Percutaneous thermal ablation of hepatocellular carcinomas located in the hepatic dome using artificial carbon dioxide pneumothorax: retrospective evaluation of safety and efficacy

Diaphragmatic Injury with Empyema Development after Microwave Ablation of a Liver Dome Lesion

Percutaneous microwave ablation (MWA) of the liver is a minimally invasive procedure that utilizes high frequency electromagnetic waves to generate heat and induce tumor necrosis. MWA has been proven to be a safe and effective treatment option for primary and metastatic liver tumors. The treatment of liver dome lesions can present a technical challenge due to the proximity of the hepatic dome to the diaphragm and lung parenchyma. In this report, we present a case of diaphragmatic injury and subsequent empyema following MWA of a liver dome lesion.

3.0-T closed MR-guided microwave ablation for HCC located under the hepatic dome: a single-center experience

PURPOSE

To analyze the clinical safety and efficacy of 3.0-T closed MR-guided microwave ablation (MWA) for the treatment of HCC located under the hepatic dome.

METHODS

From May 2018 to October 2020, 49 patients with 74 HCCs located under the hepatic dome underwent MWA using 3.0-T closed MR guidance. The technical success rate, operative time, complete ablation (CA) rate, complications, local tumor progression (LTP), tumor-free survival (TFS) and overall survival (OS) were examined. Routine blood analysis, liver/kidney function and alpha fetoprotein (AFP) and protein induced by vitamin k absent or antagonist (PIVKA) levels were compared before and 2 months after MWA.

RESULTS

All patients underwent MWA successfully, including 10 patients who underwent general anesthesia. The technical success rate was 100% without major complications. The CA rate was 95.9% (71/74) at the 2-month evaluation. The LTP rate was 2.7% during the median follow-up of 17.8 months (range: 4-43 months); the 6-, 12-, 18-month TFS rates were 97.8, 90.6, 68.1%, respectively, and the 6-, 12-, 18-month OS rates were 100, 97.6, 92.1%, respectively. There were no significant changes in routine blood tests and liver/kidney function (p > 0.05), while the AFP and PIVKA level decreased significantly at 2 months (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

3.0-T MR-guided MWA is safe and feasible for HCC lesions located under the hepatic dome.

Indian College of Radiology and Imaging Guidelines on Interventions in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies and a significant cause of cancer-related death. Treatment of HCC depends on the stage of the tumor. As many patients with HCC are not deemed fit for surgical resection or liver transplantation, locoregional therapies play an essential role in the management. Image-guided locoregional treatments include percutaneous ablative therapies and endovascular therapies. The choice of an individual or a combination of therapies is guided by the tumor and patient characteristics. As the outcomes of image-guided locoregional treatments depend on the ability to achieve necrosis of the entire tumor along with a safety margin around it, it is mandatory to follow standard guidelines. In this manuscript, we discuss in detail the various aspects of image-guided locoregional therapies to guide interventional radiologists involved in the care of patients with HCC.

Combination Therapy by Transarterial Injection of Miriplatin-Iodized Oil Suspension with Microwave Ablation for Medium-Sized Hepatocellular Carcinoma: the Preliminary Experience

PURPOSE

To evaluate the feasibility and safety of transarterial injection of a miriplatin-iodized oil suspension combined with Emprint miriplatin-iodized oil suspension-microwave ablation in patients with medium-sized (3-5 cm) hepatocellular carcinomas.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective study included a total of 11 patients with 12 hepatocellular carcinomas (mean size, 3.6 ± 0.6 cm) underwent miriplatin-iodized oil suspension-microwave ablation. Microwave ablation was performed under the guidance of computed tomography fluoroscopy following transarterial miriplatin-iodized oil suspension injection on the same day. Technical success, complications, and local tumor progression were assessed.

RESULTS

The primary and secondary technical success rates were 75.0% and 100%, respectively. The number of treatment sessions per nodule was 1.25 ± 0.45. A total 15 sessions were required to achieve technical success (one session in nine lesions, two sessions in three lesions). Two major complications (pneumothorax [n = 1] and hemorrhage [n = 1]) occurred (2/15, 13.3%). No local tumor progression was observed during the follow-up period (mean 12.0 ± 2.0 months, range 2.7-23.9 months).

