Ultrasound-guided radiofrequency-driven umbilical cord occlusion: an in-vitro study

Area of Science:

• Medical Devices
• Biomedical Engineering
• Reproductive Medicine

Background:

• Umbilical cord occlusion is a critical step in managing certain fetal conditions.
• Existing methods for umbilical cord intervention have limitations.
• Radiofrequency (RF) ablation is a minimally invasive technique with potential applications in vascular procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of using radiofrequency (RF) energy to create thermal lesions in human umbilical cords.
• To determine optimal RF parameters for inducing cord tissue injury and assess procedural safety.
• To investigate the impact of RF on umbilical cord and vessel diameter and intraluminal pressure.

Main Methods:

• Human term umbilical cords were cannulated and perfused in a controlled bath.
• RF electrode was inserted into the cord, and various power/temperature settings were tested.
• Safety was assessed by monitoring temperature changes and intraluminal pressure.
• Histopathological analysis was performed to evaluate tissue damage.

Main Results:

• The optimal RF procedure achieved 100°C within 10 minutes.
• RF significantly increased intraluminal pressure (P < 0.05) without significant adjacent temperature rise.
• Histopathology revealed >30% reduction in cord and vein diameter with vessel wall and Wharton's jelly damage.

Conclusions:

• RF appears to be a feasible and safe technique for inducing umbilical vessel occlusion in vitro.
• Further in-vivo studies are necessary to confirm complete umbilical cord occlusion capability.