
Ep. 577 Microwave Ablation for Liver Tumors: Techniques & Outcomes with Dr. Driss Raissi
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Sep 30, 2025 Dr. Driss Raissi, an interventional radiologist and division chief at the University of Kentucky, shares his expertise in microwave ablation techniques. He discusses using innovative strategies to tackle various complex cases, including large liver tumors and challenging fistulas. Dr. Raissi introduces his pre-burn technique to reduce complications and reveals his 'lung seal technique' for lung ablation. He also compares microwave versus cryoablation for different tumor types, emphasizing collaboration and effective communication in optimizing ablation outcomes.
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Microwave As A Versatile Tool
- Microwave is a versatile 'Swiss Army knife' for interventional radiology when mastered over many cases.
- Mastery expands indications beyond simple chip shots into complex, high-risk lesions.
Start With A Pre-Burn And Track Ablation
- Do a 'pre-burn' (45–75 W for ~1 minute) at the start of ablations to desiccate tissue and fixate the needle.
- Also always perform track ablation after any needle movement to reduce seeding and bleeding risks.
Overlap Spheres For Large Liver Lesions
- For larger liver tumors, place centrally then create overlapping spherical ablations with 1–2 cm overlap.
- Pull back and reposition the single probe in 3D to overlap full coverage instead of multiple initial needle sticks.
