Sonographically guided radiofrequency ablation with and without a superficial saline injection to prevent skin burns in a rabbit model.
OBJECTIVE
Our aim was to determine whether sonographically guided radiofrequency ablation with superficial saline injection can minimize thermal injury of the skin without an influence on therapeutic efficacy.


METHODS
Institutional Animal Care Committee approval was obtained. Twelve percutaneous radiofrequency ablation procedures were performed in the thighs of 6 rabbits (control, n = 6, right thigh; experimental, n = 6, left thigh). The ablation with local anesthesia was performed in the most superficial area of the thigh muscle. In the experimental group, 1 mL of saline was injected before the ablation at the tissue layer between the skin and ablated muscle. The duration and energy of the ablation were the same in the control and experimental groups. Rabbits were compared for their gross skin state and histopathologic findings after the ablation.


RESULTS
The degree of thermal coagulation of the muscle was similar in both groups at pathologic examination. Grossly, skin redness was mild in the experimental group but moderate in the control group. Of the 6 rabbits, 5 tended to show more frequent histopathologic changes, including an inflammatory reaction, interruption of collagen fibers, injury of the skin adnexa, and fibrosis, in the control group when compared with the experimental group. However, there was no statistically significant difference (all P> .05). One rabbit that underwent ablation at higher energy had a partially dissected epidermis in the control group only.


CONCLUSIONS
Sonographically guided radiofrequency ablation with a saline injection superficial to a tumor might prevent skin burns and provide equivalent therapeutic efficacy for ablating superficial lesions.
Departmentof Radiology and Center for Imaging Science, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Ji Hyun
JH
Koo
Jung Hee
JH
Shin
Young Lyun
YL
Oh
Eun Young
EY
Ko
Boo-Kyung
BK
Han
D000818:Animals; D002058:Burns, Electric / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D062109:Dermatologic Surgical Procedures; D011817:Rabbits; D012867:Skin / Q000293:injuries; D012965:Sodium Chloride / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D018084:Ultrasonography, Interventional / Q000379:methods*
D012965:Sodium Chloride