What leads to the formation of gas bubbles during RF ablation?

The formation of gas bubbles during RF ablation is primarily linked to high RF power causing superheating. When RF energy is applied at high power levels, the tissue being treated can rapidly increase in temperature. This superheating can surpass the boiling point of the intracellular fluids, leading to the conversion of liquid to vapor and resulting in the formation of gas bubbles. These bubbles can play a crucial role in the ablation process, as they can enhance tissue destruction and facilitate thermal injury by disrupting cellular integrity.

Contrastingly, low RF power levels, insufficient energy transfer, and electrode material degradation do not directly lead to the rapid temperature increases necessary for significant bubble formation. Low power levels are unlikely to induce enough thermal energy to create gas bubbles, while insufficient energy transfer means that the energy is not adequately delivering the heat required for boiling. Lastly, electrode material degradation pertains more to the longevity and efficiency of the electrode rather than the thermal effects that generate gas bubbles.