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Updated: Apr 26, 2026
Thermal Ablation for the Treatment of Abdominal Tumors
Published on: March 7, 2011
Radiofrequency ablation of small breast tumours: evaluation of a novel bipolar cool-tip application
L Waaijer1, D L Kreb1, M A Fernandez Gallardo2
1Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Background:
Although radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is promising for the local treatment of breast cancer, burns are a frequent complication. The safety and efficacy of a new technique with a bipolar RFA electrode was evaluated.
Methods:
Dosimetry was assessed ex vivo in bovine mammary tissue, applying power settings of 5-15 W with 10-20 min exposure and 3.0-12.0 kJ to a 20-mm active length bipolar internally cooled needle-electrode. Subsequently, in 15 women with invasive breast carcinoma ≤2.0 cm diameter ultrasound-guided RFA was performed followed by immediate resection.
Results:
An ablation zone of 2.5 cm was reached in the ex vivo experiments at 15 W at 9.0 kJ administered energy. Histopathology revealed complete cell death in 10 of 13 patients (77%); in 3 patients partial ablation was due to inaccurate probe positioning. In 1 patient a pneumothorax was caused by the probe placement, treated conservatively. No burns occurred.
Conclusions:
Ultrasound-guided RFA with a bipolar needle-electrode appears to be a safe local treatment technique for invasive breast cancer up to 2 cm. Ways to improve placement of the probe and direct monitoring of the ablation-effect should be the aim of further research.
