Saline-enhanced radiofrequency ablation of breast tissue: an in vitro feasibility study.
OBJECTIVE
The feasibility of radiofrequency (RF) ablation for the treatment of breast tumors was investigated in vitro. The best parameters for ablation of breast tissue were chosen.


METHODS
Saline-enhanced RF ablation was performed in human breast tissue specimens and cow udder tissue. Temperature profiles were measured depending on RF power (20, 28, 36 W) and NaCl infusion rate (15, 30, 60 mL/h) using eight thermocouples. Lesion development was monitored by ultrasound. Thermolysis efficiency was measured by tissue weight determinations before and after ablation.


RESULTS
After RF ablation of tissue samples, 73.6% turned into a fat/saline emulsion. Ultrasound monitoring showed a cone-shaped hyperechoic area during the first 2 minutes of RF ablation, followed by an irregular expansion of the area. Time-dependent spatial temperature curves were more homogeneous at low infusion rates (15 mL/h). Peak temperatures up to 160 degrees C were measured.


CONCLUSIONS
Controlled RF ablation of breast tissue is feasible. The irregular expansion of RF lesions in fatty breast tissue is due to liquefied fat. Low saline interstitial infusion rates result in better control of lesioning.
Böhm
T
T
Institut für Diagnostische und Interventionelle Radiologie, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität, Jena, Germany. thomas_boehm@gmx.net
Hilger
I
I
Müller
W
W
Reichenbach
J R
JR
Fleck
M
M
Kaiser
W A
WA
D000818:Animals; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D002417:Cattle; D004598:Electrosurgery / Q000295:instrumentation; D004867:Equipment Design; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006358:Hot Temperature; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D009339:Needles; D012965:Sodium Chloride; D013997:Time Factors; D014463:Ultrasonography
D012965:Sodium Chloride