CONCLUSIONS

Miriplatin-iodized oil suspension-microwave ablation for medium-sized hepatocellular carcinomas can be safely performed with good local control.

CT-guided microwave ablation of hepatic malignancies via transpulmonary approach without ancillary techniques

Objectives:

The objectives of the study were to determine the safety and efficacy of computed tomography (CT)-guided transpulmonary percutaneous microwave ablation (MWA) for hepatic malignancies without the use of ancillary techniques.

Material and Methods:

A retrospective review was performed on patients who underwent MWA for hepatic malignancy between January 2014 and February 2020 at a single tertiary center. Imaging was reviewed for each procedure to identify MWA showing transpleural transgression on CT scans. For these patients, demographics, ablation data, pulmonary complication rate, and predictors of pneumothorax were analyzed.

Results:

A total of 71 consecutive sessions (62.1 ± 11.3 years, 79% of males) of MWA were performed to treat 71 tumors (1.90 ± 0.96 cm) via transpulmonary approach under CT guidance. Technical success was achieved in all cases immediately after the procedure. At 1-month follow-up, 65/69 (94.2%) patients had no residual disease (two patients were lost to follow-up). Pulmonary complications occurred in 26/71 (36.6%) sessions, and 15/26 (57.7%) were minor requiring no intervention. Pneumothorax occurred in 14/71 (19.7%) sessions, and the rate of major pneumothorax requiring chest tube was 8/71 (11.3%). Lesions on the left side of the liver (segments I–IV) and intraprocedural probe adjustment were found to be independent predictors of developing major pneumothorax (P = 0.007 and 0.028, respectively). There were no reported pulmonary complications at the 1-month follow-up.

Conclusion:

CT-guided transpulmonary MWA is safe and effective in treating hepatic malignancies. Although it is associated with the risk of developing pulmonary complications, patients underwent successful ablation of their hepatic malignancies without life-threatening complications and mortality.

Feasibility, safety, and efficacy of artificial carbon dioxide pneumothorax for computed tomography fluoroscopy-guided percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma

PURPOSE

To retrospectively assess the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of artificial carbon dioxide (CO₂) pneumothorax for computed tomography (CT) fluoroscopy-guided percutaneous radiofrequency (RF) ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study included 26 sessions of 24 patients in whom the creation of artificial CO₂ pneumothorax was attempted to avoid the transpulmonary route during CT fluoroscopy-guided percutaneous RF ablation of HCC between April 2011 and December 2017. In these 26 sessions, 29 HCCs (mean tumor diameter: 12 mm, range: 6-22 mm) were treated.

RESULTS

Adequate lung displacement after induction of artificial CO₂ pneumothorax was achieved in 23 of the 26 sessions (88.5%). In the remaining three sessions, transpulmonary RF ablation, transthoracic extrapulmonary RF ablation after switching to an artificial pleural effusion procedure, or RF ablation with electrode insertion in the caudal-cranial oblique direction was performed. No major complications were found. Among the 29 treated tumors, one (3.4%) showed local progression, and the other 28 (96.6%) were completely ablated at the last follow-up (mean follow-up period: 39.3 months, range: 7-78 months).

CONCLUSION

Artificial CO₂ pneumothorax for CT fluoroscopy-guided percutaneous RF ablation appeared to be a feasible, safe, and useful therapeutic option for HCC.

Imaging after percutaneous thermal and non-thermal ablation of hepatic tumour: normal appearances, progression and complications

The increasing number of liver tumours treated by percutaneous ablation leads all radiologists to be confronted with the difficult interpretation of post-ablation imaging. Radiofrequency and microwave techniques are most commonly used. Recently, irreversible electroporation treatments that do not induce coagulation necrosis but cellular apoptose and respect the collagen architecture of bile ducts and vessels have been introduced and lead to specific post-ablation features and evolution. Ablations cause 'normal' changes in ablation and periablation zones. It is necessary to know these post-ablation features to avoid the misinterpretation of recurrence or complication that would lead to unnecessary treatments. Another challenge for the radiologist is to detect as early as possible the residual unablated tumour or the disease progression (local progression and tumour seeding) that will require a new treatment. Finally, the complications, frequent or rarer, should be recognised to be managed adequately. The purpose of this article is therefore to describe the large spectrum of normal and pathological aspects related to the treatment of hepatic tumour by percutaneous thermal ablation and irreversible electroporation ablation.

