Selective Ablation of Porcine and Rabbit Liver Tissue Using Radiofrequency: Preclinical Study

Abstract

Temperature changes and their distribution induced by 13.56-MHz radiofrequency (RF) heating of agar phantom and porcine and rabbit liver were investigated. It was possible to produce selective local heating of approximately 50°C in the RF field of 2 × 2 × 2 cm³ of the pig or rabbit liver. Coagulation necrosis after heating became pronounced and the margin between the coagulated lesion and normal tissue became clearer with time. Within 1 week after RF heating at 50°C for 20 min, the coagulated area was replaced selectively and totally by necrotic tissue.