“One-off” Complete Radiofrequency Ablation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Adjacent to the Gallbladder by a Novel Laparoscopic Technique Without Gallbladder Isolation

The main objective of this study is to assess the feasibility and safety of treating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) proximal to the gallbladder using laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Surgical ablation of tumor located adjacent to the gallbladder may damage the gallbladder wall, even with a laparoscope and this ablation method is not precise and incomplete and is frequently combined with alcohol injections with need for further RFA treatment. Four patients were included in this study, with typical HCC where the tumor was present on the left, right, or bed side surrounding the gallbladder. The gallbladder was not separated or removed during larascopic inspection. In the RFA treatment procedure, the tumor lesion was pre-heated for 10 min, and heating was continued for 20 min. The integrity of the gallbladder wall was properly maintained. A follow-up to check for possible local recurrence was carried out 1 year after the RFA. The goal of “one-off” tumor complete RFA is to achieve thorough ablation of the tumor in a single treatment and limiting the possibility of recurrence within 6 months. Seven days after RFA, liver functions of all the patients returned to near-preoperative levels. The patients experienced slight pain in the upper right abdomen, which disappeared in 2–3 days. Results of B ultrasound on days 3–5 showed thickening of the periphery of the ablation area, without significant effusion. Enhanced CT on day 3 showed that RFA low-density area completely covered the lesions. No significant abnormality was observed in the gallbladder and its vicinity. One month after the surgery, B ultrasound and CT examination revealed no significant abnormalities. All patients had an intact gallbladder, and no extrahepatic or intrahepatic bile duct dilatation occurred. There was no evidence of damage to the bile duct or the vessels. Follow-up for 18–32 months found that all patients were in good condition. “One-off” complete RFA can be safely implemented to ablate HCC close to the gallbladder with the assistance of a laparoscope while maintaining integrity and continuity of the gallbladder, and without the need for secondary treatments.     

Evaluation of YO-PRO-1 as an early marker of apoptosis following radiofrequency ablation of colon cancer liver metastases

Radiofrequency (RF) ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive treatment for colorectal-cancer liver metastases (CLM) in selected nonsurgical patients. Unlike surgical resection, RFA is not followed by routine pathological examination of the target tumor and the surrounding liver tissue. The aim of this study was the evaluation of apoptotic events after RFA. Specifically, we evaluated YO-PRO-1 (YP1), a green fluorescent DNA marker for cells with compromised plasma membrane, as a potential, early marker of cell death. YP1 was applied on liver tissue adherent on the RF electrode used for CLM ablation, as well as on biopsy samples from the center and the margin of the ablation zone as depicted by dynamic CT immediately after RFA. Normal pig and mouse liver tissues were used for comparison. The same samples were also immunostained for fragmented DNA (TUNEL assay) and for active mitochondria (anti-OxPhos antibody). YP1 was also used simultaneously with propidium iodine (PI) to stain mouse liver and samples from ablated CLM. Following RFA of human CLM, more than 90 % of cells were positive for YP1. In nonablated, dissected pig and mouse liver however, we found similar YP1 signals (93.1 % and 65 %, respectively). In samples of intact mouse liver parenchyma, there was a significantly smaller proportion of YP1 positive cells (22.7 %). YP1 and PI staining was similar for ablated CLM. However in dissected normal mouse liver there was initial YP1 positivity and complete absence of the PI signal and only later there was PI signal. Conclusion: This is the first time that YP1 was applied in liver parenchymal tissue (rather than cell culture). The results suggest that YP1 is a very sensitive marker of early cellular events reflecting an early and widespread plasma membrane injury that allows YP1 penetration into the cells.     

Immune Adjuvant Activity of Pre-Resectional Radiofrequency Ablation Protects against Local and Systemic Recurrence in Aggressive Murine Colorectal Cancer

Purpose

While surgical resection is a cornerstone of cancer treatment, local and distant recurrences continue to adversely affect outcome in a significant proportion of patients. Evidence that an alternative debulking strategy involving radiofrequency ablation (RFA) induces antitumor immunity prompted the current investigation of the efficacy of performing RFA prior to surgical resection (pre-resectional RFA) in a preclinical mouse model.

Experimental Design

Therapeutic efficacy and systemic immune responses were assessed following pre-resectional RFA treatment of murine CT26 colon adenocarcinoma.

