Open AccessHepatic Microwave Ablation in Challenging Locations
Author(s) -
Amanda R. Smolock,
Colette M. Shaw
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
seminars in interventional radiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.35
H-Index - 40
eISSN - 1098-8963
pISSN - 0739-9529
DOI - 10.1055/s-0039-1697003
Subject(s) - medicine , microwave ablation , radiofrequency ablation , ablation , thermal ablation , ablation zone , catheter ablation , radiology , soft tissue , surgery
In recent years, there has been increased utilization of microwave ablation (MWA) in the treatment of soft tissue tumors. MWA has several theoretical advantages over radiofrequency ablation (RFA) by achieving a more rapid and sustained heating of tissues, increased efficacy in tissues with poor thermal conductivity, and less susceptibility to heat sink effect. While its greater power output has led to appropriate caution when applying this energy to soft tissue tumors, many commonly held beliefs regarding contraindications to MWA are unsupported by data and have been passed along based on experience with RFA. The goal of this article is to review the use of MWA in challenging clinical situations along with the existing evidence for its use.