Large vessels can be reliably sealed with radio frequency current. High apposition pressures are necessary to ensure a high probability of a successful seal. However, the complex architecture of the vessels, particularly arteries, means that results can vary substantially even with similar thermal histories. The relative volume fractions and spatial distributions of collagen, elastin, and smooth muscle dominate the vessel function in vivo and can even vary from proximal to distal locations in the same vessel. We begin by reviewing the architectural features characteristic of porcine and canine large vessels and conclude with an experimental and numerical modeling demonstration of the reasons why cylindrical electrodes are a sub-optimal choice.

Date Published: 22 February 2017
PDF: 9 pages
Proc. SPIE 10066, Energy-based Treatment of Tissue and Assessment IX, 100660S (22 February 2017); doi: 10.1117/12.2250397

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 10066:
Energy-based Treatment of Tissue and Assessment IX
Thomas P. Ryan, Editor(s)