Results

Treatment with pre-resectional RFA significantly delayed tumor growth and improved overall survival compared to sham surgery, RFA, or resection alone. Mice in the pre-resectional RFA group that achieved a complete response demonstrated durable antitumor immunity upon tumor re-challenge. Failure to achieve a therapeutic benefit in immunodeficient mice confirmed that tumor control by pre-resectional RFA depends on an intact adaptive immune response rather than changes in physical parameters that make ablated tumors more amenable to a complete surgical excision. RFA causes a marked increase in intratumoral CD8⁺ T lymphocyte infiltration, thus substantially enhancing the ratio of CD8⁺ effector T cells: FoxP3⁺ regulatory T cells. Importantly, pre-resectional RFA significantly increases the number of antigen-specific CD8⁺ T cells within the tumor microenvironment and tumor-draining lymph node but had no impact on infiltration by myeloid-derived suppressor cells, M1 macrophages or M2 macrophages at tumor sites or in peripheral lymphoid organs (i.e., spleen). Finally, pre-resectional RFA of primary tumors delayed growth of distant tumors through a mechanism that depends on systemic CD8⁺ T cell-mediated antitumor immunity.

Conclusion

Improved survival and antitumor systemic immunity elicited by pre-resectional RFA support the translational potential of this neoadjuvant treatment for cancer patients with high-risk of local and systemic recurrence.     

FDG-PET for detecting local tumor recurrence of ablated liver metastases: a diagnostic meta-analysis

Context: Scanty reports have focused on FDG-PET after radiofrequency ablation (RFA), for recurrence of hepatic metastases. Objective: To assess FDG-PET diagnostic accuracy on detection of recurrent hepatic lesions. Methods: After a comprehensive search of PubMed and EMBASE, we performed a patient-based diagnostic meta-analysis of post-RFA FDG-PET. Results: Across nine included articles, independent, random-effects sensitivity and specificity were 0.73(0.50-0.88) and 0.85(0.72-0.93), respectively. A symmetrical SROC curve was produced with no significant heterogeneity. Specificity was optimal for surgical RFA and colorectal origin of metastases. Conclusion: Synthesis of published evidence suggests PET/CT as an appropriate tool for optimizing post-ablation follow-up.     

FDG-PET for detecting local tumor recurrence of ablated liver metastases: a diagnostic meta-analysis

Context: Scanty reports have focused on FDG-PET after radiofrequency ablation (RFA), for recurrence of hepatic metastases. Objective: To assess FDG-PET diagnostic accuracy on detection of recurrent hepatic lesions. Methods: After a comprehensive search of PubMed and EMBASE, we performed a patient-based diagnostic meta-analysis of post-RFA FDG-PET. Results: Across nine included articles, independent, random-effects sensitivity and specificity were 0.73(0.50–0.88) and 0.85(0.72–0.93), respectively. A symmetrical SROC curve was produced with no significant heterogeneity. Specificity was optimal for surgical RFA and colorectal origin of metastases. Conclusion: Synthesis of published evidence suggests PET/CT as an appropriate tool for optimizing post-ablation follow-up.     

Can Microwave Ablation be an Alternative to Resection for the Treatment of Neuroendocrine Liver Metastases?

Objective: Surgical resection of neuroendocrine tumor liver metastases has been proven to improve survival, but the benefit of microwave ablation as an alternative or adjunct to surgery has yet to be assessed. Our hypothesis is that ablation is equal to surgery in terms of local recurrence and survival.Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis including all patients treated with microwave ablation and/or surgical resection for neuroendocrine liver metastases in our institution between 2008 and 2017.Results: A total of 47 patients and 68 treatments were analyzed, including 34 liver resections, 20 ablations, and 14 combined procedures. A total of 130 individual metastases were treated with ablation, representing a median of 4 per session (range 1–30). While no major complications occurred after ablation, we observed 11 minor and 3 major complications after open surgical resection (P = .0135). Length of stay was significantly shorter after ablation (P = .0008). The majority of patients (33/47, 70.2%) underwent curative procedures, 14 patients underwent (29.8%) debulking procedures. There was no difference in local recurrence rate between tumors treated with ablation or resection. Liver-only disease progression was detected in 29% of the patients and overall progression was detected in 66% of the patients. The mean survival was not significantly different between patients treated with ablation only versus resection with or without ablation (P = .1570). Overall survival was mean 75.3 months (6 to 374 months).Conclusion: Depending on the extent of the liver metastases, microwave ablation might be a safe alternative or addition to resection for neuroendocrine tumor liver metastases with low morbidity and high local efficiency.Abbreviations: CT = computed tomography; MWA = microwave ablation; NET = neuroendocrine tumor; PET = positron emission tomography; RFA = radiofrequency ablation; RFS = recurrence-free survival; SMWA = stereotactic microwave ablation     

