Endoscopic Therapy of Malignant Bile Duct Strictures

As part of medical care subjects will be undergoing an endoscopic procedure (ERCP) in order to evaluate and stent a bile duct blockage. During the ECRP and just prior to the stent placement subjects will undergo the placement of a radiofrequency ablation catheter into the bile duct blockage. Heat will be applied to the bile duct in order to open the blockage and prevent the re-growth of tissue into the stent; after the radiofrequency ablation, stent will be placed. Three days after the procedure subjects will receive a phone call from the research coordinator to check any adverse or unwanted effects of the treatment. The study procedure (radiofrequency ablation) takes place over 10 minutes during ERCP. The subjects will undergo routine follow up for their medical problems. No follow up visits are required as part of the study.