title: [Laser ablation. Do we still need it?].
abstract: Laser ablation (LA) is momentarily the only invasive ablation procedure besides radiofrequency ablation (RFA) which can be performed entirely under magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guidance. The long-term outcome and morbidity profiles are broadly identical for both modalities, excluding the RFA-specific prevalence for skin burns. The technical and logistic disadvantages of LA have been overcome since the introduction of miniaturized two-component applicators. The main advantage of LA is its superior MRI compatibility. Interference-free imaging during LA allows MR thermometric real-time therapy control without the need for RF filters. High-resolution thermometry in the target zone only makes sense without the extinction artifact of a metal probe and this condition is met only by the glass fibers of LA. An independent therapy monitoring is crucial in modern scenarios of oncologic quality management.
authors.affiliation: Institut für Diagnostische Radiologie und Neuroradiologie, Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, Ferdinand-Sauerbruch-Str., 17475, Greifswald, Deutschland. christian.rosenberg@uni-greifswald.de
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Rosenberg
authors.forename: C O M
authors.initials: CO
authors.lastname: Hoffmann
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Mensel
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Puls
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Hosten
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000639:trends*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000639:trends*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery*; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted / Q000639:trends*; D013817:Thermography / Q000379:methods*