A radiofrequency electrode catheter-guide wire system for arterial occlusion

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Vascular Surgery
• Interventional Radiology

Background:

• Endovascular procedures require precise tools for vessel manipulation.
• Radiofrequency (RF) energy offers a method for tissue coagulation.
• Existing catheter systems may have limitations in delivering targeted RF energy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and evaluate a novel RF electrode catheter/guide wire system.
• To enable endovascular coagulation of blood vessels.
• To assess the system's efficacy in a preclinical model.

Main Methods:

• A modified microcatheter with an integrated RF electrode ring (cathode) and guide wire (anode) was developed.
• Coagulation studies were performed using egg white to analyze the effect of varying cathode and anode lengths.
• The system was tested in rabbits for renal artery ablation.

Main Results:

• Coagulation time in egg white was dependent on electrode lengths, with statistically significant correlations.
• Successful occlusion of the rabbit renal artery was achieved.
• Histopathological analysis confirmed arterial occlusion, necrosis, fibrosis, and inflammation with an intact internal elastic lamina.

Conclusions:

• The developed RF electrode catheter/guide wire system effectively coagulated tissue and occluded a major artery.
• This system shows promise for minimally invasive endovascular interventions requiring vessel occlusion.