Radiofrequency induction heating for the treatment of aortic dissection inan animal model

Background. In this study, radiofrequency (RF) induction heating therapy us ing a self-expanding Gianturco metallic stent (G-EMS) to treat acute aortic dissection was evaluated, Methods, We evaluated convergent RF induction heating of G-EMS in pigs, In group A (n=3), an aortic dissection was created to determine the natural co urse of this lesion. In group B (n=4), 0.40 mm stainless steel bare G-EMSs (2.5 cm, 10 bends) were placed in the aorta 5 to 7 days after dissection, a nd RF induction heating was performed for 30 (n=2) or 45 (n=2) minutes, In group C (n=6), G-EMSs with 0.10 mm ferro-chrome wire mounted on alternating stent legs were placed in the aorta 1 to 7 days after dissection, and RF i nduction heating was performed for 10 minutes, Results, In group A, 2 pigs died from rupture of the false lumen. In group B, fusion of the dissection flap was confirmed histologically. However, all of the pigs died. In group C, all of the pigs tolerated the procedure, and fusion of the dissection flap was confirmed in all of the pigs. Conclusions. This experimental animal study suggested that RF induction hea ting combined with G-EMS, if properly applied, has a potential to treat acu te aortic dissection.