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.
Objective To investigate the value of contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in evaluating the short term therapeutic response to radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of primary hepatocellular carcinoma. Methods One hundred and ten lesions were studied in 96 patients. Each patient underwent CEUS within a week before RFA, the number, size, border, inner echo and perfusion pattern of lesions were observed. One month after ultrasound-guided RFA, color Doppler flow imaging, CEUS and contrast enhanced computed tomography (CECT, reference standard) were performed to assess the therapeutic response. Results Before RFA, in 96 cases with 110 lesions, 83 lesions showed homogeneous hyper-enhancement and the other 27 heterogeneous hyper-enhancement in arterial phase, and 98 lesions were hypo-enhanced in portal venous phase and late phase and the other 12 iso-enhanced. One month after RFA, 99 of 110 lesions were found no-enhancement in entire CEUS procedure, while 11 lesions showed local enhancement on the edge of lesion. Ninety-six of 110 lesions showed no-enhancement and other 14 with irregular enhancement by CECT. There was no statistical significance between CEUS and CECT (χ2=0.406, Pgt;0.05). Fourteen lesions as tumor residual by CECT were underwent RFA again, and then 1 month after RFA no-enhancement was showed by both CECT and CEUS. Conclusion CEUS can play a role in assessing the short term therapeutic response to RFA of hepatocellular carcinoma.
Objective To study the short-term outcome and safety of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) combined with recombinant human endostatin (endostar) for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Methods Between December 2013 and December 2014, 80 consecutive patients (50 males, 30 females) with biopsy-proved NSCLC were divided into two groups: a RFA combined treatment group (RFA combined with endostar, 60 patients, 38 males, 22 females, mean age at 67.77±10.43 years) and a RFA alone group (20 patients, 12 males, 8 females, mean age at 67.35±9.82 years). The RFA combined treatment group was divided into three groups according to vascular normalization window of endostar and 20 patients in each group: a combined treatment group 1 (transfusion of endostar after RFA), a combined treatment group 2 (transfusion of endostar for 1 to 3 d before RFA) and a combined treatment group 3 (transfusion of endostar for 4 to 7 d before RFA). The CT scan of the chest was followed up after the treatment, local recurrence and safety was observed. Results There was a statistical difference in local recurrence time among groups (χ2 = 11.05, P = 0.011). The effect of the combined treatment group is better than that of the radiofrequency ablation therapy alone group. And in the recombinant human endostatin of tumor vascular normalization time best combination therapy was observed in the near future effect compared with the radiofrequency ablation therapy alone. In this study common complications were associated with radiofrequency ablation. No recombinant human endostatin related complication was found. There was no satistical difference in safety between the combined treatment group and the radiofrequency ablation therapy group (χ2= 0.889, P > 0.05). Conclusion RFA combined with endostar is safe and effective for non-small cell lung cancer.
ObjectiveTo explore the safety and feasibility of contrast enhanced intraoperative ultrasonographyguided percutaneous radiofrequency ablation with artificial hydrothorax to hepatocellular carcinoma in the hepatic dome. MethodsThe clinical data of nine patients with hepatocellular carcinoma in the hepatic dome underwent ultrasonographyguided percutaneous radiofrequnecy ablation with artificial hydrothorax from January 2008 to June 2009 at Department of Hepatobiliopancreatic Surgery of West China Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. The perioperative results and recurrence of tumor were also analyzed. ResultsAll of nine patients with twelve tumors received successfully radiofrequency ablation with artificial hydrothorax of (2 444±464) ml (2 000-3 000 ml). The ablation time was 12-24 min (median 12 min), with an average of (15±5) min for each tumor. No hemothorax, pneumothorax, and death occurred during operation. One patient had ascites of 2 000 ml after ablation due to hypoalbuminenia, and ascites disappeared by infusion of abumin on 4 d after operation. The total volume of pleural drainage was 250-1 420 ml, with an average of (717±372) ml for each patient, and the drainage tube was withdrawn on 3-5 d after operation. The followup time was 7-23 months (mean 15 months). Tumor recurrence was found in three patients on 5, 6, and 7 months after operation, respectively. Of them, two patients were in stable disease stage after interventional and conservative therapy, respectively, and one case recurred at six months after operation and died of hypertensive heart disease and hepatic function deterioration at sixteen months after operation. The rest patients survived and no recurrence and metastasis was observed during the follow-up period.ConclusionThe technique of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation with artificial hydrothorax increases the feasibility of the minimal invasive treatment for hepatoma, which can be applied to hepatocellular carcinoma in the hepatic dome with high safety and clinical application value.
