Radiofrequency Ablation Complicated by Skin Burn

ABSTRACT

Radiofrequency (RF) ablation has been increasingly utilized as a minimally invasive treatment for primary and metastatic liver tumors, as well as tumors in the kidneys, bones, and adrenal glands. The development of high-current RF ablation has subsequently led to an increased risk of thermal skin injuries at the grounding pad site. The incidence of skin burns in recent studies ranges from 0.1–3.2% for severe skin burns (second-/third-degree), and from 5–33% for first-degree burns.^1–3

KEYWORDS

Colorectal cancer - radiofrequency ablation - complications

REFERENCES

• 1 Mulier S, Mulier P, Ni Y et al.. Complications of radiofrequency coagulation of liver tumours.  Br J Surg. 2002;  89 (10) 1206-1222
• 2 Rhim H. Complications of radiofrequency ablation in hepatocellular carcinoma.  Abdom Imaging. 2005;  30 (4) 409-418
• 3 Steinke K, Gananadha S, King J, Zhao J, Morris D L. Dispersive pad site burns with modern radiofrequency ablation equipment.  Surg Laparosc Endosc Percutan Tech. 2003;  13 (6) 366-371
• 4 Goldberg S N, Solbiati L, Halpern E F, Gazelle G S. Variables affecting proper system grounding for radiofrequency ablation in an animal model.  J Vasc Interv Radiol. 2000;  11 (8) 1069-1075
• 5 Thiagalingam A, Pouliopoulos J M, Barry M A et al.. A thermochromic dispersive electrode can measure the underlying skin temperature and prevent burns during radiofrequency ablation.  J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol. 2005;  16 (7) 781-788
• 6 Berber E, Flesher N L, Siperstein A E. Initial clinical evaluation of the RITA 5-centimeter radiofrequency thermal ablation catheter in the treatment of liver tumours.  Cancer J Sci Am. 2000;  6 319-329
• 7 James W D, Berger T G, Elston D M. Andrews' Diseases of the Skin, Clinical Dermatology. 10th ed. Philadelphia: Saunders; 2000
• 8 Schutt D J, Swindle M M, Bastarrika G A, Haemmerich D. Sequential activation of ground pads reduces skin heating during radiofrequency ablation: initial in vivo porcine results.  Conf Proc IEEE Eng Med Biol Soc. 2009;  2009 4287-4290