[Bipolar radiofrequency energy in arteries--the experimental results with a new catheter system].
OBJECTIVE
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.
Simon
C
C
Abteilung für Radiodiagnostik, Radiologische Universitäts-Klinik Heidelberg.
Roeren
T
T
Kayser
K
K
Kauffmann
G W
GW
D001012:Aorta, Abdominal / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D001013:Aorta, Thoracic / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D002102:Cadaver; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006358:Hot Temperature / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans
Bipolare Radiofrequenzenergie in Arterien--experimentelle Ergebnisse mit einem neuen Kathetersystem.