Evaluation of radiofrequency ablation using a 1-Fr wire electrode in porcine pancreas, liver, gallbladder, spleen, kidney, stomach, and lymph nodes: A pilot study

Background and Aim The frequency of detecting asymptomatic incidental lesions of the pancreas is increasing. A substantial number of these lesions are either malignant or premalignant, thus mandating pancreatic resection. A less invasive treatment option may be feasible for selected patients. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) may be offered as a treatment option for these patients. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the performance characteristics of monopolar RFA using a 1-Fr wire electrode in porcine pancreas, liver, gallbladder, spleen, kidney, stomach, and lymph nodes. Methods Six Yorkshire pigs were used for this study. The internal organs were accessed after a midline laparotomy. Manual monopolar RFAs were carried out over a 90-s period using a wide range of power settings (3, 4, 5, 10, 15, and 25 W). The pancreas was exposed at all power settings; the other organs were exposed at power settings of 3, 4, 5, and 10 W. Maximum diameter of coagulative necrosis was measured. Results In all study animals, RFA was carried out in the target organs without difficulty. Only the pancreas showed definite coagulative necrosis. Maximum diameter of coagulative necrosis (8.0 ± 1.7 mm) was achieved at 5 W. No definite coagulative necrosis was noted in the other organs. Conclusions Monopolar RFA using a 1-Fr wire electrode resulted in coagulative necrosis in porcine pancreas. RFA at higher power settings resulted in relatively homogeneous necrosis. At a given power setting, the RFA effect is likely to differ according to electrical properties of the target tissue.