A pre-clinical study was undertaken in a porcine model in order to determine the capacity of RF energy to induce necrosis of lung tissue. Using differing power settings and length of application times, it was determined that the thermal lesions produced in the porcine lung tissue were complete and entire, with no procedure-related complications. Animals survived to 3, 7 and 28 days post-RF ablation were active and showed no evidence of detrimental effects of the RF-induced necrosis on respiratory capacity or function. The regions of necrosis were affected by conductive heat loss via air and blood flow and the presence of bronchi, which resulted in invagination of the thermal lesion boundary; however, all cells within the boundaries were nonviable.