ObjectiveTo understand the latest progress of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE)-based combination therapies for unresectable liver metastasis from colorectal carcinoma, and to explore the safe and effective combination therapies in order to controlling the rapid progress of disease and improving the quality of life of patients. MethodsThe literatures about TACE-based combination therapies of liver metastasis from colorectal carcinoma and the latest advance in researches of this field at home and abroad were collected, and the application of combination therapies, the advantages and features of the combined treatments were reviewed. ResultsTACE was a safe and effective therapeutic modality in treating primary liver cancer or secondary liver cancer.Compared with a single treatment, TACE-based combination therapies had distinct advantages to patients with liver metastasis from colorectal carcinoma not only improved the quality of life but also prolonged the survival time.With the emerging of various kinds of new drugs and the rapid development of a variety of interventional treatments, it could bring long-term survival benifit for patients with liver metastasis from colorectal carcinoma. ConclusionsDoctors should pay attention to the combined treatments of patients with liver metastasis from colorectal carcinoma, improve the knowledge of personalized medication about advanced tumors and actively promote more usage of combination therapies.
ObjectiveTo evaluate surgical outcomes of combined off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB)and bipolar radiofrequency ablation (RFA)for atrial fibrillation (AF). MethodsFrom January 2008 to October 2013, 49 patients with coronary artery disease and AF underwent OPCAB and concomitant Atricure bipolar RFA for AF in Beijing Anzhen Hospital. According to their AF duration, all the 49 patients were divided into 2 groups. In group A, there were 14 patients with permanent AF including 9 males and 5 females with their age of 56.7±7.5 years. In group B, there were 35 patients with paroxysmal AF including 27 males and 8 females with their age of 60.2±10.5 years. AF duration was 9.4±6.0 months. Coronary artery stenosis was 85%-100%. Ambulatory electrocardiogram and echocardiography were performed to observe AF recurrence during follow-up. ResultsNone of the patients received intraoperative conversion operation under cardiopulmonary bypass, and there was no in-hospital death. Postoperatively, 81.6% (40/49)patients had conversion to sinus rhythm (SR)or junctional rhythm, 18.4% (9/49)patients remained AF, but none of the patients had second or third-degree atrioventricular block. A total of 139 distal anastomoses were performed with a mean of 2.8 distal anastomoses per patient. Length of hospital stay was 10-15 (12±3)days. SR was observed in 34 patients (69%)before discharge including 9 patients (64%)in group A and 25 patients (71%)in group B. All the patients (100%)were followed up for 5-12 months. 39 patients (80%)maintained SR over 6 months, including 10 patients (71%)in group A and 29 patients (83%)in group B. 44 patients (90%)maintained SR over 12 months, including 11 patients (79%)in group A and 33 patients (94%)in group B. There was no statistical difference in SR maintenance rate between the 2 groups (P > 0.05). ConclusionOPCAB and concomitant bipolar RFA for AF is safe, efficacious and feasible.
ObjectiveTo summarize clinical advantages and outcomes of minimally invasive mitral valve replacement (MVR) combined with atrial fibrillation (AF) radiofrequency ablation via right minithoracotomy. MethodsEight patients with mitral valve disease and AF who received surgical therapy in the First Hospital of China Medical University between October 2009 and October 2012 were included in the study. There were 4 males and 4 females with their age of 34-67 (52.4±17.5) years. All the patients underwent minimally invasive MVR combined with AF radiofrequency ablation via right minithoracotomy. Clinical outcomes were summarized. ResultsThere was no in-hospital death or conversion to conventional sternotomy in this group. Two patients received biological valve replacement and 6 patients received mechanical prosthesis. Operation time was 207.9±18.1 minutes, cardiopulmonary bypass time was 81.7±23.9 minutes, and chest drainage amount was 126.7±34.5 ml. AF recurred in 1 patient on the 3rd postoperative day. All the patients were in sinus rhythm at discharge. These patients were followed up for 18.3±7.4 months. During follow-up, 1 patient had AF recurrence. Seven patients were in NYHA class Ⅰ, and 1 patients was in NYHA class Ⅱ. ConclusionMinimally invasive MVR combined with AF radiofrequency ablation via right minithoracotomy can achieve satisfactory clinical results and esthetic appearance, and is a good choice for patients with mitral valve disease and AF.
