Interstitial hyperthermia of colorectal liver metastases with a US-guided Nd-YAG laser with a diffuser tip: a pilot clinical study

Radiology. 1993 May;187(2):333-7. doi: 10.1148/radiology.187.2.8475269.

Abstract

Ultrasound (US)-guided interstitial hyperthermia performed with the neodymium yttrium aluminum garnet laser with a diffuser tip involves placement of a laser fiber in solid tissue followed by irradiation from within the center of the tumor to be treated. The authors previously described the development of a US-guided technique that permits simultaneous interstitial laser irradiation and temperature measurements, with real-time US monitoring. With the use of a dedicated diffuser tip modification of the bare laser fiber, it has proved possible to produce spherical coagulations with a diameter comparable to that of liver metastases of clinical relevance. This technique was used in 11 patients with 16 colorectal liver metastases, 12 of which were radically ablated. Real-time US and interstitial temperature monitoring during treatment had a positive predictive value of 86% and negative predictive value of 100% in judging the final result. The technique is feasible, effective, and safe, but the effect on patient survival must be tested in future randomized clinical studies.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hyperthermia, Induced / methods
  • Laser Coagulation
  • Laser Therapy*
  • Liver Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Liver Neoplasms / radiotherapy
  • Liver Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Liver Neoplasms / surgery
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pilot Projects
  • Ultrasonography