Transurethral Prostate Ablation with Saline Electrode Allows Controlled Production of Larger Lesions than Conventional Methods

A novel technique for prostate ablation using radiofrequency (RF) energy coupled to tissue with interstitial perfusion of saline solutions from a screw-tip catheter has been developed. The electrolyte spreads the current density away from the metal electrode and increases the effective electrode surface area, allowing more RF power input. This prevents tissue desiccation and impedance rise, resulting in controlled production of large lesions. In this study, we attempted to produce similar results using a straight needle and the saline electrode with a transurethral approach and compared the results with those of the same technique without electrolyte perfusion (conventional RF method). For this study, we designed an insulated 22-gauge needle with thermocouples embedded along its length and a 1-cm exposed tip with a retractable intraluminal thermocouple. This needle was inserted into the urethra of 10 dogs through a small perineal incision. Under transrectal ultrasound guidance, the exposed tip of the need...