Successful radiofrequency ablation of the cerebral cortex in pigs using the venous system: Possible implications for treating CNS disorders

SummaryBackgroundWhen pharmacotherapy for epilepsy fails, surgical options, although efficacious, are highly invasive. We explored whether ablation of the cerebral cortex can be performed utilizing the cerebral venous system.MethodsMapping and radiofrequency ablation was performed via the venous system in two pigs.ResultsEight targeted sites were successfully accessed and four targeted sites successfully ablated via the central cerebral venous network.ConclusionElectrophysiological mapping and radiofrequency ablation of the cerebral cortex can be performed via the cerebral veins.