Gastric slow-wave modulation via power-controlled, irrigated radio-frequency ablation

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Electrophysiology
• Medical Devices

Background:

• Radio-frequency ablation (RFA) is emerging for gastric slow-wave modulation.
• Current gastric RFA studies use temperature-controlled, non-irrigated methods.
• Power-controlled, irrigated ablation may enhance lesion formation and conduction block at lower temperatures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of power-controlled, irrigated RFA for modulating gastric slow-wave activity.
• To compare different power and irrigation settings for creating conduction blocks.
• To assess the feasibility of irrigated RFA for gastric electrophysiology disorders.

Main Methods:

• In vivo study on porcine gastric serosal surface.
• Utilized power-controlled, irrigated RFA with varying power (10-15 W) and irrigation (2-5 mL/min) settings.
• Employed high-resolution electrical mapping to record slow waves before and after ablation.

Main Results:

• Irrigated RFA maintained catheter-tip temperature below 50°C.
• Complete conduction block achieved in 8/12 lesions.
• Lower irrigation rates (2 mL/min) with 10 W power were most effective for blocking slow waves.

Conclusions:

• Power-controlled, irrigated RFA effectively modulates gastric slow-wave activity at reduced temperatures.
• Optimized irrigation rates are crucial for successful slow-wave block.
• Irrigated RFA shows promise for clinical translation in treating gastric electrophysiology disorders.