Radiofrequency ablation of bone with cooled probes and impedance control energy delivery in a pig model: MR imaging features.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the coronal marrow ablation length and detect cortical thinning after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of bone in a pig model.


METHODS
Twelve pigs underwent RFA with a 1- or 2-cm single internally cooled electrode placed at the mid-diaphyseal point of their long bones at 1, 7, or 28 days before euthanasia. Twelve minutes of impedance control radiofrequency energy was delivered at maximum output from a 200-W generator. Pigs were imaged with axial and coronal turbo spin-echo (SE) T1- and T2-weighted frequency-selective fat suppression sequences by using spectral presaturation with inversion recovery (SPIR). A radiologist blinded to the timing of the treatment and the results of other imaging sequences measured the coronal ablation zone length and cortical thickness. The pigs were euthanized, and the ablated bone underwent histologic examination.


RESULTS
At SPIR imaging, the zone of marrow ablation was defined as an area of low signal intensity surrounded by a high-signal-intensity band. At T1-weighted imaging, the zone of marrow ablation was defined as a heterogeneously isointense area surrounded by a low-signal-intensity band. The mean (+/-standard deviation) coronal marrow ablation zone measurement with SPIR imaging at 28 days was 47 mm +/- 9 (range, 34-73 mm) for the 1-cm electrode and 51 mm +/- 7 (range, 33-67 mm) for the 2-cm electrode. Two humeral fractures occurred at 21 and 28 days after therapy. Thinning of the cortex adjacent to the electrode insertion site was identified in the humeral group only.


CONCLUSIONS
The change in the marrow signal intensity with impedance-controlled RFA is larger than that reported for temperature-controlled protocols. RFA leads to bone weakening.
Department of Radiology, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Eccles St, Dublin 7, Ireland. ccanty@gofree.indigo.ie
Colin P
CP
Cantwell
Robert
R
Flavin
Richard
R
Deane
Katherine
K
Sheehan
Peter
P
Dervan
John
J
O'Byrne
Stephen
S
Eustace
D000818:Animals; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000601:surgery*; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D003080:Cold Temperature; D017097:Electric Impedance; D004567:Electrodes, Implanted; D004867:Equipment Design; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D023421:Models, Animal; D012107:Research Design; D012815:Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted; D013552:Swine