UPMC Liver Cancer Center

Diagram of Thermal RFA of Liver Tumor

RFA electrode
1. RFA electrode		 Tumor in liver
2. Tumor in liver
Thermalablation in progress
3. Thermalablation in progress

Complete tumor destruction
4. Complete tumor destruction

Diagram of RFA Procedure

Diagram of RFA Procedure
  • Power is applied until tissue impedance (resistance to electrical current) rises
  • Generator detects impedance rise indicating tumor destruction and signals completion of procedure

Example of Actual RFA cases at UPMC Liver Cancer Center

3 “keyhole” incisions for Laparoscopic RFA

3 “keyhole” incisions for Laparoscopic RFA

 

Early CT scan follow-up showing post-RFA
changes for treated metastatic colon cancer to liver

Pre-op CT scan: Tumor
Pre-op CT scan: Tumor		 3-moths post RFA: Post-ablation changes
3-moths post RFA: Post-ablation changes