Radiofrequency ablation as locoregional therapy for unresectable hepatic malignancies: initial results in 24 patients with 5-years follow-up

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is one treatment modality for unresectable liver metastases. Patients with hepatic malignancies (n = 24) underwent elective RFA. All tumors were ablated with a curative intent, with a margin of 1 cm, in a single session of RFA. The median diameter of tumor was 3.1 cm (range 1.7-6.9 cm). Studied patients were not candidates for resection due to multifocal hepatic disease, extrahepatic disease, proximity to major vascular structures or presence of cirrhosis with functional hepatic reserve inadequate to tolerate major hepatic resection. Complete tumor necrosis was achieved in 87.5% and tumor recurred in 3 patients (12.5%) with lesions larger than 5 cm. Distant intrahepatic recurrence was diagnosed in another 4 (16.7%). Distant metastases were found in 7 (29.2%) patients. Four of these 7 patients had also distant intrahepatic recurrence of disease. Two and 5-years survival rates were 41.7% (10 patients) and 8.3% (2 patients) respectively. RFA is safe and effective option for patients with unresectable hepatic malignancies smaller than 5 cm without distant metastatic disease. RF ablation resulted in complete tumor necrosis in 87.5% with 2 and 5-years survival rates much higher than with chemotherapy alone or only supportive therapy, when survival is measured in weeks or months. If RFA is unavailable, percutaneous ethanol injection therapy can be done but with inferior survival rates.     

Repopulation techniques for Macrocystis integrifolia (Phaeophyceae: Laminariales) in Atacama,Chile

The giant kelp Macrocystis (integrifolia) has been intensely harvested in northern Chile for several years. In order to prevent a future disaster, we developed two different techniques for restoration of damaged Macrocystis integrifolia beds in the Atacama region of Chile. (1) Explantation: Laboratory-grown juvenile sporophytes were fixed to different substrata (plastic grids, ceramic plates, or boulders) by elastic bands or fast-drying glue (cyanoacrylate). Explants reached 150–200 cm in length within 5 months (relative growth rate?≈?1.3–1.7 % day^?1), and reproductive maturity in 5–7 months. (2) Seeding of spores: Mature sporophylls were placed at 8 m depth on the sea bottom, supported by cotton gauze sleeves attached to boulders of different origin. Sixty percent of clean boulders collected on the beach produced up to seven recruits per boulder. In contrast, 20 % of the boulders from the sea bottom, colonized by epibionts, showed up to two recruits. Relative growth rates, however, were similar (≈2.4–2.6 % day^?1). Practical applications of our findings are: laboratory-produced juvenile sporophytes fixed to various substrata by elastic bands or cyanoacrylate glue can be used to colonize rocks or artificial reefs. In cases, where laboratory-grown seedlings are unavailable, mature sporophylls from nearby Macrocystis beds can be used to establish new recruits on rocky substrata.     

Sarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma (SHC): a case report

Background

Sarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma (SHC) is a rare malignant hepatic tumor. Recurrent interventional therapies such as transcatheter arterial chemo-embolization (TACE), radiofrequency ablation (RFA), and percutaneous ethanol injection have been reported previously utilized in a majority of SHC cases. To date, the exact pathogenic mechanisms underlying sarcomatoid transformation of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain unknown.

Case presentation

In this study, we report a 68-year-old female SHC patient admitted to our hospital due to discrete abdominal distention for more than 20 days. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) with tri-phase enhancement revealed portal vein tumor thrombi (PVTT) and a left hepatic lobe lesion measuring 110.0 mm?×?160.0 mm. The patient subsequently underwent liver resection, after which pathological examination revealed proliferation of spindle-shaped SHC cells. A sarcomatoid, T4 stage carcinoma was eventually diagnosed. Forty-seven days after the operation, tri-phase enhanced CT detected extensive lesions in the liver, spleen, peritoneum, omentum majus, and mesentery, indicating SHC recurrence and metastases. Combination chemotherapy with pirarubicin and cisplatin was initiated for 1 cycle, but terminated due to resultant severe myelosuppression and medication intolerance. The patient was lost to therapy after 3 months of follow-up.

