Pattern of thermal damage and tissue carbonisation from endovenous radiofrequency ablation catheter - Using an in vitro porcine liver model.

Background: Successful endovenous thermoablation relies on transmural vein wall ablation. We investigated the pattern of thermal spread and tissue carbonisation from RadioFrequency-induced ThermoTherapy (RFiTT) at different powers and pull back methods, using a porcine liver model.

Methods: We used a previously validated porcine liver model.

Comparison of laser power output from the fiber tip during endovenous laser ablation against displayed power and the "first treatment" effect.

Objective: International guidelines recommend endovenous laser ablation as one of the first-line treatments for truncal venous reflux associated with varicose veins. Clinicians use linear endovenous energy density to measure the energy used during treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate the power output from the fiber tip and to see if this changed with use.