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Radiofrequency ablation (RFA), widely used for Barrett esophagus, is also less commonly used to treat biliary strictures. A newly available endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)–guided RFA probe allows access to solid pancreatic lesions as an alternative to surgery. The device is passed into the lesion under direct EUS guidance through a modified 19-gauge EUS needle, and RF energy is applied to the target. This pilot study evaluated use of the new technology in 10 patients.
The treated lesions were seven neuroendocrine tumors, two solid pseudopapillary tumors, and one insulinoma. The lesions ranged in size from 8 mm to 28 mm preablation; median, 20 mm. Each RFA session involved 50 watts of ablation power, and multiple sessions were required by four pa…