Objective To investigate the impact of injection of acetic acid hypertonic saline solution (AHS) in dog liver during radiofrequency ablation (RFA) on its destructive zone. Methods RFAs were performed in dog livers by using LDRF-120S mutiple probe ablation system combining 50% acetic acid 5% hypertonic saline solution injection. Thirty healthy adult hybrid dogs were randomly divided into 5 groups (n=6). Group A: RFA was performed immediately after injection of 2 ml AHS; Group B: RFA was performed 5 min after injection of 2 ml AHS; Group C: RFA was performed immediately after injection of 4 ml AHS; Group D: RFA was performed 5 min after injection of 4 ml AHS; Group E: RFA was performed immediately after injection of 6 ml AHS. Results There were no significant differences in the mean initial impedance within 5 groups. The mean ablation times were different significantly among 5 groups (F=83.831, P＜0.001). The mean ablation time was different significantly between any two groups by LSD-t analysis (P＜0.001). The mean coagulation diameters were different significantly among 5 groups （F=53.488, P＜0.001）. The mean coagulation diameter of group E was the largest among 5 groups. Besides mean coagulation diameter was no significant difference between group D and E (Pgt;0.05), the mean coagulation diameter was different significantly between any two groups by LSD-t analysis (P＜0.001). Obviously thrombus were shown in coagulation necrosis zone and nearly normal tissue with gordon amp; sweet. AHS spillage from the injection site occurred in group E. Four dogs died in group E within 14 d but no dog died in the other groups. Conclusion RFA is performed 5 min after injection of 4 ml AHS in dog liver produces the ideal ablation destructive zone.
Objective To evaluate the efficacy of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in treating primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods From March 2004 to March 2006, 137 patients with primary HCC underwent TACE alone (n=87) and TACE+RFA (n=50), respectively, after the interventional treatment, all patients periodically received CT reexaminations and alpha fetoprotein (AFP) measurement. The therapeutic efficacy, AFP level and survival rate between two groups were compared with each other. Results In TACE group the effective rate (CR+PR) was 34.5%, AFP decreasing amplitude was 54.2%, and 2 years survival rate was 43.7%. While in TACE+RFA group, the effective rate (CR+PR) was 70.0%, AFP decreasing amplitude was 78.0%, and 2 years survival rate was 62.0%, there were significant differences between two groups (P＜0.05). Conclusion Combined application of TACE and RFA is significantly superior to TACE alone in treatment of primary HCC.
ObjectiveTo compare clinical outcomes between biatrial ablation and right atrial ablation in the surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF)for adult patients with atrial septal defect (ASD). MethodsClinical data of 47 patients with ASD and AF who underwent surgical ASD repair and radiofrequency ablation from January 2007 to December 2012 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 20 male and 27 female patients with their age of 35-76 years. AF duration ranged from 3 months to 15 years. There were 18 patients with persistent AF and 29 patients with long-standing persistent AF. There were 10 patients with mild-to-moderate or more severe mitral regurgitation (MR), and 28 patients with mild-to-moderate or more severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR). According to different surgical strategies, all the 47 patients were divided into 2 groups. In right atrial ablation group, there were 19 patients who received ASD repair and right atrial ablation. In biatrial ablation group, there were 28 patients who received ASD repair and biatrial ablation. For patients with mild-to-moderate or more severe MR or TR, concomitant mitral or tricuspid valvuloplasty was performed. All the patients received 24-hour Holter monitoring at 3, 6 and 12 months after discharge, and were intermittently followed up thereafter. ResultsCardio-pulmonary bypass time, aortic cross-clamping time and postoperative hospital stay of biatrial ablation group were significantly longer than those of right atrial ablation group. But there was no statistical difference in postoperative morbidity or recovery between the 2 groups. After heart rebeating, there were 25 patients (89.3%)with sinus rhythm (SR)and 3 patients with junc-tional rhythm (JR), and none of the patients had AF in biatrial ablation group. There were 14 patients (73.7%)with SR, 2 patients with JR and 3 patients with AF in right atrial ablation group. At discharge, 28 patients (100%)in biatrial ablation group had SR, and in right atrial ablation group there were 15 patients (78.9%)with SR and 4 patients with AF relapse (P=0.045). All the patients were followed up for 3-75 months, and there was no death or residual ASD shunt during follow-up. Two patients had mild-to-moderate or more severe MR, and 4 patients had mild-to-moderate or more severe TR. Cumulative SR maintenance rate of biatrial ablation group (87.7%±6.7%)was significantly higher than that of right atrial ablation group (47.4%±11.5%, P=0.003)at 2 years after discharge. ConclusionFor adult patients with ASD and AF, biatrial ablation can produce better clinical outcomes than right atrial ablation without increasing surgical risks.
