Optimizing radiofrequency ablation parameters for perianal fistula treatment: A porcine model study

BACKGROUND The effective treatment of perianal fistulas while ensuring sphincter preservation remains challenging. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a promising approach; however, its clinical translation is limited because energy settings have been extrapolated from non-fistulous tissues, and most probes deliver only focal heating. We designed a 50-mm segmental RFA catheter to achieve maximal granulation tissue ablation while maintaining uniformity along the tract. AIM To identify the optimal te