Purpose: This study aimed to design a novel electrode for reducing tissue thermal damage in radiofrequency-induced intestinal anastomosis.
Material and methods: We developed and compared two electrodes (Ring electrode, and Plum electrode with reduced section of the middle fusion area by nearly 80% arising from novel structural design) by performing ex-vivo experiments and finite element analysis.
Results: In contrast to the Ring electrode group, slightly higher mean strength is acquired with the tensile force and burst pressure results increasing from 9.7 ± 1.47 N, 84.0 ± 5.99 mmHg to 11.1 ± 1.71 N, 89.4 ± 6.60 mmHg, respectively, as well as a significant reduction in tissue thermal damage for the Plum electrode group, with compression pressure of 20 kPa, RF energy of 120 W and welding duration of 8 s applied to the target regions to achieve anastomosis. Besides, the novel structural design of the Plum electrode can counteract the tension generated by intestinal peristalsis and enhance the biomechanical strength of the anastomotic area. The histological observation showed that the fusion area of the two-layer intestinal tissue is tightly connected with decreased thickness.
Conclusion: The novel electrode (Plum electrode) could reduce tissue thermal damage in radiofrequency-induced intestinal anastomosis.
Keywords: Radiofrequency energy; anastomotic strength; novel electrode; thermal damage; tissue fusion.