Objective To evaluate the effect on microvessel density (MVD) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression of combining radiofrequency ablation (RFA) with arsenious acid (AA) locally treating liver VX2 tumor in rabbits. Methods Twenty-eight New Zealand White rabbits with implanted liver VX2 tumors were randomly divided into four groups, control group (n=7), AA group (n=7), RFA group (n=7) and combination (RFA+AA) group (n=7). All rabbits were killed 14 days after treatment. MVD and VEGF expression were examined by immunohistochemistry. Results The MVD degraded one by one in control group,AA group,RFA group and RAF+AA group, which were (38.50±0.44), (23.07±0.47), (18.65±0.39) and (11.36±0.36)/HP respectively, compared while each two groups, P＜0.05. The VEGF expression also degraded one by one, the ratio of positive cases were 7/7, 5/7, 4/7 and 2/7 respectively, compared while each two groups, P＜0.05. There was positive correlation between VEGF expression and MVD (Person conefficient of product-moment correlation r=0.47, P＜0.01). Conclusion Combining RAF with AA therapy can greatly decrease MVD and VEGF expression of tumor tissue.
ObjectiveTo explore the value liver resection combined with intraoperative radiofrequency ablation during the same period in the treatment of multiple liver cancer. MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 33 patients with multiple liver cancer treated between January 2005 and April 2013. All the patients were treated by liver resection combined with intraoperative radiofrequency ablation in the same period. There were 91 tumor foci in 33 patients, among which 39 tumor foci were surgically removed, and 52 tumor foci were radiofrequency ablated. Ultrasonography and enhanced CT/MRI were performed for the patients 1 year, 2 years and 3 years after surgery. ResultsNo bleeding or death occurred during the operation. It was observed that the transient liver function was damaged after surgery, but it quickly returned to A level after treatment. All the patients had no perioperative death or other serious complications. Tumor recurrence rate was 16.1% in the first year, 48.4% in the second year and 93.5% in the third year after surgery. ConclusionLiver resection combined with intraoperative radiofrequency ablation for multiple liver cancer in the same period is feasible and safe, without increasing the average length of hospital stay, operative mortality rate and postoperative tumor recurrence rate.
ObjectiveTo analyze the clinical presentations and radiological characteristics of pulmonary vein stenosis after radiofrequency ablation. MethodsClinical and radiological data of 2 patients with pulmonary vein stenosis after radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation were retrospectively analyzed and literatures were reviewed. ResultsBoth patients had undergone circumferential pulmonary vein isolation. The symptoms appeared approximately 2 months after the operation. The major symptoms were cough, hemoptysis, exacerbation of dyspnea and chest pain. Both patients were misdiagnosed as other diseases such as pneumonia in other hospitals, and the anti-infection therapy was invalid. Both CT scans showed parenchymal exudative consolidation with varying degrees of interstitial septal thickening and small nodules. Both patients were confirmed as pulmonary vein stenosis by CT angiography. Literature review identified 21 cases of pulmonary vein stenosis after radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation. The main clinical features are hemoptysis, chest pain, shortness of breath and cough. The most common features of thoracic radiological imaging are consolidation, groud-glass attenuation, pleural effusion and interstitial septal thickening. ConclusionsIf a patient presents with hemoptysis, dyspnea, chest pain or other clinical manifestations after ablation therapy and image findings show parenchymal exudative consolidation with interstitial septal thickening and multiple small nodules, the possibility of pulmonary vein stenosis should be considered. Contrast-enhanced CT combined with pulmonary vein imaging technology can clearly show the opening diameter of each pulmonary vein and its branches, so it is an important non-invasive examination method for the evaluation and diagnosis of pulmonary vein stenosis.
ObjectiveTo observe the changes of peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets of patients with primary hepatocellular carcinoma (PHCC) treated with radiofrequency ablation (RFA). MethodsThe data of 70 cases of hospitalized patients with PHCC that voluntary accepted RFA diagnosed by clinical and pathological in our hospital between July 2011 and December 2014 were collected. According to the numbers of HCC lesions, 70 cases were divided into single focus group (n=41) and multifocal group (n=29). The changes of their immune parameters before and after RFA were analyzed. Results①The ratioes of peripheral blood CD3+/CD19-, CD3+/CD4+, CD4+/CD8+, and NK cells on 7 days and 14 days after RFA treatment of 70 cases were significantly higher than those on 1 day before RFA treatment (P < 0.05). The ratio of CD3+/CD8+ T cells reduced from 1 day before RFA treatment to 14 days after RFA treatment, but the difference was no statistically significant (P > 0.05).②The changing trend of peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets before and after RFA treatment in single focus group and multifocal group were similar to the above.③Compared with single focus group, the ratioes of peripheral blood CD3+/CD19-, CD3+/CD4+, CD4+/CD8+, and NK cells before and after RFA treatment in multifocal group were lower, and the ratio of CD3+/CD8+ T cells was higher, but the difference were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). ConclusionRFA can not only destroy small PHCC foci, but also to significantly improve immune function and enhance the anti-tumor effect.
