Microwave ablation therapy for treating primary and secondary lung tumours: technical note

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of our study was to retrospectively evaluate the feasibility, safety and effectiveness of microwave ablation (MWA) in nine patients with unresectable lung tumour.

Materials and methods: Ten lesions were treated in ten ablation sessions in nine patients. The treatments were performed with a microwave generator with 45 W and 915 MHz connected to a 14.5-gauge antenna for 10 min. Antenna placement was performed with computed tomography (CT) fluoroscopy guidance or XperGuide. All patients underwent CT follow-up at 1, 3 and 6 months from the procedure.

Results: Technical success was obtained in all cases; mortality at 30 days was 0%.

Conclusions: This study shows that in selected patients, MWA is a valid alternative to other ablative techniques. Further studies are required to demonstrate the short- and long-term effects of this technique and to make a comparison with other available ablation systems, especially with radiofrequency.