CT-monitored percutaneous cryoablation in a pig liver model: pilot study

Area of Science:

• Interventional Radiology
• Surgical Oncology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Percutaneous cryoablation is an emerging minimally invasive treatment for liver tumors.
• Computed tomographic (CT) guidance offers precise visualization during interventional procedures.
• A validated animal model is crucial for assessing the safety and efficacy of new techniques.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and feasibility of percutaneous cryoablation guided by CT in a preclinical pig liver model.
• To assess the accuracy of CT in visualizing cryoablation zones and their correlation with histopathology.

Main Methods:

• Cryoprobes were placed adjacent to balloon-defined, tumor-mimicking lesions in seven pigs under CT and ultrasonographic guidance.
• A 15-20 minute freezing cycle was performed, followed by hemostasis with absorbable cellulose.
• Livers were harvested 24-96 hours post-procedure for histopathologic analysis and comparison with CT images.

Main Results:

• All pigs survived without complications or significant hemorrhage, indicating procedural safety.
• Ice balls were clearly visualized on CT as areas of decreased attenuation, correlating well with necrotic zones.
• A mean ablative margin of 1.7 cm was achieved, with only one positive margin due to technical probe failure.

Conclusions:

• CT-guided percutaneous cryoablation is a safe and feasible technique in a pig liver model.
• The study supports the potential of this method for future clinical translation in liver cancer treatment.