Radiofrequency ablation (RFA): development of a flow model for bovine livers for extensive bench testing

Area of Science:

• * Biomedical Engineering
• * Surgical Innovation
• * Medical Device Testing

Background:

• * Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a crucial technique in liver interventions.
• * Development and testing of RFA systems require reliable preclinical models.
• * Existing models may have limitations in simulating physiological conditions or enabling extensive testing.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To establish an extracorporeal flow model using bovine livers.
• * To facilitate bench testing of technical and procedural advancements in RFA.
• * To exclude animal experimentation in the development of RFA technologies.

Main Methods:

• * Bovine livers were perfused ex vivo using a custom-built perfusion tank.
• * A physiologically relevant perfusate (Tyrode solution) was used, oxygenated and heated.
• * Flow and pressure parameters mimicked human liver physiology, with controlled arterial and portal venous circulation.
• * Radiofrequency ablation was performed using a standardized grid and a 2 cm needle.

Main Results:

• * Four bovine livers were successfully perfused, with no observed thrombi.
• * A total of 136 radiofrequency ablation thermolesions were generated.
• * Mean thermolesion dimensions were approximately 23 mm in diameter.
• * The model demonstrated feasibility for standardized RFA application.

Conclusions:

• * Extracorporeal perfusion of bovine livers is a viable method for RFA studies.
• * This bovine liver flow model supports extensive, standardized evaluation of RFA systems.
• * The model offers a promising alternative for preclinical RFA development, reducing reliance on animal models.