Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of virtual tumours in canine kidney using Global Positioning System-like technology.

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? We have previously shown that percutaneous radiofrequency ablation guided by image-fusion technology allows for precise needle placement with real time ultrasound superimposed with pre-loaded imaging, removing the need for real-time CT or MR guidance. Emerging technology also allows real-time tracking of a treatment needle within an organ in a virtually created 3D format. To our knowledge, this is the first study utilising a sophisticated ultrasound-based navigation system that uses both image-fusion and real-time probe-tracking technologies for in-vivo renal ablative intervention. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the feasibility, accuracy and efficacy of ultrasonography (US)-guided percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in the canine kidney model using novel Global Positioning System-like probe tracking technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]