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Updated: Jun 20, 2026
Application of Laparoscopic Hepatectomy Combined with Intraoperative Microwave Ablation in Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastasis
Published on: March 3, 2023
Computer-assisted needle positioning for liver tumour radiofrequency ablation (RFA)
Laurent Mundeleer1, David Wikler, Thierry Leloup
1Laboratory of Image Synthesis and Analysis, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 50 Avenue F. Roosevelt, Brussels, Belgium. lmundele@ulb.ac.be
Background:
The RFA procedures rely on a precise positioning of the radiofrequency electrode and the complete destruction of the tumour. This article presents new optimization techniques to improve such surgical procedures.
Methods:
A method to optimize the coverage of the tumour by successive RFA destructions and an in vitro procedure with simulated tumours have been developed.
Results:
The guidance system and optimization coverage have been tested on 3D simulation and by the surgeon in vitro on a heifer liver. In this context, the RFA electrode is optically tracked and guided.
Conclusions:
The optimization method provides needle placements that ensure a complete theoretical ablation of the tumour, and the guidance system helps the surgeon to reach each position of destruction.
