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[Bipolar radiofrequency energy in arteries--the experimental results with a new catheter system]
1Abteilung für Radiodiagnostik, Radiologische Universitäts-Klinik Heidelberg.
Purpose:
To evaluate the effects of radiofrequency heated bipolar probes on the human arterial wall.
Methods:
Under standardised conditions, lesions were set on the inner layer of a piece of human cadaver arterial wall, using a radiofrequency-heated bipolar catheter. These lesions were measured and described both macroscopically and microscopically. Lesion size, applied energy levels and application conditions were correlated.
Results:
The size of a lesion depended significantly on the size of the catheter, angle and pressure of catheter application (p < 0.05) and length of impulse (p = 0.002). There was no influence from the energy level employed. It proved impossible to treat calcified plaques. The depth of a lesion depended on the angle of catheter application only. No perforations were seen.
Conclusions:
Radiofrequency-heated bipolar catheters ablate the tissue of the arterial wall. Increasing tissue resistance resulting from higher energy levels prevents perforation in the experimental set-up. Calcified plaques cannot be treated by this method.