Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
RFA is a technology that safely heats or "cooks" tumors using
radiofrequency induced temperature changes. RFA produces heat-generated
coagulation of targeted tissues resulting in tumor necrosis or tumor
"death."
The procedure is performed under CT scan and
Ultrasound guidance. Through a tiny nick in the skin, a probe is placed directly into the liver tumor. Once in the proper
position, the wires are deployed and the heating process
begins. Heating is applied for about 10 minutes. The probe is withdrawn when the procedure is complete.
Subsequent CT scans are performed a few times a year
to monitor results and for possible new growth. This technique is
currently applied to monitor results and for possible new growth. This
technique is currently applied to the liver only and is performed on
patients who are otherwise poor surgical candidates or who do not wish to
undergo major abdominal surgery. Patients with primary liver cancers as
well as cancer that spread to the liver (metastasis) are considered
candidates.
The procedure's only major advantage includes its minimally invasive nature in contrast to surgery. Like surgery, however, it is potentially curative. |
