Microwave Ablation for Aggressive Bone Lesions

MWA is particularly effective for treating large, advanced or aggressive bone tumors located close to sensitive structures where larger ablation zones are essential. Microwaves at 915-2,450 MHz penetrate deeper into tissue and produce rapid intracellular heating through molecular vibration. MWA probes can generate larger ablation volumes of 5 cm or more in a single insertion. This makes it ideal for fungating tumors or those recurring after previous therapies. However, heat sink effects from blood flow need to be accounted for. Ongoing technical improvements currently enable real-time monitoring and variable power delivery for optimizing heat distribution with MWA.

Types of Ablation Technologies

There are several technologies available for Bone Tumor Ablation Devices ablation depending on the type, size and location of the tumor. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) employs high-frequency alternating current to create localized heat and induce coagulative necrosis in tumors. Microwave ablation (MWA) uses electromagnetic microwaves as the energy source for fast tissue heating through molecular agitation. Cryoablation freezes the tumor using extreme cold produced byliquid nitrogen injection probes. High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) utilizes targeted ultrasound energy beams to thermally destroy tissue through precise coagulation without touching the patient's body. Laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) applies laser light through thin fiber-optic probes to specifically heat up and coagulate tumors with image guidance. Each of these modalities offer certain advantages over others depending on the clinical scenario.

Radiofrequency Ablation for Bone Tumors

RFA has become one of the most widely used bone tumor ablation techniques. It employs a small needle-like electrode probe inserted percutaneously under imaging guidance directly into the tumor. Alternating current of around 460-500 kHz at the probe tip causes localized frictional heating and coagulative necrosis of surrounding tissues up to 5 cm away from the tip through conduction. RFA is best suited for osteoid osteomas, metastatic bone cancers and some painful benign bone lesions. Compared to open resection, RFA provides equivalent pain relief and local tumor control with less morbidity. Post-treatment, only a small puncture hole remains without significant scarring. MRgFUS technology enhances RFA by combining ultrasound energy with RF to increase the ablation zone as required. 

Gets More Insights on: Bone Tumor Ablation Devices