Catheter for endoluminal bipolar electrocoagulation

An interventional catheter was designed that can induce controlled endoluminal tissue lesions by means of bipolar radio-frequency (RF) electrocoagulation under fluoroscopic guidance. The technique was used to obtain safe and reproducible percutaneous occlusion of the porcine cystic duct by reactive endoluminal scar formation. The new triple-lumen, 7-F, polyethylene catheter contains two insulated active wires and accommodates a 0.038-inch steerable guide wire, which facilitates insertion and placement of the active catheter tip under fluoroscopic control. The coagulation technique is relatively simple and requires only a small, portable bipolar RF generator and ammeter.