Essential techniques for successful radio-frequency thermal ablation of malignant hepatic tumors

Radio-frequency thermal ablation is one of the most promising minimally inv asive techniques for the treatment of nonresectable hepatic tumors. Essenti al technical tips to successful radio-frequency ablation therapy were colle cted from five international experts. They were organized into five categor ies: understanding the mechanisms and principles of radio-frequency ablatio n, modulation of tissue physiologic characteristics to increase tumor destr uction, strategies of overlapping ablations, strategies to improve ablation according to tumor location, and imaging strategies after ablation to ensu re adequate therapy. Established factors for optimal ablation, as well as e merging technical tips, are addressed with illustrations in each section. T hese essential tips will be very helpful for physicians performing radio-fr equency ablation of hepatic tumors.