New semi-spherical radiofrequency energy device for liver resection: an experimental study in pigs

The aim of this experimental study was to verify a new semi-spherical surgical tool for bipolar radiofrequency liver ablation, which can solve some of the disadvantages of the commonly used device, such as long duration of ablation. A total of 12 pigs which were randomly divided into two groups were used. Each pig underwent resection of the two liver lobes. In group 1, pigs were treated with the commonly used device; in group 2 the newly developed semispherical device was used. During surgery and the post-surgical period, many categories were observed and later analyzed. The blood count and biochemistry were monitored on days 0, 14 and 30 from the operation. On day 14 since the liver resection, pigs underwent diagnostic laparoscopy to evaluate their condition focusing on the site of the liver lobe resection. On day 30 after operation, all pigs were euthanized and subjected to histopathological examination. Histopathological evaluation of thermal changes at the resection margin showed strong thermal alteration in both groups. Data between both groups were compared using median test for continuous variables and Fisher’s exact test for categorical variables. Statistical analyses were performed with IBM SPSS software version 18.0. Statistical analysis of collected data did not prove any significant (P < 0.05) differences between the commonly used device and the newly designed surgical tool. Animal study, pig model, liver ablation, radiofrequency energy