What causes a steam pop during RF ablation?

A steam pop during radiofrequency (RF) ablation occurs primarily due to superheating of the tissue beyond 100 degrees Celsius. When tissue is heated rapidly, particularly with RF energy, the temperature can rise quickly, leading to the formation of steam within the cells. This rapid expansion of steam can create a pressure buildup that ultimately results in a vapor explosion or "steam pop."

This phenomenon is crucial to understand as it can cause unintended tissue damage or alter the treatment outcome during RF ablation procedures. The superheating effect emphasizes the importance of careful thermal management during RF ablation to avoid such occurrences and ensure effective tissue ablation while minimizing collateral damage.