Intraductal thermal injury using a heat probe and radiofrequency ablation electrode in a swine model of biliary stenosis.

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: An animal model for bile duct stenosis using intraductal thermal injury has not yet been established. The aims of the current study were to develop biliary stenosis in a swine model by inducing intraductal thermal injury using a heat probe or radiofrequency ablation electrode and to investigate an effective and safe energy dose. METHODS: Intraluminal thermal injury was applied to the common bile duct with a heat probe in three swines and a radiofrequency ablation electrode in the other three swines by either endoscopic retrograde cholangiography or open laparotomy. Cholangiography and histologic evaluation of common bile duct were taken 2 weeks after thermal injury. RESULTS: Thermal injury with a heat probe at 25 J for 40 seconds produced a stricture in all three animals. Application of a radiofrequency ablation electrode produced a stricture in two of three animals. An energy dose of 40 W at 80°C for 30 seconds produced biliary stenosis without any complications initially and 2 weeks after thermal injury. CONCLUSIONS: The application of a heat probe and a radiofrequency ablation electrode for intraductal thermal injury resulted in a reproducible animal model of biliary stenosis.