Conclusion

We propose an individually-controlled multi-tined expandable electrode for the on-demand RFA lesions. The interaction between pre-curved flexible stylet and relatively stiff cannula produces various shapes of our sub-electrodes. By tuning the expanded length and expanding speed of the stylets and cannulas, diverse trajectories can be realized on demand. Along with a rationally applied energy, three individually-controlled sub-electrodes can achieve three-dimensional on-demand conformal ablation efficiently. The ex vivo RFA experiments of porcine kidney and its comparison with a commercial electrode further demonstrate the conformability of our RFA lesions. Our electrode exhibits the potential to conformally ablate in vivo target tissue with various morphologic appearances on demand.

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