Objective To compare the accuracy of a robotic interventional radiologist (IR) assistance platform with a standard freehand technique for computed-tomography (CT)-guided biopsy and simulated radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Methods The accuracy of freehand single-pass needle insertions into abdominal phantoms was compared with insertions facilitated with the use of a robotic assistance platform (n = 20 each). Post-procedural CTs were analysed for needle placement error. Percutaneous RFA was simulated by sequentially placing five 17-gauge needle introducers into 5-cm diameter masses (n = 5) embedded within an abdominal phantom. Simulated ablations were planned based on pre-procedural CT, before multi-probe placement was executed freehand. Multi-probe placement was then performed on the same 5-cm mass using the ablation planning software and robotic assistance. Post-procedural CTs were analysed to determine the percentage of untreated residual target. Results Mean needle tip-to-target errors were reduced with use of the IR assistance platform (both P < 0.0001). Reduced percentage residual tumour was observed with treatment planning (P = 0.02). Conclusion Improved needle accuracy and optimised probe geometry are observed during simulated CT-guided biopsy and percutaneous ablation with use of a robotic IR assistance platform. This technology may be useful for clinical CT-guided biopsy and RFA, when accuracy may have an impact on outcome.

Percutaneous ablation is a mainstay of treatment for early stage, unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Recent advances in technology have created multiple ablative modalities for treatment of this common malignancy. The purpose of this review is to familiarize readers with the technical and clinical aspects of both existing and emerging percutaneous treatment options for HCC.

Chronic post-thoracotomy pain syndrome (PTPS) can cause significant patient distress and is frequently difficult to manage. Percutaneous intercostal nerve (ICN) cryoablation by palpation of surface landmarks can be risky, as inaccurate probe placement can lead to hemo- or pneumothorax. Experience with image-guided ICN cryoablation with treatment planning and device navigation is limited. A patient with intractable PTPS was treated with ICN cryoablation under cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) guidance with software-assisted needle trajectory planning and ablation zone simulation. This procedure provided the patient approximately 8 weeks of relief. This case demonstrated that ICN cryoablation is feasible under image-guidance with device navigation and ablation simulation, and may result in a few months of pain relief in cases of intractable PTPS.