ABSTRACT
The use of targeted energy for the destruction of solid organ neoplasms has been in evolution over the last three to four decades. The most extensive experience has been gained in the use of cryotherapy in order to achieve focal tissue destruction by means of a ‘‘freeze-thaw’’ cycle. Similarly, laser thermal ablation was reported in 1983 by Bown (1) but has been hindered by limited treatment volumes achievable within living tissue and the costs of the initial equipment set-up. More recently there have been increasing reports of small-diameter coaxial microwave systems being used to create spheres of thermal destruction within the liver (2). Of all these forms of ‘‘thermotherapy,’’ however, it is radiofrequency ablation (RFA) that has established itself as a robust interventional tool for the treatment of solid organ neoplasms.
