New Radiofrequency Device to Reduce Bleeding after Core Needle Biopsy: Experimental Study in a Porcine Liver Model

• Published in: Korean journal of radiology 2017, 18(1), , pp.173-179
• Main Authors: Lim, Sanghyeok, Rhim, Hyunchul, Lee, Min Woo, Song, Kyoung Doo, Kang, Tae Wook, Kim, Young-Sun, Lim, Hyo Keun
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Ablation; Animals; Ascites; Biopsy; Biopsy, Large-Core Needle - adverse effects; Biopsy, Large-Core Needle - methods; Blood; Electrodes; Female; Gastrointestinal Imaging; Hemorrhage - etiology; Heparin - chemistry; Hogs; Image-Guided Biopsy; Laboratories; Laparotomy; Liver; Liver - pathology; Polyesters; Pulsed Radiofrequency Treatment; Stainless steel; Swine; Temperature; Ultrasonic imaging; 방사선과학
• ISSN: 1229-6929; 2005-8330
• DOI: 10.3348/kjr.2017.18.1.173

To evaluate the efficiency of the biopsy tract radiofrequency ablation for hemostasis after core biopsy of the liver in a porcine liver model, including situations with bleeding tendency and a larger (16-gauge) core needle. A preliminary study was performed using one pig to determine optimal ablation parameters. For the main experiment, four pigs were assigned to different groups according to heparinization use and biopsy needle caliber. In each pig, 14 control (without tract ablation) and 14 experimental (tract ablation) ultrasound-guided core biopsies were performed using either an 18- or 16-gauge needle. Post-biopsy bleeding amounts were measured by soaking up the blood for five minutes. The results were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test. The optimal parameters for biopsy tract ablation were determined as a 2-cm active tip electrode set at 40-watt with a tip temperature of 70-80℃. The bleeding amounts in all experimental groups were smaller than those in the controls; however they were significant in the non-heparinized pig biopsied with an 18-gauge needle and in two heparinized pigs ( < 0.001). In the heparinized pigs, the mean blood loss in the experimental group was 3.5% and 13.5% of the controls biopsied with an 18- and 16-gauge needle, respectively. Radiofrequency ablation of hepatic core biopsy tract ablation may reduce post-biopsy bleeding even under bleeding tendency and using a larger core needle, according to the result from porcine model experiments.