Jung Hee Shin MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Boo-Kyung Han MD, PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Eun Young Ko MD, PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Ko Woon Park MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Shin Young Kim, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Jeung Hee Moon, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Eun Young Yoo, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

The aim of this study was to determine whether radiofrequency ablation with superficial saline injection can minimize thermal injury of skin without the influence of therapeutic efficacy.

Twelve percutaneous RF ablation procedures were performed in the thighs of 6 rabbits (control, n=6, right thigh; experimental, n=6, left thigh) using an internally cooled electrode with 1 cm active tip. The ablation was performed in the most superficial area of thigh muscle. In the experimental group, saline with 1 cc in amount before ablation was injected at the tissue layer between skin and ablated muscle. The duration and energy for ablation were the same in the control and the experimental group. Rabbits were sacrificed 2 days after ablation and were compared for gross skin state and histopathological findings after ablation.

The degree of thermal coagulation of the muscle was similar in both groups at pathology. Grossly, skin redness was mild in the experimental group but moderate in the control group. Of 6 rabbits, five showed more frequently histopathological changes including inflammatory reaction, interruption of collagen fibers, injury of skin adnexa and fibrosis in the control group compared to experimental group. However, there was no difference in changes between two groups in one. One rabbit with a higher energy had the partially dissected epidermis only in the control group.

Radiofrequency ablation with superficial saline injection can prevent skin burn and provide equivalent therapeutic efficacy for ablating superficial lesions.

Radiofrequency ablation for benign thyroid tumors with cosmetic problem is indicated, but it is important to avoid skin burn during the ablation of superficial lesion.

Shin, J, Han, B, Ko, E, Park, K, Kim, S, Moon, J, Yoo, E, Radiofrequency Ablation with and without Superficial Saline Injection to Prevent Skin Burn in a Rabbit Model.  Radiological Society of North America 2010 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 28 - December 3, 2010 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2010/9009391.html