ObjectiveTo explore the value of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in the radical cure for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MethodThe recent literatures about RFA in the treatment for HCC were retrieved and reviewed. ResultsThe liver transplantation, liver resection, and RFA were the three effective treatments in curative intent for early HCC.RFA was more frequently used in downsize therapy prior to liver transplantation in recent years because of its excellent local tumor control.Preoperative RFA extended the average waiting time without increasing the risk of dropout.Even though the controversy about effectiveness of RFA and hepatectomy was not been settled, the liver resection com-bined with RFA extended the operation indication of HCC and improved the effectiveness. ConclusionsRFA plays more and more important roles among the various treatment strategies in HCC.RFA, liver transplantation, and hepatectomy could be complementary to each other in the treatment for HCC and benefit numerous patients.Among these strategies, the key to improve the effectiveness is that minimum reduces residual tumors and suppresses their growth.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect and experience of monopolar or bipolar radiofrequency ablation for organic heart disease with atrial fibrillation under the open heart surgery. MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 305 patients with organic heart disease such as atrial fibrillation underwent the open heart surgery in Changle People's Hospital and Shanghai Renji Hospital between December 2004 year and December 2013 year. There were 188 male and 117 female patients at age of 38 to 81 years. The patients were divided into three groups according to monopolar or bipolar radiofrequency ablation used. There were 128 patients in a monopolar group, 165 patients in a bipolar group, and 12 patients in a combined group with monopolar radiofrequency ablation plus bipolar radiofrequency ablation. ResultTwo patients died after operation. There were 249 patients (81.6%) with sinus rhythm after operation. Sinus rhythm was restored 78.9% in the monopolar group compared with 83.6% in the bipolar group with a statistical difference (P>0.05). We followed up the patients for 3 to 85 (38.2±15.4) months after operation. There were no statistical differences in sinus rhythm rates after following-up 0.5 year (80.5% vs. 83.9%, P>0.05), 1 year (78.4% vs. 83.3%, P>0.05), 2 years (76.5% vs. 81.1%, P>0.05), and 5 years(73.8% vs. 77.1%, P>0.05). ConclusionMonopolar or bipolar radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation with open heart surgery is an effective method, especially in long-term effect. There was no significant difference between the monopolar group and the bipolar group in effect. Bipolar radiofrequency ablation can reduce the ablation time.
Objective To observe the effect of radiofrequency ablation technology for the treatment of infected wounds in minipigs. Methods Infected wounds of full-thickness skin defects (about 6.15 cm2/wound) were prepared in 8 6-month-old minipigs (weighing, 30-35 kg) using the method of Davis et al. The 160 wounds were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=40). Infected wounds were debrided with the radiofrequency ablation technology in group A, with the electric knife in group B, and with the scalpel in group C; no treatment was done in group D as a control. The healing rate, healing time, and tissue filling rate were observed; bacterial quantitative examination and histological examination were done at 0, 2, 7, and 14 days after operation. Results All infected wounds were successfully established after 48 hours when Staphylococcus aureus dilution were inoculated. The wounds after radiofrequency ablation technology treatment were fresh and flat with slight bleeding; the healing time of group A was significantly shorter than that of groups B, C, and D (P lt; 0.05), and the healing rate of group A was significantly higher than that of groups B, C, and D at 7 and 14 days after operation (P lt; 0.05). The tissue filling rate of group A was significantly higher than that of groups B, C, and D at 2 days after operation (P lt; 0.05); the tissue filling rates of groups A, B, and C were significantly higher than that of group D at 7 and 14 days after operation (P lt; 0.05). At 0, 2, 7, and 14 days, there were significant differences in the bacterial count per gram tissue among 4 groups (P lt; 0.05), the order from low to high was groups A, B, C, and D. The histological observation showed that the surface of wound was smooth in group A at 0 day, and group A was better than the other groups in wound healing; at 2 days, some exudates were observed in 4 groups, but it was least in group A. There was inflammatory cell infiltration in various degrees in 4 groups at 7 and 14 days; it was lightest in group A with thick epithelium and dense collagen bundles, followed by groups B and C, and it was severe in group D. Conclusion The radiofrequency ablation technology can effectively remove the necrotic tissues of infected wounds, remarkably reduce the number of bacteria, improve the healing rate, and shorten the healing time of wounds.