Image-guided multipolar radiofrequency ablation of XXXX : initial clinical results.

@entity1 @entity96 @entity5 @entity3 @entity157
The local effectiveness and clinical usefulness of multipolar radiofrequency (RF) ablation of @entity96 was evaluated. Sixty-eight image-guided RF sessions were performed using a multipolar device with bipolar electrodes in 53 @entity1 . There were 45 @entity157 ( @entity157 ) and 42 @entity3 with a diameter < or =3 cm (n = 55), 3.1-5 cm (n = 29) and >5 cm (n = 3); 26 nodules were within 5 mm from large vessels. Local effectiveness and complications were evaluated after RF procedures. Mean follow-up was 17 +/- 10 months. Recurrence and survival rates were analysed by the Kaplan-Meier method. The primary and secondary technical effectiveness rate was 82% and 95%, respectively. The major and minor complication rate was 2.9%, respectively. The local @entity5 progression at 1- and 2-years was 5% and 9% for @entity157 nodules and 17% and 31% for @entity3 , respectively; four of 26 nodules (15%) close to vessels showed local progression. The survival at 1 year and 2 years was 97% and 90% for @entity157 and 84% and 68% for @entity3 , respectively. Multipolar RF technique creates ablation zones of adequate size and tailored shape and is effective to treat most @entity96 , including those close to major hepatic vessels.
