Potential utility of radiofrequency-induced thermal lesions in the orbit.
OBJECTIVE
Although rare, primary orbital neoplasms are a cause of significant morbidity. For the most part, the proximity of orbital tumors to delicate ocular neural and microvascular structures renders their surgical excision challenging. We investigated the utility of radiofrequency-induced thermal lesions in a rabbit model as potential means of less invasive therapy for benign orbital tumors.


METHODS
A small radiofrequency (RF) probe was inserted through the conjunctiva at the fornix and guided along the orbital rim toward the apex of rabbit orbits. The exact location of the probe was ascertained using magnetic resonance (MR) imaging before heating. RF currents at a frequency of 500,000 Hz were conveyed through the exposed tip of a thin RF probe, causing a steady tissue temperature of 90 degrees C for 120 seconds.


RESULTS
By using this technology, we induced targeted, localized, and reproducible elliptical thermocoagulative lesions in the rabbit orbit.


CONCLUSIONS
We believe this technology has promise as a less invasive alternative or adjunct to open surgical debulking of difficult orbital tumors.
Soroudi
A Ebbie
AE
Division of Orbital and Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery, Jules Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, California 95706, USA.
Goldberg
Robert Alan
RA
Farahani
Keyvan
K
D000818:Animals; D017115:Catheter Ablation; D006358:Hot Temperature; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D009918:Orbital Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D011817:Rabbits; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted