Multiple-electrode radiofrequency ablation: Comparison with a conventional cluster electrode in an in vivo porcine kidney model

PURPOSE: To compare multiple-electrode radiofrequency (RF) ablation versus RF ablation with a cluster electrode in an in vivo porcine kidney model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirteen female pigs (mean weight, 45 kg) were used for the study. In each animal, RF ablations were performed for 12 minutes with a conventional cluster electrode in one kidney (controls, n = 13) and a multiple-electrode configuration in the contralateral organ. Multiple-electrode ablations were performed with electrodes 1.5 cm apart (group 1, n = 7) or 2.0 cm apart (group 2, n = 6). The mean maximum temperature at the electrode tips was determined. After each animal was euthanized, the kidneys were removed and the ablation zones were sectioned into 5-mm transverse slices. A representative slice was stained with 2,3,5-triphenyl-2H-tetrazolium chloride. Standard ablation zone metrics were measured and differences between groups were analyzed for statistical significance. RESULTS: The mean maximum ablation zone diameter was 3.0 cm +/- 0.6 (SD) for controls, compared with 5.0 cm +/- 0.5 for group 1 (P < .0001) and 4.4 cm +/- 1.0 for group 2 (P = .002). Mean ablation zone minimum diameter was higher for group 1 (P = .002) and group 2 (P = .03) than for controls. Isoperimetric ratios were lowest for group 2 (P = .04 vs controls) whereas the highest temperatures at the electrode tips were observed with group 1 (P = .02 vs controls). CONCLUSION: In normal porcine kidney, multiple-electrode RF ablation produced larger zones of ablation than a cluster electrode. Efficacy was greater when electrodes were spaced 1.5 cm apart than when they were spaced 2.0 cm apart.