[Radiofrequency ablation: basic principles, techniques and challenges].

Radiofrequency (RF) thermal ablation is a promising and rapidly evolving technique for the minimal invasive treatment of liver malignancies. Until a few years ago, conventional RF treatment performed with a single monopolar electrode produced thermal necrosis lesions not exceeding 1.6 cm in diameter. Substantial improvements in the RF technique included the development of high-power generators (up to 250 watts) combined with open-perfused electrodes, internally cooled-tip electrodes or expandable electrode needles, capable of ablating an area of over 5 cm in diameter. Moreover, angiographically and pharmacologically assisted strategies were introduced for expanding the volume of RF-induced coagulation necrosis. This article presents a synopsis of current RF techniques and reviews the basic principles of RF ablation with the goal of providing guidance for optimal results.