Electrodes and multiple electrode systems for radiofrequency ablation: a proposal for updated terminology

Area of Science:

• Medical Devices
• Surgical Technology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Advancements in soft tissue radiofrequency (RF) ablation technology necessitate standardized terminology.
• Existing proposals for RF electrode nomenclature are limited to commonly used commercial devices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a logical, versatile, and unequivocal terminology for describing current and future RF electrodes and multiple electrode systems.
• To create a standardized naming convention for RF electrode designs and configurations.

Main Methods:

• Conducted a PubMed search (1990-2004) in seven languages and consulted six major RF electrode manufacturers.
• Defined names for five basic single-shaft electrode designs based on objective criteria.
• Developed a hierarchical terminology for combination and multiple electrode systems.

Main Results:

• Identified and defined five basic electrode designs: plain, cooled, expandable, wet, and bipolar.
• Established terminology for combination designs (e.g., cooled-wet, bipolar-cooled-wet).
• Characterized multiple electrode systems by number, electric mode, activation mode, insertion site, and electrode type.

Conclusions:

• The proposed terminology provides clear, concise, and objective naming for basic RF electrode designs.
• This system facilitates the description of complex combination and multiple electrode systems.
• The developed terminology is versatile and applicable to current and future RF ablation technologies.