The sonographer’s role in RFA therapy of liver lesions

Interventional techniques using ultrasound guidance, such as Radio Frequency Ablation (RFA) of liver lesions, are the domain of the radiologist. However, real time ultrasound imaging as performed by the sonographer, is critical in monitoring the successful insertion and placement of the RFA needle. RFA is used to create a localised and controlled application of heat in order to induce necrosis of cells within the liver lesions. The role of the sonographer is to assist in establishing the criteria for RFA therapy. This includes assessing the liver to establish how easily the lesion can be identified; the size of the lesion; its proximity to large blood vessels and adjacent vital organs and the access route to the lesion itself. In essence, in this discussion, the focus will be on the sonographic techniques in the assessment of the liver prior to RFA and the RFA procedure itself. A brief review of the clinical role that can be provided by Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is also included.