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.
Abstract： Objective To analyze the influence of preoperative left atrial dimension （LAD） on the effectiveness of surgical radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of atrial fibrillation （AF） through a 5-year postoperative follow-up of AF patients after surgical radiofrequency ablation. Methods Clinical data of 433 patients with persistent or permanent AF who received bipolar radiofrequency ablation procedures during concomitant cardiac surgery in Beijing Anzhen Hospital from 2006 to 2009 were retrospectively analyzed. All the patients were divided into 4 groups according to their preoperative LAD：Group A， 75 patients with their LAD＜50 mm， including 22 males and 53 females with their average age of 56.50±10.05 years；Group B， 89 patients with their LAD ranging from 50 to 60 mm， including 32 males and 57 females with their average age of 55.63±10.28 years；Group C， 117 patients with their LAD ranging from 60 to 70 mm， including 41 males and 76 females with their average age of 55.13±10.96 years；and Group D， 152 patients with their LAD＞70 mm， including 68 males and 84 females with their average age of 53.22±11.49 years. Postoperative ECG records right after surgery， before discharge， at 6 months and 1，2，3，4 and 5 years during follow-up were collected. The relationship between preoperative LAD and postoperative sinus rhythm restoration rate was analyzed. Results There was statistical difference in sinus rhythm restoration rate right after surgery（P=0. 011）， before discharge（P=0. 002）， at 6 months（P＜ 0. 001） and 1 year （P＜0. 001）， 2 years（P＜0. 001）， 3 years（P＜0. 001）， 4 years（P＜0. 001） and 5 years（P= 0. 006） during follow-up among the 4 groups. Postoperative sinus rhythm restoration rates right at 6 months and 1，2，3， 4 and 5 years during follow-up was 90.4%， 89.9%， 90.3%， 91.3%， 89.1%， and 90.9% in Group A， 80.2%，79.0%，78.1%， 76.1%，72.5%，70.0% in Group B，74.7%，74.0%，71.2%，72.4%，70.0%， and 64.7% in Group C， and 61.8%，57.6%，56.8%，53.9%，50.7%，and 48.6% in Group D， respectively. Conclusion Patients with a larger preoperative LAD have a lower postoperative sinus rhythm restoration rate after surgical radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of AF.
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.
Abstract： Objectives To determine the atrial expression of the collagen Ⅰ, collagen Ⅲ and the transforming growth factorbeta 1 (TGF-β1) in patients with rheumatic heart disease (RHD) and permanent atrial fibrillation(PAF) and to investigate the relationship between the extent of atrial fibrosis and the effectiveness of radiofrequency maze procedure in patients with RHD and PAF. Methods A total of 40 patients with RHD and PAF (≥6 months) who underwent a radiofrequency maze procedure with concomitant valvular surgery were collected for the experimental group. We acquired 100 mg of the left auricle tissue in each patient and followed up these patients after 3, 6 months of [CM(158mm]surgery. Then we assigned these patients to nonAF group and persistent AF group according to the results of the 6month followup. Another 10 patients with RHD and sinus rhythm(SR) who underwent valvular surgery alone were assigned to SR group and their left auricle tissue was also obtained. In order to determine the extent of atrial fibrosis, we observed the amount of collagen volume fraction Ⅰ，Ⅲ(CVF-Ⅰ,CVF-Ⅲ) by semiquantitative analysis with picrosirius red staining method. Using the β actin protein as the endogenous reference gene, we detected the expressions of TGF-β1 mRNA by semiquantitative reverse transcriptionpolymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) technique. Results Each group has the same clinical baseline. At 6month follow-up, 28 among the 40 patients were categorized into the nonAF group and 12 into the AF group. (1) Patients in the nonAF group and the AF group had higher mRNA expressions of TGF-β1, CVF-Ⅰ and CVF-Ⅰ/CVF-Ⅲ compared with the SR group (F=6.487, P=0.003; F=3.711, P=0.032; F=3.697, P=0.032). The AF group had higher mRNA expressions of TGF-β1, CVF-Ⅰ and CVF-Ⅰ/CVF-Ⅲ than the nonAF group (t=4.372, P=0.043; t=4.603, P=0.038; t=4.776, P=0.035). But the CVFⅢ had no significant differences among the three groups (P＞0.05). (2) The patients whose left atrial function recovered after Maze procedure had lower mRNA expression than those patients whose left atrial function did not recover in the nonAF group (t=5.570, P=0.027). (3) The TGF-β1 mRNA expression has a positive correlation with both the contents of CVF-Ⅰ and left atrial diameter (r=0.786, Plt;0.05; r=0.858, Plt;0.05). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that the mRNA expression levels of TGF-β1, CVF-Ⅰ and left atrial diameter were independently associated with the postoperative persistence of atrial fibrillation. Conclusion The extent of atrial fibrosis in patients with RHD and PAF may be related to the sinus rhythm restoration and maintenance after AF surgical radiofrequency ablation and the resumption of atrial function.
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.
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.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical application and the efficacy of contrast enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS)guided percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in patients with liver metastases. MethodsTotal 136 patients with 219 liver metastatic tumors, which were detected by CEUS before RFA therapy, were analyzed retrospectively. The diamter of tumors was (3.2±1.2) cm. Among them, the largest tumor more than 3 cm in diameter were found in 48.5% (66 patients), and 57.4% (78 patients) were with solitary metastasis. Enhanced CT and (or) MRI, and laboratory tests were applied to evaluate the outcomes after RFA treatment by regular followup. ResultsTumors were not detected by conventional ultrasonography in two cases, and 47.0% (63/134) of the patients with the largest tumor were 0.3 cm larger by CEUS than by conventional ultrasonography. More 40 tumors were detected in 18.4% (25/136) patients by CEUS. Followup ranged from 3 to 68 months (median time of 12 months). Early tumor necrosis rate one month after therapy was 98.2% (215/219 tumors). The incidence of local recurrence, new intrahepatic metastasis, and extrahepatic metastasis was 16.9% (23/136), 38.2% (52/136), and 8.8% (12/136), respectively. Local recurrence and new intrahepatic metastasis happened 2-25 months (median time of 6 months) after treatment. Local recurrence rates of the largest tumors ≥ 3 cm and tumor lt; 3 cm was 22.7% and 11.4%， respectively (P=0.079). The rate of new intrahepatic metastasis for the solitary metastasis cases was significantly lower than that for multiple metastases cases (25.6% versus 55.2%, P=0.000). The 1, 2, 3year survival rates were 82.5%, 64.3%, and 50.1%, and the 1, 2, 3year local recurrence free survival rates were 67.7%, 53.8%, and 38.3%, respetively. Patients with solitary metastasis survived longer than that with multiple metastases (P=0.034). ConclusionPatients with liver metastases treated by CEUSguided percutaneous RFA can get better survival rate, and CEUS is of much value for clinic application.
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 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.
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.