Radiofrequency cauterization with biopsy introducer needle

Area of Science:

• Interventional Radiology
• Minimally Invasive Procedures
• Surgical Oncology

Background:

• Needle biopsy is crucial for diagnosing liver and kidney conditions.
• Hemorrhage and tumor cell implantation are significant risks associated with needle biopsy.
• Minimizing these risks can improve patient outcomes and diagnostic accuracy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of radiofrequency (RF) ablation in reducing hemorrhage after liver and kidney needle biopsies.
• To compare bleeding complications in swine models with and without RF ablation of the needle tract.

Main Methods:

• Liver and kidney biopsies were performed on swine using modified introducer needles.
• Radiofrequency (RF) ablation was applied to the needle tract during introducer needle withdrawal in a randomized manner.
• Blood loss was quantified, and thermal coagulation of surrounding tissue was assessed.

Main Results:

• RF ablation significantly reduced blood loss in both liver and kidney biopsies compared to controls (P <.01).
• Mean blood loss was reduced by 63% in liver biopsies and 97% in kidney biopsies with RF ablation.
• Observed thermal coagulation of tissue surrounding the needle tract suggests a mechanism for hemostasis.

Conclusions:

• RF ablation of needle biopsy tracts is an effective method for reducing hemorrhage.
• This technique holds potential for mitigating complications associated with bleeding and tumor cell implantation in biopsy tracts.