Conclusions

This case is unique because of hepatitis C virus infection. We should consider the possibility of this disease in patients with atypical clinical presentation.

     

Retrospective review of 65 atrioesophageal fistulas post atrial fibrillation ablation

Background

Although a rare complication of catheter based ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF), atrioesophageal fistula (AEF) is a serious and fatal event [[1], [2], [3], [4], [5]]. Most reports of AEF are single cases or small case series.

Synchronous mucinous adenocarcinoma of the rectosigmoid seeding onto a pre-existing anal fistula

Carcinoma within a long-standing fistula-in-ano is rare and may be defined by specific neoplastic involvement of the fistulous track in the absence of rectal mucosal carcinoma. The presence of a carcinoma of mucinous histology occurring synchronously in the perianal region and the colon is exceptionally rare. We present a case with a review of the literature concerning its aetiopathogenesis and treatment. A 72-year-old man with a 2 months history of dark red rectal bleeding and mucus per rectum with alternating constipation and diarrhoea, was observed. Clinical examination and a barium enema showed a perianal fistula and an annular stenosing lesion of the rectosigmoid. Preoperative CT scan confirmed the colonic lesion. Colonic resection and wide fistula excision were performed. Histology showed an adenocarcinoma with a clear resection margins. The fistula also showed a similar histology. Chemoradiation (5-Fluorouracil (425 mg/m²) and Leucovorin (20 mg/m²) with 4500 cGy external beam radiotherapy was utilized. Subsequent clinical follow-up and CT examination of the patient has not revealed recurrent disease at 14 months.     

Application of 128 Slice 4D CT Whole Liver Perfusion Imaging in Hepatic Tumor

To investigate the clinical significance of 128 slice whole liver four dimensional computed tomography (4D CT) in diagnosis and differential diagnosis of hepatic disease, by characterizing and comparing perfusion maps in two common hepatic tumors: hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and liver hemangioma. 45 patients with HCC and 40 patients with liver hemangioma were subjected to 128 slice 4D CT of the whole liver perfusion scan, perfusion images were obtained, and data were processed by the perfusion software. Four perfusion parameters generated automatically were used to characterize and compare the perfusion of tumor tissue and surrounding hepatic parenchyma: blood flow perfusion (BF), arterial liver perfusion (ALP), portal venous perfusion (PVP), and hepatic perfusion index (HPI). Volumetric CT perfusion data then reconstructed to yield 4D CT angiography. Morphological observation was made regarding to the blood supply of tumor, intrahepatic vasculature. (1) In both HCC and hepatic hemangioma, BF, ALP, HPI were higher (P < 0.01), whereas PVP were lower (P < 0.01) in tumor tissue than the surrounding hepatic parenchyma (within 1 cm of lesion). Compared with liver hemangioma tumor tissue, BF, ALP, PVP were lower in HCC tumor tissue (P < 0.05; 0.01; 0.01), but HPI is higher (P < 0.05). For the perfusion of the surrounding parenchyma, BF and ALP were higher (P < 0.001), PVP was lower (P < 0.001) in HCC, while HPI was unchanged. (2) Among 45 cases with HCC, cancer feeding artery was found in 28 cases. In 20 cases feeding artery was shown as thickening, rigid, or distorted. Tumor thrombus in portal vein was found in 14 cases. For total of 40 cases with liver hemangioma, in 23 cases blood vessels are shifted due to compression from tumor mass, the rest 17 cases show normal vasculature. With application of 128 slice 4D CT, whole liver perfusion scan can reliably reflect the hemodynamic characteristics of HCC and hepatic hemangioma, proving to be a valuable adjunct to conventional imaging techniques of liver for early detection, differential diagnosis, and determining surgical resection range as well as estimating prognosis for hepatic tumors.     

Heart rate variability after radiofrequency ablation of epicardial ganglionated plexuses on the ovine left atrium

Background

Ganglionated plexuses (GP) are terminal parts of cardiac autonomous nervous system (ANS). Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for atrial fibrillation (AF) possibly affects GP. Changes in heart rate variability (HRV) after RFA can reflect ANS modulation.

