Selective Ablation of Porcine and Rabbit Liver Tissue Using Radiofrequency: Preclinical Study

Abstract

Temperature changes and their distribution induced by 13.56-MHz radiofrequency (RF) heating of agar phantom and porcine and rabbit liver were investigated. It was possible to produce selective local heating of approximately 50°C in the RF field of 2 × 2 × 2 cm³ of the pig or rabbit liver. Coagulation necrosis after heating became pronounced and the margin between the coagulated lesion and normal tissue became clearer with time. Within 1 week after RF heating at 50°C for 20 min, the coagulated area was replaced selectively and totally by necrotic tissue.

Cellular and Vascular Reactions in the Liver to Radio-Frequency Thermo-Ablation with Wet Needle Applicators

“…This is of great importance for the treatment of tumors, since only a radical destruction of the tumor can prevent a local recurrence. Due to the more compact perivascular connective tissue, bile ducts and arteries of the portal field have also proven to be very resistant against the hyperthermia produced by RFTA compared to the thin-walled veins [24].…”