Experimental Studies

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nine angiographic balloons (mean diameter, 9 mm) were placed in the livers of seven domestic pigs (mean weight, 30.0 kg 6 14.0 [SD]) as tumor-mimicking lesions. By using ultrasonographic and CT guidance, two 2.4or 3.0-mm cryoprobes were placed flanking the balloon, and a 15–20-minute freezing process was performed. Hemostasis was achieved by placing absorbable cellulose fabric down the probe tract. After 24–96 hours, animals were sacrificed, and their livers were removed and were sectioned axially at 5-mm intervals for comparison with CT images.