路线采用小板井嘉夫的手术径路。术后１６例恢复窦性心律,占８０％,未恢复窦性心律的４例,２例为房颤,１例为房扑,另１例为结性心律。     

A new era in the surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation: the impact of ablation technology and lesion set on procedural efficacy

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: While the Cox-Maze procedure remains the gold standard for the surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF), the use of ablation technology has revolutionized the field. To simplify the procedure, our group has replaced most of the incisions with bipolar radiofrequency ablation lines. The purpose of this study was to examine results using bipolar radiofrequency in 130 patients undergoing a full Cox-Maze procedure, a limited Cox-Maze procedure, or pulmonary vein isolation alone. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of patients who underwent a Cox-Maze procedure (n = 100), utilizing bipolar radiofrequency ablation, a limited Cox-Maze procedure (n = 7), or pulmonary vein isolation alone (n = 23). Follow-up was available on 129 of 130 patients (99%). RESULTS: Pulmonary vein isolation was confirmed by intraoperative pacing in all patients. Cross-clamp time in the lone Cox-Maze procedure patients was 44 +/- 21 minutes, and 104 +/- 42 minutes for the Cox-Maze procedure with a concomitant procedure, which was shortened considerably from our traditional cut-and-sew Cox-Maze procedure times (P < 0.05). There were 4 postoperative deaths in the Cox-Maze procedure group and 1 in the pulmonary vein isolation group. The mean follow-up was 13 +/- 10, 23 +/- 15, and 9 +/- 10 months for the Cox-Maze IV, the pulmonary vein isolation, and the limited Cox-Maze procedure groups, respectively. At last follow-up, freedom from AF was 90% (85 of 94), 86% (6 of 7), and 59% (10 of 17) in the in the Cox-Maze procedure group, limited Cox-Maze procedure group, and pulmonary vein isolation alone group, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The use of bipolar radiofrequency ablation to replace Cox-Maze incisions was safe and effective at controlling AF. Pulmonary vein isolation alone was much less effective, and should be used cautiously in this population.     

Radiofrequency ablation versus electrocautery in tonsillectomy.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to compare the safety, difficulty of removal, and postoperative pain profile of radiofrequency ablation versus standard electrocautery removal of tonsils. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: A prospective, blinded study was designed to remove 1 tonsil with each of the 2 methods. Time of operation, estimated blood loss, difficulty of operation, postoperative pain, rate of postoperative hemorrhage, and the patient's preferred technique were evaluated. RESULTS: The operating time was significantly longer (P < 0.007) and the patients reported significantly less pain (P < 0.001) with radiofrequency ablation. There were no differences in blood loss, difficulty of operation, or postoperative hemorrhage rates. The patients preferred the radiofrequency ablation technique (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Radiofrequency ablation is a viable method to remove tonsillar tissue. Operating time for this procedure will likely decrease with experience. There was significantly less pain reported with radiofrequency ablation compared with standard electrocautery.     

Treatment of Rectal Prolapse with Radiofrequency Ablation and Plication — A New Surgical Technique

Background: This study was designed to assess the outcome of using a new technique of mucosal ablation using a radiofrequency device followed by its plication for rectal mucosal prolapse and to compare its results with the conventional ligature and excision procedure.

Materials and Methods: The procedure of radiofrequency ablation and mucosal plication (RAMP) is described. A Ellman radiofrequency generator was used for the procedure. Out of the 46 patients with rectal mucosal prolapse, 24 patients were randomized to undergo ligature and excision procedure (LEP) and 22 were operated with RAMP. The operating time, amount of pain (VAS scale), postoperative analgesic requirement, time to return to work, wound healing period and postoperative complications were documented.

Results: Radiofrequency ablation and mucosal plication procedure on average resulted in short operation time (9 vs. 32 minutes, p < 0.05), shorter hospitalization (16 vs. 42 hours, p < 0.05) significantly less postoperative pain, fewer cumulative requests for analgesia by the patients (21 vs. 54 tablets, p < 0.05), earlier return to work (7 vs. 18 days, p < 0.05) and faster wound healing (14 vs. 35 days, p < 0.05) The complication rate was 9% with RAMP group and 29% with LEP group.

Conclusion: The procedure of radiofrequency ablation and plication of mucosa shows promising results in patients with rectal mucosal prolapse. Being safe, effective, and a swift technique, it can be proposed as an improved alternative to conventional surgical procedure.