T. Paul et al., CORONARY-ARTERY INVOLVEMENT EARLY AND LATE AFTER RADIOFREQUENCY CURRENT APPLICATION IN YOUNG-PIGS, The American heart journal, 133(4), 1997, pp. 436-440
Radiofrequency current (500 kHz) was delivered by temperature guidance
(75 degrees C) over a 30-second period in 10 young piglets with a ste
erable 6F electrode catheter equipped with a thermistor at the 4 mm ti
p electrode. Lesions were created at the right atrial aspect of the tr
icuspid valve anulus, at the left ventricular myocardium under the lat
eral mitral valve anulus, and at the left ventricular apex. After 48 h
ours, five animals were randomly sacrificed. Lesions in the five anima
ls appeared as transmural gray-white coagulation necrosis. Lymphocytic
infiltration around the right atrial lesions extended into the layers
of the right coronary artery in four of five animals. After 6 months,
lesions consisted of compact fibrous tissue in the remaining five ani
mals. Right atrial lesions extended to the layers of the right coronar
y artery in four of five pigs. In two animals the lumen of the right c
oronary artery was narrowed because of intimal thickening by 25% and 4
0%, respectively. No increase in the lesion size was observed with the
growth of the animals. Effects on the right coronary artery as a late
sequela after radiofrequency current application may also be possible
in human beings and should be considered when radiofrequency current
ablation procedures are proposed in infants and young children.