Methods

Epicardial RFA of GP on the left atrium (LA) was performed under the general anesthesia in 15 mature Romanov sheep. HRV was used to assess the alterations in autonomic regulation of the heart. A 24???hour ECG monitoring was performed before the ablation, 2 days after it and at each of the 12 following months. Ablation sites were evaluated histologically.

Results

There was an instant change in HRV parameters after the ablation. A standard deviation of all intervals between normal QRS (SDNN), a square root of the mean of the squared differences between successive normal QRS intervals (RMSSD) along with HRV triangular index (TI), low frequency (LF) power and high frequency (HF) power decreased, while LF/HF ratio increased. Both the SDNN, LF power and the HF power changes persisted throughout the 12???month follow???up. Significant decrease in RMSSD persisted only for 3 months, HRV TI for 6 months and increase in LF/HF ratio for 7 months of the follow???up. Afterwards these three parameters were not different from the preprocedural values.

Conclusions

Epicardial RFA of GP’s on the ovine left atrium has lasting effect on the main HRV parameters (SDNN, HF power and LF power). The normalization of RMSSD, HRV TI and LF/HF suggests that HRV after epicardial RFA of GPs on the left atrium might restore over time.

     

Pulmonary Artery Reconstruction Using Autologous Pericardium or Azygos Venae Substitute for Surgical Treatment of Central Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

We evaluated the clinico-surgical significance of pulmonary artery (PA) reconstruction using a patch of autologous pericardium/azygos venae substitute to treat central non-small cell lung cancer in 62 patients with pulmonary arteries invaded by tumor. According to TNM-classification, four patients were stage IIb, 46 were stage IIIa, and 12 were stage IIIb. Depending on tumor infiltration, surgical procedures included partial PA tangential resections/reconstructions by a patch of autologous azygos venae, a patch of autologous pericardium and complete PA sleeve resection and reconstruction by a custom-made autologous pericardial conduit interposition. 47 patients received postoperative chemotherapy and 19 received radiotherapy. There were 2 (3.2 %) postoperative early deaths due to bronchial anastomotic leakage. Postoperative complications occurred in 17.7 % (11/62) patients and all recovered uneventfully. Mean follow-up time after surgical resection was 49.5 (6–12) months and overall ≤1-, 3-, 5-, and ≥10-year survival rates were 80.2, 44.7, 31.4, and 23.1 %, respectively. It was concluded that autologous pericardial patch and azygos vein patch reconstruction of PA were safe and effective. Regarding extended circumferential defects after sleeve resection in which end-to-end anastomosis is not feasible, autologous pericardial conduit interposition may be useful for reconstruction when a tumor extensively infiltrates full circumference of the PA.     

Complete Radio Frequency Ablation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Adjacent to the Main Bile Duct and Blood Vessels Between the First and the Second Hepatic Portal

In cases where hepatocellular carcinoma cannot be surgically removed either due to the capacity of hepatic functional reserve or the special location of the tumor, a radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is recognized to be an effective and minimally invasive treatment. However, when the tumor is adjacent to the main bile duct and blood vessels, it is feared that due to the “heat-sink effect” of the blood and the possible damage to the duct and blood vessels, complete tumor ablation is hard to achieve. We report here a case of complete RFA of hepatocellular carcinoma, adjacent to the main bile duct and blood vessels between the first and the second hepatic portal, with emphasis on the safety of the approach for complete ablation of the tumor.     

“One-Off” Complete Radiofrequency Ablation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma in a “High-Risk Location” Adjacent to the Major Bile Duct and Hepatic Blood Vessel

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is an effective, minimally invasive treatment option for unresectable hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) located in high-risk areas or for patients with poor hepatic functional reserve. However, for tumors adjacent to major bile ducts and hepatic blood vessels, complete ablation is difficult to achieve for fear of causing a postoperative bile leak, bilioma or bile duct stenosis. Therefore, RFA is often combined with multiple alcohol injections to eliminate residual tumor tissues in adjacent bile duct or blood vessels; however, the injections directly affect the efficacy and prognosis of RFA. This study reports three successful “one-off” cases of complete ablation of HCCs adjacent to major bile ducts and blood vessels in neighboring hepatic segments or hepatic lobes, highlighting both the efficacy and safety of RFA for HCC tumors in these high-risk locations.     

