Successful recanalization of bile duct occlusion with a radiofrequency puncture wire technique.

A radiofrequency (RF) wire puncture technique was used in the recanalization of biliary anastomotic occlusions in five patients. The technical success of recanalization, which was defined as successful puncture and crossing of the obstruction followed by balloon cholangioplasty and internal-external biliary drainage without evidence of complications, was 100%. The average follow-up was 13 months (range, 11-16 months). For biliary occlusion recanalization, the RF wire may allow the use of percutaneous therapy in the treatment of a subset of individuals who would otherwise have to undergo open surgical intervention.