Abstract: Objective To investigate tunnel radiofrequency (RF) volumetric reduction of porcine tongue by computed tomography (CT) 3D reconstruction and explore better RF points. Methods Nine fresh porcine tongues were randomly divided into 3 groups, with 3 in each group. The 3 groups were set to different RF parameters, and 3 porcine tongues of each group were designed 3 RF points respectively and RF operation was done with RF generator. CT scan and 3D reconstruction were performed before and after RF, and volumetric reduction was calculated. Results With the same level and RF time, there was no significant difference between different RF points. When RF time was 10 s, volumetric reduction increased with the increase of the energy level, and volumetric reduction increased with the increasing of RF time when the energy level was 6. Conclusion Within certain parameter range of tunnel RF, volumetric reduction increases with the raise of energy level, along with the RF time extension volumetric reduction also increases.

Key words: Radiofrequency (RF), Porcine tongue, Computed Tomography (CT), 3D reconstruction