The effect of tissue ablation model with radiofrequency induced thermotherapy and ethanol in tongue base

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the effect of combination of bipolar radiofrequency induced thermotherapy (RFITT) and ethanol on tissue ablation of guinea pig tongue base.Methods: To the first group, 14 Watts of energy was delivered to the tongue base using RFITT. For the second group 0.2 ml 70% ethanol was injected into the tongue base, and the third group received RFITT 5 minutes after 0.2 ml 70% ethanol injection to the tongue base. The distances between the tongue base and the palate were evaluated with magnetic resonance imaging pre,-and post-application after 6 weeks.Results: The utilization of bipolar RFITT on tongue base caused more tissue ablation than ethanol injection into the tongue base. The combination of the two caused extensive necrosis on tongue base and killed the majority of the guinea pigs.Conclusion: Many studies are needed for adjustment of the correct volume of ethanol and the correct amount of energy for RFITT obtained to increase the efficacy of combination of bipolar RFITT and ethanol.

Keywords

• bipolar radiofrequency
• ethanol
• tongue base ablation
• magnetic resonance imaging
• guinea pig