title: [Flexible applicator systems for radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of hepatic tumors].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To report our experience with flexible applicators in radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of hepatic tumors.
  
  
  METHODS
  In 6 liver tumors in 6 patients, a flexible RFA-applicator system (RITA StarBurst FLEX, RITA Medical Systems, Mountain View, CA, USA) was placed under CT guidance. The Seldinger technique with an 11G access system (RITA StarBurst Access) was used to place the application system into the liver. Before and within a week after the ablation, all tumors were investigated with contrast-enhanced MRI.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The Seldinger technique accommodated the placement of a thin 17.5-gauge needle for the initial puncture, enabling easy adjustment of the position of the needle. The flexible applicator of the RFA system could be placed in 4.5 (+/- 1.8) minutes on average.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Flexible applicators facilitate CT-guided RFA and can be placed using the Seldinger technique.
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Strahlenheilkunde, Charité Campus Berlin-Buch, Robert-Rössle-Klinik, Berlin. bernhard.gebauer@charite.de
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Gebauer
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Gaffke
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hünerbein
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Felix
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Stroszczynski
mesh_terms: D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D018278:Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000556:secondary / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018579:Patient Selection; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed