Endovenous radiofrequency ablation using a new bipolar electrode in a canine model: a new endovenous radiofrequency electrode

PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine the effectiveness and safety of a newly developed endovenous radiofrequency (RF) catheter compared with that of the existing RF catheter in a canine model. METHODS: Seven dogs underwent ablation using 1 control catheter (ClosureFAST, CF; Covidien) and 1 experimental catheter (VENISTAR, VS; STARmed Co., Ltd.) in the femoral and cephalic veins. The ablated vein was evaluated macroscopically (2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining, TTC), microscopically (hematoxylin and eosin staining), and ultrasonographically. Vessel injury score was used to evaluate the ablating effect objectively. Veins from 1 dog were evaluated on the day of ablation, while in the remaining 6 dogs, the ablated veins were evaluated 2 weeks later. RESULTS: A total of 23 veins (CF, 11 veins; VS, 12 veins) were ablated in 7 dogs. Non–TTC-stained vein wall areas were identified in all ablated veins. No significant difference was observed in the mean vessel injury score (2.54 ± 1.16 vs. 2.42 ± 1.13, P = 0.656) and the mean vessel wall thickness (0.32 ± 0.03 mm vs. 0.31 ± 0.05 mm, P = 0.212) between CF and VS. There was no blood flow in all veins ablated with VS, whereas there was remaining blood flow in 1 vein ablated with CF. Perivenous complication was not observed. CONCLUSION: Endovenous RF ablation using a newly developed VS RF catheter seems to provide comparable occlusion rate and degree of vein wall injury without perivenous adverse events compared to the most commonly used RF catheter (CF).