title: Novel percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of portal vein tumor thrombus: safety and feasibility.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We report our experience of the safety of partial recanalization of the portal vein using a novel endovascular radiofrequency (RF) catheter for portal vein tumor thrombosis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Six patients with liver cancer and tumor thrombus in the portal vein underwent percutaneous intravascular radiofrequency ablation (RFA) using an endovascular bipolar RF device. A 0.035-inch guidewire was introduced into a tributary of the portal vein and through which a 5G guide catheter was introduced into the main portal vein. After manipulation of the guide catheter over the thrombus under digital subtraction angiography, the endovascular RF device was inserted and activated around the thrombus.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were no observed technique specific complications, such as hemorrhage, vessel perforation, or infection. Post-RFA portography showed partial recanalization of portal vein.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  RFA of portal vein tumor thrombus in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma is technically feasible and warrants further investigation to assess efficacy compared with current recanalization techniques.
authors.affiliation: High Technology Medical Center, Tbilisi State Medical University, 9 Tsinandali Street, 0144, Tbilisi, Georgia.
authors.forename: Malkhaz
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mizandari
authors.forename: Guokun
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ao
authors.forename: Yaojun
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Xi
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Feng
authors.forename: Qiang
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Shen
authors.forename: Minshan
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Wanyee
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Lau
authors.forename: Joanna
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Nicholls
authors.forename: Long
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Jiao
authors.forename: Nagy
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Habib
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000379:methods*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009360:Neoplastic Cells, Circulating / Q000473:pathology*; D061214:Patient Safety; D010690:Phlebography / Q000379:methods; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011169:Portal Vein / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014654:Vascular Patency / Q000502:physiology; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*