<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><bold>BACKGROUND.</bold> Radiofrequency reduction and Coblation are widely used procedures for the treatment of functionally enlarged turbinates with an appropriate outcome. Bleeding and crusting are postoperative complications for Coblation. Thermographic measurements and histological analyses were used to elucidate the causes.<bold>MATERIAL AND METHODS.</bold> In a porcine turbinate model, double-needle electrodes of different lengths were tested using a 4MHz radiofrequency current with either automatic energy limitation or a predetermined energy amount of 200 J. Coblation, according to the manufacturer’s instructions, was carried out with a Reflex Ultra 45 wand. The generated temperature was measured with thermo-probes at the tip of the electrodes. The mucosa was subsequently investigated histologically.<bold>RESULTS.</bold> Without preoperative saline injection, all procedures generate temperatures &lt; 100° C. After saline injection, excessive temperatures are reached by Coblation after the release of plasma in a closed system. The follow-up is a severe deterioration of the microscopic structures of the mucosa. The low-temperature advantages of Coblation are only effective if the mandatory saline solution rinses the surface. The Radiofrequency applications deliver more predictable results.<bold>CONCLUSION.</bold> For the treatment of the functional enlargement of the turbinates, Radiofrequency current with proofed settings should be chosen.</abstract>

BACKGROUND. Radiofrequency reduction and Coblation are widely used procedures for the treatment of functionally enlarged turbinates with an appropriate outcome. Bleeding and crusting are postoperative complications for Coblation. Thermographic measurements and histological analyses were used to elucidate the causes.MATERIAL AND METHODS. In a porcine turbinate model, double-needle electrodes of different lengths were tested using a 4MHz radiofrequency current with either automatic energy limitation or a predetermined energy amount of 200 J. Coblation, according to the manufacturer’s instructions, was carried out with a Reflex Ultra 45 wand. The generated temperature was measured with thermo-probes at the tip of the electrodes. The mucosa was subsequently investigated histologically.RESULTS. Without preoperative saline injection, all procedures generate temperatures < 100° C. After saline injection, excessive temperatures are reached by Coblation after the release of plasma in a closed system. The follow-up is a severe deterioration of the microscopic structures of the mucosa. The low-temperature advantages of Coblation are only effective if the mandatory saline solution rinses the surface. The Radiofrequency applications deliver more predictable results.CONCLUSION. For the treatment of the functional enlargement of the turbinates, Radiofrequency current with proofed settings should be chosen.

Comparison of the thermal effects of Coblation and Radiofrequency waves in a porcine turbinate model

Faculty of Medicine, Center of Experimental Surgery

Pathology Center, Riga East Clinical University Hospital

Romanian Journal of Rhinology

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 License.

BACKGROUND. Radiofrequency reduction and Coblation are widely used procedures for the treatment of functionally enlarged turbinates with an appropriate...

Comparison of the thermal effects of Coblation and Radiofrequency waves in a porcine turbinate model

Published Online: Jul 25, 2018

Page range: 157 - 164

Received: Jun 11, 2018

Accepted: Jun 20, 2018

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/rjr-2018-0017

Keywords
turbinate reduction, coblation, radiofrequency ablation, temperature measurements, tissue damage

© 2018 Klaus Vogt et al., published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 License.

Comparison of the thermal effects of Coblation and Radiofrequency waves in a porcine turbinate model

Published Online: Jul 25, 2018

Page range: 157 - 164

Received: Jun 11, 2018

Accepted: Jun 20, 2018

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/rjr-2018-0017

Keywordsturbinate reduction, coblation, radiofrequency ablation, temperature measurements, tissue damage

© 2018 Klaus Vogt et al., published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 License.

Keywords
turbinate reduction, coblation, radiofrequency ablation, temperature measurements, tissue damage