ABSTRACT
At present,radiofrequency ablation (RFA),as a minimally-invasive and effective therapeutic means,is widely employed for the treatment of hepatic tumors.This technique is especially suitable for the patients with liver tumor who are unwilling to accept surgery or who cannot undergo surgery.In the past 20 years,great development and progress have been achieved in RFA technology.As a main therapeutic tool,the property of the radiofrequency electrode needle has great influence on the curative effect.This paper aims to make a comprehensive summary about the radiofrequency electrode needles that are currently used in clinical practice or are still in the research and development stage,focusing on the following special radiofrequency electrode needles,including multiple-point expandable electrode needle,perfusion electrode needle,internal cooling electrode needle and bipolar electrode needle.The properties and distinguishing features of these radiofrequency electrode needles will be discussed,and their advantages and disadvantages will be compared.In order to improve the curative effect of RFA for hepatic tumors,further research is suggested.