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Table 1 Characteristics of ablative techniques

From: Ablative techniques for the treatment of benign and malignant breast tumours

 

Imaging guidancea

Appearance

Advantage

Disadvantage

High Intensity Focused Ultrasound

MRI, US

One system integrated with imaging guidance

Non-invasive

Time-consuming

Radiofrequency ablation

MRI, US

Needle connected to system

Time efficient

Minimally invasive

Cryo-ablation

US

Probe connected to system

Freezing instead of heating, analgesic effect

Time-consuming, minimally invasive

Laser ablation

US, CT

Fibre connected to system

Time efficient

Minimally invasive

Microwave ablation

US

Probe connected to system

Time efficient and high thermal efficacy

Minimally invasive, time consuming, more treatment related complications

  1. a US ultrasound, MRI magnetic resonance imaging and CT computed tomography