Experimental radiofrequency ablation near the portal and the hepatic veins in pigs: differences in efficacy of a monopolar ablation system.
BACKGROUND: We sought to compare the efficacy of a monopolar radiofrequency ablation system in vivo near the portal vein and the hepatic veins in porcine liver. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Radiofrequency ablation of healthy livers near the portal vein and the hepatic veins was performed in 10 pigs with a multitined expandable electrode. Volumes and diameters of zones of ablation were assessed by magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS: Volumes (16.0 +/- 5.5 mL, P = 0.001) and diameters (4.0 +/- 0.7 cm, 3.3 +/- 0.7 cm, 3.0 +/- 0.6 cm, P <or= 0.05) of the zones of ablation near the hepatic veins were larger than that near the portal vein (7.5 +/- 4.1 mL, 3.2 +/- 0.7 cm, 2.6 +/- 0.7 cm, 2.4 +/- 0.6 cm). Energy deposition needed to ablate liver tissue was higher (P = 0.003) for radiofrequency ablation near the portal vein (3.16 +/- 1.58 kJ/mL) than for radiofrequency ablation near the hepatic veins (1.65 +/- 1.14 kJ/mL). CONCLUSIONS: Higher energy deposition is needed to ablate liver tissue near the portal vein than near the hepatic veins. As a result, the zone of ablation is larger near the hepatic vein than near the portal vein.