Effective artifical ascites for RFA : whether we should use saline or 5% glucose solution?

The aim of this study is to evaluate the merits of various solutions when we perform artificial acites as an aid to percutaneous RFA therapy. We made an experimental model of RFA using a special plastic container. A piece of swine liver as ablation sample was placed in this container full of 1,500 mL saline or 5% glucose solution as artificial ascites. RFA was performed using 17 G cooled electrode with 2 cm exposed tip. The duration of ablation was 5 minutes and generated power was 20 W. We assessed necrotic area, tissue temperature and impedance. Ablation area was 28 mm and 22 mm using saline and 5% glucose solution respectively. Temperature of ablation tissue was 84°C and 79°C for each. Our data suggest that we had more effective RFA by using saline than 5% glucose solution in artificial ascites. We found saline to be recommended for artificial ascites technique.