Hot tips on hot tips: technical problems with percutaneous insertion of a microwave antenna through rigid tissue.

We report an instance of microwave antenna breakage upon insertion through rigid costal cartilage and tip dislodgement during withdrawal of the antenna. Furthermore, we highlight antenna incompatibility with certain coaxial needles. Given the complexity and fragility of microwave antennas, it is not recommended to insert them through rigid tissue such as cartilage or calcified pleural plaques.