ObjectiveTo investigate the short-term efficacy and safety of thoracoscopy-assisted epicardial radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) and/or left atrial appendage exclusion (LAAE).MethodsThe clinical data of 12 patients with solitary AF admitted to Beijing Tiantan Hospital from November 2018 to August 2020 were retrospectively analyzed, including 7 males and 5 females, with an average age of 65.2±5.3 years. Of them, 2 had paroxysmal AF, 1 had persistent AF and 9 had permanent AF.ResultsNo patient died during hospitalization, 5 patients underwent radiofrequency ablation for AF and LAAE, and 6 received LAAE alone. The operation time was 293±70 min in radiofrequency ablation for AF+LAAE patients and 71±14 min in LAAE patients. Two patients restored sinus rhythm, two restored after electric cardioversion, and one remained AF in AF+LAAE patients. Postoperatively, 1 patient had pleural effusion and 1 had subcutaneous emphysema. No stroke was observed.ConclusionThoracoscopy-assisted radiofrequency ablation for AF and/or LAAE reduce the risk of procedure, and provide alternative approach to treat AF-associated diseases. However, large sample size studies using prospective cohort designs are required to corroborate the present findings.
ObjectiveTo investigate efficacy and safety of three-step radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in treatment for giant hepatic hemangioma (GHH,diameter ≥5 cm) with symptoms. MethodsThe patients with GHH met the inclusion criteria were collected.The main steps were as follows:The first step was to destroy the main arteries of the tumor to block the blood.The second step was to withdraw the blood of the tumor to shrink the tumor.The third step was to damage the shrunk tumor by RFA. ResultsThere were 13 patients with GHH met the inclusion criteria.The median preoperative diameter was 8.0 cm.The median volume of withdrawing blood was 78 mL.The median diameter after withdrawing blood was 5.3 cm.The diameters between after and before withdrawing blood had a significant difference (P<0.01).The time for damaging tumor blood supply was (4.4±1.0) min.The median frequency of tumor RFA was 4 times.The median time of tumor RFA was 16 min.The median time of total operation was 20 min.There were 3 cases of tumor residual after RFA,10 cases were met full damage,and the damage rate was 85.9%-100% with an average of 97.0%.The hospital stay after RFA was (3.9±1.2) d.One case was remission after conservative treatment because of complication. ConclusionThe preliminary results of limited cases in this study show that three-step RFA for GHH is effective and safe,but it needs to be researched for large samples data.
Objective To compare short-term clinical outcomes of bipolar/unipolar radiofrequency （RF） ablation for the treatment of permanent atrial fibrillation（AF） of patients with rheumatic valvular heart disease. Methods Clinicaldata of 124 patients with rheumatic valvular heart disease and permanent AF who underwent heart valve replacement and concomitant bipolar/unipolar RF ablation in Wuhan Asia Heart Hospital from February 2011 to December 2011 were retros- pectively analyzed. According to different RF ablation methods，all the 124 patients were divided into bipolar group and unipolar group. There were 62 patients in the bipolar group including 29 males and 33 females with their age of 44.20±8.61 years，and 62 patients in the unipolar group including 33 males and 29 females with their age of 46.40±9.48 years. Electrocardiogram examinations were performed at the time of intraoperative heart re-beating，the very postoperative day，7 days，1 month，3 months and 6 months postoperatively to detect restoration of sinus rhythm. Results There was no in-hospital death or ablation-related complication in either group. Aortic cross-clamp time（70.05±22.02 min vs. 54.47±20.65 min，P=0.025） and RF ablation time（25.12±3.00 min vs. 15.70±3.02 min，P=0.000）of the bipolar group were significantly longer than those of the unipolar group. At the time of intraoperative heart re-beating，the lst and 7th day after operation， sinus rhythm restoration rates were 88.71%，87.10%，80.65% respectively in the bipolar group，85.48%，77.42%，72.58% respectively in the unipolar group，and there was no statistical difference between the two groups （P＞0.05）. In the 1st，3rd and 6th postoperative month，sinus rhythm restoration rates of the bipolar group （79.03%，75.81%，72.58% respectively） were significantly higher than those of the unipolar group （59.68%，50.00%，48.38% respectively，P＜0.05）. Conclusion Clinical outcomes of RF ablation for the treatment of permanent AF of patients with rheumatic valvular heart disease are satisfactory. Unipolar RF ablation has the advantage of being time-saving and easier technique，while short-term sinus rhythm restoration rate of bipolar RF ablation is higher than that of unipolar RF ablation for the treatment of permanent AF.