Experimental study of radiofrequency ablation with clustered electrodes on liver of normal pigs

Objective To evaluate the effect of radiofrequency thermal ablation (RFA) on normal liver and whole body by using a cluster array of 10 separate electrodes. Methods Twenty five ordinary small pigs were randomly divided into 5 groups. RF ablation were preformed on porcine liver of every group in vivo with a standardized RF application (500 mA for 8±1.3 min). The animals were sacrificed and the liver functions and pathology were observed before and 1, 3, 5, 7, and 14 d after RF ablation. Results Hepatic function had temporal changes within 1 week and recovered after 1 week. The diameter of coagulation necrosis was biggest in the group with RF ablation at 3-7 d. The inflammatory changes of liver around coagulation necrosis was recovered normal in 7-14 d. Conclusion These findings suggest that radiofrequency thermal ablation of liver does harmful to the liver functions and the tissue around the necrosis, but the changes are temporal and will be recovered in 1 week.