Hepatic Cryotherapy Involving the Vena cava

Abstract

Liver tumors located near the retrohepatic vena cava are often considered nonresectable. For these patients cryoablation could be a therapeutic option. In this study the safety and efficacy of hepatic cryosurgery involving the retrohepatic vena cava were investigated. Cryolesions involving the vena cava were created in 26 pigs. Follow-up was 24 h and 14 days. The extent of the cryolesion, damage to the vena cava and complications were assessed after autopsy. The cyronecrosis extended into the wall of the vena cava in 81% of the animals. All animals had an uneventful recovery without any complications such as ruptures of the vessel, thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. Microscopically elastic and collagenous fibers of the cava wall remained intact. The continuity of the vessel wall was conserved. In conclusion, the safety and efficacy of cryosurgical treatment involving the retrohepatic vena cava were shown in a pig model.

Research trends and areas of focus on cryoablation and oncology: A bibliometric analysis from 2001 to 2020

“…During this period, researchers have focused on the mechanism of direct tissue damage by cryogenic temperature and the effects of ice sphere shape, range, freezing time, several freezethaw cycles, and peri-lesion tissue on the freezing effect. [30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38] Compared with ex vivo models, animal models can better meet experimental requirements and help investigators optimize these factors before conducting human trials. In the thematic map for the period from 2013 to 2020, the representative keywords of this research theme, in addition to "animal model," shift to "immunotherapy" and "chemotherapy."…”

Liver-Directed Therapies for Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma

“…The sharply delineated edge of the ice ball corresponds to the zero degree isotherm. Cryoablation has been preferred to RFA and MWA for ablation of masses adjacent to critical structures such as the diaphragm, 172 major blood vessels, 173 and gallbladder. 174 It should be mentioned that the safety of RFA ablation adjacent to the hepatic, nonperitonealized surface of the gallbladder has also been reported.…”