Table 1 Comparison between ablative techniques in lung ablation
From: Image-guided percutaneous ablation for the treatment of lung malignancies: current state of the art
| Â | RFA | MWA | CA |
|---|---|---|---|
Mechanism | Electric current | Electromagnetic field | Argon gas |
Temperature | 60–100° C | 60-150° C | Sub-zero |
Ablation zone size | 3Â cm | 6Â cm | Less than heat-based modalities |
Applicators | Single probe: straight or expandable | Single or multiple probes, straight or with one to three loops | Single or multiple probes (2–3) |
Advantages | Widely available and proven Lung is highly susceptible | Uniform ablation zone Larger ablated area No heat-sink effect | Suitable for lesions near large vessels or perihilar Less painful |
Disadvantages | Not recommended near large vessels or pulmonary hilum Interferes with the heart's conduction system | Superiority to RFA has not been proven It may cause a higher complication rate | Increased difficulty May cause more lung bleeding |
Ideal patient | Peripheral tumor, < 3 cm No pacemaker | Peripheral or central tumors Lesion can be > 3 cm It can be used with pacemakers | Peripheral or central lesion can be > 3 cm No bleeding risk factors |