Linear radiofrequency ablation using dual switching-control mode achieves rapid and bloodless liver resection, an experimental research

Figures & data

Figure 1. (a, b) Three electrodes with 4-cm tips were arranged in a linear manner using a linear adaptor.

Figure 2. Electrodes were inserted into the pre-determined resection plane in a linear arrangement to conduct ablation.

Figure 3. (a, b) After the completion of ablation, transection of the liver parenchyma was performed using a scalpel.

Table 1. Experimental groups and mode (DS or SS), electrode interval (2 cm or 3 cm) and ablation time (1.5, 2 or 3 min).

Group	Numbers of experiments	Parameter settings			Total delivered energy of 3 electrodes (kcal)
		Mode	Electrode interval (cm)	Ablation time (min)
A	4	DS	2	1.5	4.83 ± 0.13
B	4	DS	2	2.0	6.05 ± 0.13
C	4	DS	2	3.0	8.6 ± 0.16
D	4	DS	3	1.5	4.85 ± 0.13
E	4	DS	3	2.0	5.98 ± 0.05
F	4	DS	3	3.0	8.68 ± 0.21
G	3	SS	2	1.5	3.35 ± 0.06
H	3	SS	2	2.0	4.75 ± 0.23
I	3	SS	2	3.0	5.88 ± 0.57
J	3	SS	3	1.5	3.5 ± 0.36
K	3	SS	3	2.0	4.78 ± 0.21
L	3	SS	3	3.0	5.33 ± 0.46

Table 2. Perioperative ablation data and experimental outcomes.

Group	Parameter settings			Perioperative outcomes
	Mode	Electrode interval (cm)	Ablation time (min)	Mean blood loss (mL)	Complete ablation^a rate (%)	Complete ablation^a rate (%)	Ablation speed^b (cm^2/min)
A	DS	2	1.5	5.5 ± 6.4	100 (4/4)	100 (12/12)	11.3
B	DS	2	2.0	0	100 (4/4)		9.6
C	DS	2	3.0	0	100 (4/4)		7.0
D	DS	3	1.5	67.8 ± 17.4	0 (0/4)	33.3 (4/12)	N/A
E	DS	3	2.0	22.8 ± 21.4	50 (2/4)		12.7
F	DS	3	3.0	22.5 ± 21.0	50 (2/4)		8.8
G	SS	2	1.5	58.3 ± 31.7	33 (1/3)	55.6 (5/9)	11.5
H	SS	2	2.0	29.3 ± 31.6	66 (2/3)		8.7
I	SS	2	3.0	27.0 ± 33.9	66 (2/3)		6.1
J	SS	3	1.5	94.0 ± 23.1	0 (0/3)	22.2 (2/9)	N/A
K	SS	3	2.0	58.3 ± 51.1	33 (1/3)		12.4
L	SS	3	3.0	51.7 ± 41.6	33 (1/3)		9.0

^a Complete ablation means the ablation zone which was larger than 1 cm in depth without any un-ablated area in the cutting area plane.

^b Ablation speed was the mean ablation speed of experiments that achieved complete ablation. If complete ablation was not achieved, ablation speed was not taken into consideration.