Advances in local ablation of malignant liver lesions

Table 1 Differences comparing radiofrequency ablation to microwave coagulation therapy with regard to physical properties

	RFA	MCT
Electromagnetic waves	Radiowaves	Microwaves
Frequency	0.3-0.5 MHz	915-2450 MHz
Heating target	Ions	H2O (approximately 50%)
Heat distribution	Convective	Direct heating (within field)
Alternating current	Closed circuit	Electromagnetic field
Applicator	Electrode	Antenna
Desiccation	Carbonization	Vaporization
Size of ablation area	Unaltered/slight increase	Marked shrinkage

RFA: Radiofrequency ablation; MCT: Microwave coagulation therapy.