Radio-frequency thermal ablation is one of the most promising minimally invasive 
techniques for the treatment of nonresectable hepatic tumors. Essential 
technical tips to successful radio-frequency ablation therapy were collected 
from five international experts. They were organized into five categories: 
understanding the mechanisms and principles of radio-frequency ablation, 
modulation of tissue physiologic characteristics to increase tumor destruction, 
strategies of overlapping ablations, strategies to improve ablation according to 
tumor location, and imaging strategies after ablation to ensure adequate 
therapy. Established factors for optimal ablation, as well as emerging technical 
tips, are addressed with illustrations in each section. These essential tips 
will be very helpful for physicians performing radio-frequency ablation of 
hepatic tumors.