Microwave Ablation

Microwave ablation has evolved over the last few decades, with many advances in technology, energy delivery, and clinical applications. This chapter presents a review of the physics and science behind microwave-based ablation. Performance and safety have continuously improved with each newer generation of technology. A comparison of competing energy sources in thermal ablative therapy to highlight treatment advantages seen in microwave technology is presented. The focus is on liver tumor ablation since the most data is available. Current indications for the treatment of liver tumors, as well as the clinical performance of microwave ablation in local tumor control, are discussed. Comparisons of percutaneous and operative approaches are provided. With continued improvements in precision and accuracy of planned ablation zones, microwave ablation will continue to have a growing role in the multimodal management of cancer. Microwave ablation used in combination with surgical resection, as well as salvage for recurrence after resection, has provided for improved survival and many more cures from cancer.