Method for combining radiofrequency and vapor ablation in oncology, a phantom study

Objective. Local thermal ablation methods are a key alternative to surgical treatment of tumors, but existing methods face limitations in creating large and homogeneous areas of necrosis. Currently available radiofrequency ablation (RFA) systems designed to treat tumors demonstrate insufficient heating volume, which increases the risk of incomplete ablation or recurrence.
Material and methods. In this paper, we propose and investigate a new method combining bipolar multielectrode RFA with vapor heating to overcome this limitation. The aim of the study was to experimentally test the hypothesis that combining vapor and radiofrequency effects can ensure uniform temperature distribution throughout the target volume. Comparative measurements were performed on a biological phantom (beef liver) using a bipolar eightelectrode RFA system and a special catheter for vapor heating.
Results. The results demonstrated that the combined approach allows for a larger coagulation focus to be achieved in the same exposure time as with the RFA system.
Conclusion. This study provides a brief rationale for a method to improve the effectiveness of thermal ablation of large tumors.
Keywords: oncology, tumor, thermal ablation, radiofrequency ablation, water vapor ablation, combined ablation, multi-electrode radiofrequency ablation, bipolar ablation, local tumor treatment
Conflict of interest. The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.
Funding. The study has not received any funding.