Optimal Saline Infusion Distance for Tumor Ablation
Author Information
Author(s): Burdío Fernando, Berjano Enrique J, Navarro Ana, Burdío José M, Güemes Antonio, Grande Luis, Sousa Ramón, Subiró Jorge, Gonzalez Ana, Cruz Ignacio, Castiella Tomás, Tejero Eloy, Lozano Ricardo, de Gregorio Miguel A
Primary Institution: Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain
Hypothesis
Saline perfusion focused on the hottest areas of the tissue would be more efficient than either through the ICE itself (i.e., 0 mm distance) or at a distance from the hottest areas.
Conclusion
Saline perfusion at around 2 mm from the electrode surface while using an ICE in RFA improves deposition of energy and enlarges coagulation volume.
Supporting Evidence
- A thirty percent increase in coagulation volume was observed for a 2 mm perfusion distance compared to other values.
- The short coagulation diameter was nearly twenty-five percent larger for a 2 mm perfusion distance than for 0 mm.
- The best-fit least square functions for coagulation volume and diameter were obtained with a quadratic curve peaking at 2 mm.
Takeaway
When treating tumors with heat, putting saline about 2 mm away from the electrode helps make the treatment more effective.
Methodology
Experiments were performed on excised bovine livers with varying saline infusion distances (0, 2, and 4 mm) to assess coagulation volume and energy deposition.
Potential Biases
The exact distance between the ICE and infusion needle was not measured precisely.
Limitations
The study was conducted ex vivo in healthy bovine livers, which may not reflect actual clinical conditions.
Participant Demographics
Excised bovine livers were used for the experiments.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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