Feasibility, safety and accuracy of a CT-guided robotic assistance for percutaneous needle placement in a swine liver model

Evaluate the feasibility, safety and accuracy of a CT-guided robotic assistance for percutaneous needle placement in the liver. Sixty-six fiducials were surgically inserted into the liver of ten swine and used as targets for needle insertions. All CT-scan acquisitions and robotically-assisted needle insertions were coordinated with breath motion using respiratory monitoring. Skin entry and target points were defined on planning CT-scan. Then, robotically-assisted insertions of 17G needles were performed either by experienced interventional radiologists or by a novice. Post-needle insertion CT-scans were acquired to assess accuracy (3D deviation, ie. distance from needle tip to predefined target) and safety. All needle insertions (43/43; median trajectory length = 83 mm (interquartile range [IQR] 72–105 mm) could be performed in one (n = 36) or two (n = 7) attempts (100% feasibility). Blinded evaluation showed an accuracy of 3.5 ± 1.3 mm. Accuracy did not differ between novice and experienced operators (3.7 ± 1.3 versus 3.4 ± 1.2 mm, P = 0.44). Neither trajectory angulation nor trajectory length significantly impacted accuracy. No complications were encountered. Needle insertion using the robotic device was shown feasible, safe and accurate in a swine liver model. Accuracy was influenced neither by the trajectory length nor by trajectory angulations nor by operator’s experience. A prospective human clinical trial is recruiting.

Combination therapy by transarterial injection of miriplatin-iodized oil suspension with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) versus microwave ablation (MWA) for small hepatocellular carcinoma: a comparison of therapeutic efficacy

PURPOSE

To compare the technical efficacy and complications of the transarterial injection of a miriplatin-iodized oil suspension combined with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) or microwave ablation (MWA) in the treatment of small hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective study included 123 HCCs in 101 patients treated with the transarterial injection of a miriplatin-iodized oil suspension and RFA (MPT-RFA) (maximum diameter: 1.5 [Formula: see text] 0.5 cm, range: 0.6-3.0 cm) and 68 HCCs in 49 patients treated with the transarterial injection of a miriplatin-iodized oil suspension and MWA (MPT-MWA) (maximum diameter: 1.6 [Formula: see text] 0.7 cm, range: 0.5-3.0 cm). Technical success was defined as the achievement of an ablative margin of at least 5 mm for each tumor. Technical success, complications, and local tumor progression were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

The initial technical success rate was significantly higher with MPT-MWA (94.1%) than with MPT-RFA (76.4%; P = 0.003). The number of treatment sessions per nodule was significantly lower with MPT-MWA (1.1) than with MPT-RFA (1.3) (P = 0.004). The major complication rates were similar with MPT-RFA (5.8%) and MPT-MWA (2.7%) (P = 0.391). The one-year local tumor progression rate was similar between MPT-RFA (0%) and MPT-MWA (0%) (P = 0.73).

CONCLUSION

MPT-MWA may have improved therapeutic efficiency in the treatment of small HCCs.

Percutaneous ablation of obscure hypovascular liver tumours in challenging locations using arterial CT-portography guidance

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, safety and efficacy of percutaneous ablation (PA) of obscure hypovascular liver tumors in challenging locations using arterial CT-portography (ACP) guidance.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 26 patients with a total of 28 obscure, hypovascular malignant liver tumors were included. There were 18 men and 6 women with a mean age of 58±14 (SD) years (range: 37-75 years). The tumors had a mean diameter of 14±10 (SD) mm (range: 7-24mm) and were intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (4/28; 14%), liver metastases from colon cancer (18/28; 64%), corticosurrenaloma (3/28; 11%) or liver metastases from breast cancer (3/28; 11%). All tumors were in challenging locations including subcapsular (14/28; 50%), liver dome (9/28; 32%) or perihilar (5/28; 18%) locations. A total of 28 PA (12 radiofrequency ablations, 11 microwave ablations and 5 irreversible electroporations) procedures were performed under ACP guidance.

