Comparison of laser- and RF based interstitial coagulation systems for the treatment of liver tumors

摘要

Laser (LITT) and Radio Frequency (RFA) based systems are applied successfully for interstitial coagulation of liver tumors creating lesion sizes up to 40 mm diameter with a single probe. LITT seems more effective in creating larger lesions in a shorter time and is more predictable compared to RFA. However, using multiple probes and smart power settings, both systems can create large lesions in an acceptable treatment time. The preference for LITT or RFA can be based on practical arguments from a clinical setting.