Pathological effects of lung radiofrequency ablation that contribute to pneumothorax, using a porcine model

Abstract

Our study demonstrates for the first time that the changes around the RF needle are the same as in the ablated zone. The damage could create fistulous tracts along the needle path between thermo-ablation zone and pleural space. These fistulas could certainly be responsible for severe pneumothorax that occurs in many patients treated with lung RFA.