Thermo-ablation par radiofréquence des lésions pulmonaires

Lung radiofrequency (RF) ablation is an CT scan image guided technique of percutaneous tumor destruction. It calls upon thermal destruction by propagating high frequency electric current, that will induce a tissue warming by ionic agitation. This technique has a maximum diameter of destruction of 5 cm. It is suitable for patients with secondary lung tumor or small primitive tumor lower than 4 cm. Indeed a destruction surface 4 times superior to the target lung tumor is a predictive factor of success. Furthermore, tumors located more than 3 mm far from large vessels will be treated more efficiently as the heat sink effect provided by convection is a cause of local recurrence. Lung RF is then more suitable for small lung metastases located more than 3 mm far from large vessels and primitive tumors classified T1a NO MO and surgically recused. Clinical tolerance of this technique is very good without damage caused on the respiratory function. Main complication is pneumothorax, in 60 % of cases, but that don't require drainage in 90 % of cases. The follow-up imagery after RF rests on the FDG PET/CT which is more sensitive than the CT scan. It will be performed at least 3 months after lung radiofrequency.