Electrolytic destruction of tissue in the normal lung of the pig

Platinum electrodes were inserted by a percutaneous technique into the lungs of pigs. The direct current between the electrodes caused destruction of tissue by electrolysis. At the anode, chloride ions were oxidized to chlorine, which diffused into the surrounding lung tissues, creating lesions which were well demarcated and up to 30 mm in diameter. Various types of electrodes were tested, and the size of the lesion was observed to vary with electrode construction and with the dose given.