Impact of corticosteroids on late growth of radiofrequency lesions in infant pigs: histopathological and electroanatomical findings

Abstract

Radiofrequency lesions in infant pigs reveal late growth and invasion of normal muscle by intense collagen proliferation. Corticosteroids do not prevent late enlargement of the lesions but modulate the fibrotic proliferation. The expressive growth of the lesion may generate low-voltage areas detectable by EAM.

Healing dynamics of porcine pancreatic parenchyma after radiofrequency ablation - in vivo experimental pilot study

“…We have proved strong vascularized granular tissue with capillaries, fibroblasts, inflammatory cells (neutrophils, lymphocytes) and macrophages phagocytizing necrotic tissue in TZ. We have proved that the healing of porcine pancreas is similar to liver, lung, and heart studies (Coad et al 2003;Crocetti et al 2010;Arfelli et al 2011;Lesser et al 2011). This is characterized by progressive fibrotisation of the ablated and even the transient zone.…”

Atrial fibrillation

“…Delayed tamponade has been also reported and can be associated with Dressler's syndrome and later constrictive pericarditis; early recurrence of AF is more common in these patients who have elevated inflammatory markers[268]–[271]. Treating patients with corticosteroids can prevent early AF after radiofrequency catheter ablation[272]; what remains unanswered is whether there is an unfavorable effect on scar formation late following the ablation that could lead to more recurrence[273].…”