Nano-assisted radiofrequency ablation of clinically extracted irregularly-shaped liver tumors

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for liver tumors is a minimally invasive procedure that uses electrical energy and heat to destroy cancer cells. One of the critical factors that impedes its successful outcome is the use of inappropriate radiofrequency levels that will not completely destroy the target tumor tissues, resulting in therapy failure. Additionally, the surrounding healthy tissues may suffer from serious damage due to excessive ablation. To address these challenges, this work proposes the employment of injected nanoparticles to thermally promote the ablation efficacy of conventional RFA. A three-dimensional finite difference analysis is employed to simulate the RFA treatment. Based on the data acquired from measured experiments, the simulation results have demonstrated close agreement with experimental data with a maximum discrepancy of within ±8.7%. Several types of nanoparticles were selected to evaluate their influences on liver tissue's thermal and electrical properties. We analysed the effects of nanoparticles on liver RFA via a tumor rending process incorporating several clinically-extracted tumor profiles and vascular systems. Simulations were conducted to explore the temperature difference responses between conventional RFA treatment and one with the inclusion of assisted nanoparticles on several irregularly-shaped tumors. Results have indicated that applying selected nanoparticles with high thermal conductivity and electrical conductivity on the targeted tissue zone promotes heating rate while sustaining a similar ablation zone that experiences lower maximum temperature when compared with the conventional RFA treatment. In sum, incorporating thermally-enhancing nanoparticles promotes heat transfer during the RFA treatment, resulting in improved ablation efficiency.     

The Clinical Study of Stereotactic Microsurgery

The objective of this study is to investigate the operative methods and therapeutic effects of stereotactic-guided microsurgical resection of hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage lesions in functional region. 18 cases of intracranial lesions (diameter 1.5–3 cm) were studied using a Leksell-G stereotactic system. Guided by the CT or MR, a small incision was made and the skull was opened with an annular drill. Electrophysiological stimulation was applied along the non-functional areas. 100 patients with cerebral hemorrhage were randomized into two groups of 50 cases each. One of the groups was treated using microsurgery, while the other group was treated using stereotactic technique. A comparative study was carried out between the two treatment methods for hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage using the recent (1 month) and long-term (6 months) treatment. Using a Leksell-G system for precise positioning of microsurgery, 100 % of the lesion was fully removed. Neurological function was well protected without mortality or neurological deficiency. The use of stereotactic microsurgery for hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage is successful compared with traditional methods. There is a significant clinical effect on the recovery of neurological function in patients. Stereotactic microsurgical resection of the lesion along with Ribbon treatment of hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage is an accurate, minimally invasive, safe, and effective surgical method.     

Combined Hepatocellular–Cholangiocarcinoma with Fever of Unknown Origin: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Combined hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC–CC) is a rare form of primary liver cancer (PLC). It is difficult to make a correct preoperative diagnosis of cHCC–CC because of the lack of special features of the disease. We here present a case of a 68-year-old man who presented with fluctuant fever, chills, and sweating and was eventually diagnosed as cHCC–CC after surgery. The tumor was 6.0 cm in diameter with distinct borders and no satellite lesions or lymph nodes were observed during macroscopic examination of the resection specimen. The fever resolved in the postoperative period till the 28th day after surgery, when the patient developed extensive abdominal metastases and died shortly after. More attention should be paid to the patient with PLC showing abnormal features such as FUO, normal range of tumor markers, atypical imaging, and less cirrhosis. Hepatic resection is the treatment of choice although with short-term outcomes.     

Radiofrequency ablation of hepatic tumors: simulation, planning, and contribution of virtual reality and haptics

For radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of liver tumors, evaluation of vascular architecture, post-RFA necrosis prediction, and the choice of a suitable needle placement strategy using conventional radiological techniques remain difficult. In an attempt to enhance the safety of RFA, a 3D simulator, treatment planning, and training tool, that simulates the insertion of the needle, the necrosis of the treated area, and proposes an optimal needle placement, has been developed. The 3D scenes are automatically reconstructed from enhanced spiral CT scans. The simulator takes into account the cooling effect of local vessels greater than 3 mm in diameter, making necrosis shapes more realistic. Optimal needle positioning can be automatically generated by the software to produce complete destruction of the tumor, with maximum respect of the healthy liver and of all major structures to avoid. We also studied how the use of virtual reality and haptic devices are valuable to make simulation and training realistic and effective.