Transcatheter electrocoagulation: experimental evaluation of the anode.

Transcatheter electrocoagulation using direct current has been shown to be an effective method for vessel occlusion. To date, the stainless steel anode has not been entirely satisfactory. Thus, an evaluation of bipolar platinum electrodes and a comparison of monopolar platinum and stainless steel electrodes have been performed. Experimental results have shown that both monopolar and bipolar platinum electrodes caused perforation in most cases. At the present time, we have not found a satisfactory replacement for the unipolar stainless steel anode.