Microwave ablation with saline injection : An ex vivo study for microwave myolysis

Abstract

Purpose : To characterize the effects of saline injection during microwave irradiation in fresh uterine myoma tissue.
Material and methods : Microwaves were applied at 70 and 110 W for 5-20 minutes with non-coated needle electrodes 1.6mm in diameter for deep site coagulation. Saline was injected at 0.1-0.2 mL/min through Teflon sheath of an electrode into myoma tissue greater than 10 cm in diameter of fresh surgical specimen of the uterus.
Results : Myoma tissue contracted during microwave irradiation. The contraction was inhibited by saline injection. Saline injection protected electrodes from tissue adhesion.
Conclusions : Microwaves with saline injection can induce coagulation without tissue adhesion, which will likely benefit clinical ablation of large myomas. Further investigation is needed to evaluate the effects of saline injection on increasing coagulation.