Cryoablation with a Liquid Nitrogen for Cancer | Uniclinic Frankfurt, Germany

Cryoablation with a liquid nitrogen (LN₂)–based system is a minimally invasive treatment method that can be used to destroy primary and metastatic tumors. Instead of heat, this method uses extreme cold to freeze and kill tumor cells from the inside. Our institute utilizes LN₂-based cryoablation to treat tumors in various organs, including the lungs, liver, and soft tissues, depending on the individual case. During the procedure, a special cryoprobe is inserted directly into the tumor under CT guidance. The probe is connected to a cryoablation system that circulates liquid nitrogen. This creates very low temperatures at the tip of the probe, forming an “ice ball” that gradually engulfs the tumor. The intense cold causes ice crystals to form within the cancer cells, damaging their blood supply and ultimately leading to cell death. Compared to open surgery, this approach often allows better preservation of healthy surrounding tissue, which is especially important in patients with lung or liver metastases and can help maintain quality of life. Radiologists typically prefer a percutaneous approach, in which the probe is advanced through the skin to the target area. This technique is associated with a low complication rate and usually requires only local anesthesia. After injecting the local anesthetic, a small skin incision of about 2 mm is made, and the patient is given a sedative through a vein to help them relax or sleep lightly. Under CT control, the cryoprobe is then positioned inside the tumor, and one or more freeze–thaw cycles are performed until the entire lesion is covered by the ice ball. Depending on the size and location of the tumor, the procedure typically lasts between 30 and 90 minutes. After treatment, the radiologist removes the probe and closes the puncture canal. Patients are then monitored in our ward for several hours, after which they can usually go home the same day. If tumors recur or new metastatic lesions appear, cryoablation can often be repeated. Follow-up care is performed at regular intervals, usually every three months, using CT or MRI scans to check that all tumor tissue in the treated area has been destroyed. These follow-up examinations also help to detect any new tumors or possible complications at an early stage.