ABSTRACT
Objective To introduce a method for fast establishment of pig models with secondary hypersplenism, and using this model to study the effect of radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Methods Congestive splenomegaly was created by CT- guided percutaneous embolization of splenic vein and its collateral branches in pigs. Then radiofrequency ablation was employed in the models to observe the changes of peripheral blood as well as the spleen changes in its morphology and histopathology. The blood cell count for peripheral venous blood was determined once a week, and the spleen size was measured by CT scanning. Results One week after splenic vein embolization, the counts of peripheral erythrocytes and platelets showed a reduction, which became more obvious in three weeks (P < 0.05). Erythropenia, thrombocytopenia and splenomegaly could last for over six weeks. At the second week after the procedure , pathologically the spleen assumed passive congestion appearance. The thermal energy produced by radiofrequency ablation could cause local splenic coagulation necrosis, splenic vessels occlusion and splenic thrombotic infarction due to diffuse micro-vascular thrombosis. Conclusion To establish an animal model with secondary hypersplenism, the method of CT-guided percutaneous embolism of splenic vein is simple and reliable. The animal models can be used for surgical or interventional researches. Radiofrequency ablation is an effective intervention means.