Translational view: Ablative methods in in vivo epilepsy models

New treatment approaches in epilepsy such as novel antiepileptic drugs and neurostimulation generally at first are assessed in animal models in regard to feasibility, efficacy and safety. The aim of this review was to elucidate and summarize the available literature on in vivo experimental studies on radiofrequency thermoablation and laser interstitial thermal therapy. We have found two in vivo studies on radiofrequency ablation of an acute seizure focus, one assessed the conventional transcranial and the other one a transvenous approach. All other studies focused on technical issues of functional ablation of brain structures assessing parameters such as maximal temperature and duration of thermal ablation as well as electrode devices. As the concept of functional ablation is evident destruction of the epileptogenic focus as performed in "open" resective surgery general "proof of concept" experiments do not seem to be necessary.