T1611: The Use of a Novel Endoscopically Placed Radiofrequency Probe for the Management of Malignant Bile Duct Obstruction

In un-resectable malignant bile duct obstruction the use of self expanding metal stents (SEMS) is the standard technique to ensure continued biliary drainage in patients with life expectancy beyond 3 months. Up to 50% of patients with SEMS will re-present with stent occlusion within the first 6- 8 months, this often leading to significant morbidity and mortality as well as delays in chemotherapy regimes. This study reports the first use in humans of an endoscopically applied radiofrequency treatment prior to insertion of SEMS. The Habib ™ EndoHPB (Emcision UK) catheter is a bipolar radiofrequency ablation (RFA) probe that is 8Fr, 1.8m long and compatible with standard (3.2mm working channel) side viewing endoscopes. 2 ring electrodes 8mm apart at the tip provide local coagulative necrosis over a 2.5cm length.