Unusual Complication of Percutaneous Radiofrequency Thermal Ablation of Hepatic Tumor: The Split Electrode

摘要

Radiofrequency (RF) ablation is commonly used to treat many unresectable primary and secondary liver tumors (1). Three different types of RF applicators are commercially available: the internally cooled, the multitined expandable, and the perfusion electrodes. Hepatic RF ablation is associated with low morbidity and mortality rates and its most common complications are hepatic abscess, peritoneal hemorrhage, biliary tract, vascular and visceral damage, pulmonary complications, and dispersive pad skin burns. The incidence of these complications is around 2.5% (2). Another possible complication in the use of the expandable system is difficulty in removing the applicator at the end of the RF ablation procedure. Although this technical problem is unusual, it could result in more serious complications. We describe a case of difficult withdrawal of the electrode resulting in the split of the applicator cannula and we discuss options to avoid this problem.