Multipolar radiofrequency ablation: first clinical results.

Common systems of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) are monopolar devices which require grounding pads on the thighs in order to close the electrical circuit. Bipolar RFA does not require grounding pads, because both electrodes are located on one probe and alternating current circuit is confined within the target tissue. In this paper we report on the first clinical application of a new ablation device which enables both, bipolar (1 probe) and multipolar (up to 3 internally cooled probes simultaneously) radiofrequency ablation. We report on bi- and multipolar applications in liver tumors (9 patients), osteoid osteoma (2 patients) and renal cell cancer (1 patient).