RESULTS

A total of 67 needles [mean: 2.5±1.5 (SD); range: 1-5] were inserted under ACP guidance, with a 100% technical success rate for PA. Median total effective dose was 26.5 mSv (IQR: 19.1, 32.2 mSv). Two complications were encountered (pneumothorax; one abscess both with full recovery), yielding a complication rate of 7%. No significant change in mean creatinine clearance was observed (80.5mL/min at baseline and 85.3mL/min at day 7; P=0.8). Post-treatment evaluation of the ablation zone was overestimated on ACP compared with conventional CT examination in 3/28 tumors (11%). After a median follow-up of 20 months (range: 12-35 months), local tumor progression was observed in 2/28 tumours (7%).

CONCLUSION

ACP guidance is feasible and allows safe and effective PA of obscure hypo-attenuating liver tumors in challenging locations without damaging the renal function and with acceptable radiation exposure. Post-treatment assessment should be performed using conventional CT or MRI to avoid size overestimation of the ablation zone.

One-lung ventilation for percutaneous thermal ablation of liver tumors in the hepatic dome

Purpose: To investigate the feasibility, efficacy and safety of one-lung ventilation for percutaneous thermal ablation of liver tumors in the hepatic dome.Materials and methods: From 5 January 2017 to 16 April 2019, 64 patients who underwent ultrasound-guided thermal ablation with a total of 75 liver malignant tumors located in the hepatic dome were enrolled in the present study. One-lung ventilation was employed to improve the acoustic window and protect the lung and diaphragm. If the one-lung ventilation was unsuccessful, artificial pleural effusion was added. The technical efficacy was confirmed by contrast-enhanced computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (CT/MRI) 1 month later. After that, CT/MRI was performed every 3-6 months.Results: Among the enrolled patients, the technical success rate of one lung ventilation was 92.2% (59/64). The visibility scores of tumors were improved significantly after one-lung ventilation compared to those before one-lung ventilation (p < .001). Finally, 78.6% (55/70) of the tumors achieved clinical success of one-lung ventilation to become clearly visible and underwent thermal ablation. Fourteen of the remaining 15 tumors achieved a satisfactory acoustic window after combination of artificial pleural effusion. One lesion remained inconspicuous and partly affected by pulmonary gas. The follow-up period was 8 months (3-30 months). The technical efficacy rate was confirmed to be 100% (75/75). During the follow-up period, local tumor progression occurred in 2 patients (2/75, 2.7%). Major complications occurred in two patients (2/64, 3.1%) receiving one-lung ventilation.Conclusions: One-lung ventilation is a promising noninvasive method for the thermal ablation of hepatic dome tumors due to its efficacy and safety.

SN, Kulkarni S, Shetty NS, Gupta A, Gupta S. Indian Society of Vascular and Interventional Radiology Expert Consensus Statements for Ablation in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Part I

Locoregional therapies play an important role in the management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Percutaneous ablation is one of the most commonly employed nonsurgical methods for treating very early and early HCC. For small HCCs, ablation is potentially curative and competes with surgical resection. The widespread availability and the spectrum of ablative techniques mandate uniform approach among interventional radiologists. Thus, it is desirable to have a consensus regarding various aspects of liver ablation. This article represents a consensus document of the experts from the Indian Society of Vascular and Interventional Radiology involved in the care of patients with HCC. The statements are presented in two parts.

Stereotactic Image-Guided Microwave Ablation for Malignant Liver Tumors-A Multivariable Accuracy and Efficacy Analysis

