Hitzeablation

Hitzeablation, also known as thermal ablation, is a medical procedure that uses heat to destroy abnormal or diseased tissue. It is a minimally invasive technique employed in various medical specialties, including oncology, cardiology, and pain management. The principle behind hitzeablation is to precisely elevate the temperature of a target area to a level that causes cell death.

Several methods are used to deliver heat for ablation. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a common technique that uses alternating current to generate heat within the tissue. Microwave ablation utilizes electromagnetic waves to induce molecular friction, thus producing heat. Laser ablation employs focused laser beams to vaporize or coagulate tissue. Ultrasound energy, both high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) and percutaneous ultrasound, can also be used to generate therapeutic heat. Cryoablation, while using cold instead of heat, is often discussed alongside thermal ablation as a destructive tissue treatment.

Hitzeablation procedures are typically performed percutaneously, meaning through a small incision or needle insertion, guided by imaging techniques such as ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI. This minimizes damage to surrounding healthy tissues and leads to shorter recovery times compared to traditional surgery. Applications for hitzeablation are diverse, ranging from treating tumors in the liver, lungs, and kidneys to eliminating cardiac arrhythmias and managing chronic pain by destroying nerve fibers. The success and safety of hitzeablation depend on factors such as the size and location of the abnormal tissue, as well as the chosen ablation modality.