Transosseous Route for CT Fluoroscopy-Guided Radiofrequency Ablation of Lung Tumors

To retrospectively evaluate radiofrequency (RF) ablation of lung tumors performed via the transosseous approach.

Twelve lung tumors (mean diameter, 1.0 cm; range, 0.4-1.6 cm) in 12 patients were treated by RF ablation via a transscapular and/or transrib route with the use of a bone biopsy needle under computed tomographic fluoroscopy guidance. Therapeutic outcomes evaluated included feasibility, safety, and local efficacy. Complications were assessed based on the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 4.0.

The transosseous route was successfully employed in all patients, and the electrode was successfully advanced into all tumors with this approach. The mean distance of penetrated bone was 0.57 cm (range, 0.19-1.16 cm). Complications occurred in eight RF ablation sessions, including six grade 1 events (two cases of pneumothorax and one case each of asymptomatic rib fracture 6 mo after treatment, neuralgia, pulmonary hemorrhage, and hemothorax), two grade 2 events (pneumonia and high fever), and one grade 3 event (pneumothorax requiring pleurodesis). No adverse events of grade ≥ 4 occurred. The mean and median tumor follow-up periods were 19.5 and 15.2 mo (range, 3.0-41.5 mo). Local progression occurred in two cases at 3 and 12 mo after treatment and was successfully treated with a second RF ablation procedure. The technique efficacy rates were 91.7% at 6 mo, 81.5% at 1 y, and 81.5% at 2 y.

The transosseous approach was feasible in computed tomographic fluoroscopy-guided RF ablation of select lung tumors when no other option was available.