Background: Therapeutic success of thermal ablation for liver tumors depends on precise placement of ablation probes and complete tumor destruction with a safety margin. We investigated factors influencing targeting accuracy and treatment efficacy of percutaneous stereotactic image-guided microwave ablation (SMWA) for malignant liver neoplasms. Materials and methods: All consecutive patients treated with SMWA for malignant liver tumors over a 3-year period were analyzed. A computed tomography-based navigation system was used for ablation probe trajectory planning, stereotactic probe positioning, and validation of probe positions and ablation zones. Factors potentially influencing targeting accuracy [target positioning error (TPE)] and treatment efficacy within 6 months [ablation site recurrence (ASR)] were analyzed in a multivariable regression model, including challenging lesion locations (liver segments I, VII, and VIII; subphrenic location). Results: Three hundred one lesions (174 hepatocellular carcinomas, 87 colorectal liver metastases, 17 neuroendocrine tumors, and 23 others) were targeted in 191 interventions in 153 patients. The median TPE per ablation probe was 2.9 ± 2.3 mm (n = 384). Correction of ablation probe positions by repositioning was necessary in 4 out of 301 lesions (1%). Factors significantly influencing targeting accuracy were cirrhosis (R 0.67, CI 0.22-1.12) and targeting trajectory length (R 0.21, CI 0.12-0.29). Factors significantly influencing early ASR were lesion size >30 mm (OR 5.22, CI 2.44-11.19) and TPE >5 mm (OR 2.48, CI 1.06-5.78). Challenging lesion locations had no significant influence on targeting accuracy or early ASR. Conclusions: SMWA allows precise and effective treatment of malignant liver tumors even for lesions in challenging locations, with treatment efficacy depending on targeting accuracy in our model. Allowing for many tumors to be safely reached, SMWA has the potential to broaden treatment eligibility for patients with otherwise difficult to target tumors.

Combination of HSP90 and autophagy inhibitors promotes hepatocellular carcinoma apoptosis following incomplete thermal ablation

The present study evaluated the effect of combining inhibitors (17-AAG) of heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) and autophagy (3-MA) on apoptosis using an incomplete thermal ablation animal model. A total of 28 orthotopic mice with hepatocellular carcinoma were randomly divided into 4 groups to receive different drug interventions. Following palliative laser ablation, changes in autophagy, apoptosis and Akt/mTOR expression levels were assessed in tumors. Compared with the controls, the 17-AAG-treated mice exhibited significantly decreased expression levels of phosphorylated (p)-Akt and p-mTOR with enhanced autophagy and apoptosis; no marked increases in the expression levels of p-Akt and p-mTOR were observed in the 3-MA-treated mice, with no significant changes in autophagy; however, apoptosis was enhanced. No significant decreases in p-Akt and p-mTOR or any increase in autophagy were observed in the mice receiving a combination of 17-AAG and 3-MA, but they did exhibit a marked increase in apoptosis. Compared with 17-AAG alone, the combination of 17-AAG and 3-MA resulted in a marked increase in apoptosis without enhanced autophagy. In the incomplete ablation model, the effects of autophagy and apoptosis are antagonistic. The combined use of 17-AAG and 3-MA can significantly promote apoptosis and is worthy of further study.

Computed tomography-guided radiofrequency ablation combined with transarterial embolization assisted by a three-dimensional visualization ablation planning system for hepatocellular carcinoma in challenging locations: a preliminary study

OBJECTIVE

To assess the clinical efficacy and safety of computed tomography-guided radiofrequency ablation(CT-RFA) combined with transarterial embolization(TAE) assisted by a three-dimensional visualization ablation planning system(3DVAPS) for hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) in challenging locations.

METHODS

Data from 62 treatment-naive patients with hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC), with 83 lesions in challenging locations, and who met the Milan criteria and underwent CT-RFA between June 2013 and June 2016 were reviewed. Patients were divided into one of two groups according to different treatment modalities: study group (TAE combined with RFA assisted by 3DVAPS [n = 32]); and control (RFA only [n = 30]). Oncological outcomes included ablation-related complications, local tumor progression (LTP), and overall survival (OS). Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were performed to assess risk factors associated with LTP and OS.

RESULTS

HCC lesions (mean size, 1.9 ± 1.0 mm in diameter) abutting the gastrointestinal tract (n = 25), heart and diaphragm (n = 21), major vessels (n = 13), and gallbladder (n = 3) were treated. A significant difference was detected in LTP between the two groups (P = 0.034), with no significant difference in OS between the two groups (P = 0.193). There were no severe complications related to ablation. Univariate analysis revealed that sex (P = 0.046) and child-turcotte-pugh (CTP) grade (P<0.001) were risk factors for OS, whereas CTP grade and treatment method (P<0.001) were risk factors for LTP. Multivariate analysis revealed that CTP grade B (P = 0.005) was independently associated with poor OS, and RFA alone (P<0.001) was independently associated with poor LTP.

CONCLUSION

CT-RFA combined with TAE assisted by a 3DVAPS provided ideal clinical efficiency for HCC in challenging locations and was a highly safe treatment modality.

