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

SummaryBackground and objectiveAn 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.MethodsIntraluminal 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.ResultsThermal 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.ConclusionsThe application of a heat probe and a radiofrequency ablation electrode for intraductal thermal injury resulted in a reproducible animal model of biliary stenosis.