Multimodal Percutaneous Thermal Ablation of Small Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Predictive Factors of Recurrence and Survival in Western Patients

Background: To identify the predictive factors of recurrence and survival in an unselected population of Western patients who underwent multimodal percutaneous thermal ablation (PTA) for small Hepatocellular Carcinomas (HCCs). Methods: January 2015–June 2019: data on multimodal PTA for <3 cm HCC were extracted from a prospective database. Local tumor progression (LTP), intrahepatic distant recurrence (IDR), time-to-LTP, time-to-IDR, recurrence-free (RFS) and overall (OS) survival were evaluated. Results: 238 patients underwent 317 PTA sessions to treat 412 HCCs. During follow-up (median: 27.1 months), 47.1% patients had IDR and 18.5% died. LTP occurred after 13.3% of PTA. Tumor size (OR = 1.108, p < 0.001; hazard ratio (HR) = 1.075, p = 0.002) and ultrasound guidance (OR = 0.294, p = 0.017; HR = 0.429, p = 0.009) independently predicted LTP and time-to-LTP, respectively. Alpha fetoprotein (AFP) > 100 ng/mL (OR = 3.027, p = 0.037) and tumor size (OR = 1.06, p = 0.001) independently predicted IDR. Multinodular HCC (HR = 2.67, p < 0.001), treatment-naïve patient (HR = 0.507, p = 0.002) and AFP > 100 ng/mL (HR = 2.767, p = 0.014) independently predicted time-to-IDR. RFS was independently predicted by multinodular HCC (HR = 2.144, p = 0.001), treatment naivety (HR = 0.546, p = 0.004) and AFP > 100 ng/mL (HR = 2.437, p = 0.013). The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score > 2 (HR = 4.273, p = 0.011), AFP (HR = 1.002, p < 0.001), multinodular HCC (HR = 3.939, p = 0.003) and steatotic HCC (HR = 1.81 × 10^-16, p < 0.001) independently predicted OS. Conclusions: IDR was associated with tumor aggressiveness, suggesting a metastatic mechanism. Besides AFP association with LTP, IDR, RFS and OS, treatment-naïve patients had longer RFS, and multi-nodularity was associated with shorter RFS and OS. Steatotic HCC, identified on pre-treatment MRI, independently predicted longer OS, and needs to be further explored.

125I seeds implantation for treating residual hepatocellular carcinoma located beneath the diaphragm after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization

PURPOSE

The effect of ¹²⁵I seed implantation for the treatment of local residual tumor of hepatocellular carcinoma located beneath the diaphragm (HCC-LBD) after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) has not yet been reported. This retrospective study was performed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of ¹²⁵I seeds implantation (ISI) for the treatment of residual HCC-LBD after TACE.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

A total of 18 patients treated with ISI between August 2012 and March 2018 for residual HCC-LBD after single or multiple TACE were enrolled. Local control, survival, and postoperative complications were analyzed retrospectively. Overall followup time was displayed by survival curves.

RESULTS

The 18 patients received a total of 20 ISI treatments. The total number of seeds implanted was 650, with a mean of 36 ± 13 seeds per patients (range, 20-70). Mean D90 was 123 Gy. Complete response + partial response (CR + PR) was documented in 14, 16, and 16 of patients at 3, 6, and 12 months after implantation, respectively. In four patients, seeds implantation was performed through the diaphragm; two of these patients developed small pneumothoraces. Pulmonary compression of pneumothorax is less than 30% combined with a little blood in sputum, no chest tightness, shortness of breath, all symptoms subsided without interventions, and the patients were discharged after observation for 2 days. After the procedure, routine blood examination and liver and kidney function were normal.

CONCLUSION

The combination of TACE with ISI appears to be a safe and efficient treatment for residual HCC-BLD.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

This study evaluated the feasibility, safety, and short-term efficacy of ISI for local residual tumor of hepatocellular carcinoma located beneath the diaphragm (HCC-LBD) after TACE. Results suggest that residual tumor of HCC after TACE located in the posterosuperior part of the liver (segments seven and eight), laparoscopic liver resection, and alblation is difficult to perform and that as a supplement treatment, ¹²⁵I seeds implantation is safe and easy accessible. TACE combined with ¹²⁵I seeds has excellent local control effectiveness, and long-term efficacy and survival benefit still need to be more comprehensively evaluated.