Electrical isolation during radiofrequency ablation: 5% dextrose in water provides better protection than saline

Conf Proc IEEE Eng Med Biol Soc. 2006:2006:5021-4. doi: 10.1109/IEMBS.2006.260086.

Abstract

We quantify the ability of 0.9% NaCl (saline) and 5% dextrose in water (D5W) to protect tissues during RF ablation. Using computer simulations and phantom experiments, we determined that D5W provides significantly more electrical isolation than saline, which reduces unwanted heating of the adjacent tissue. Saline actually increased the amount of RF current in the adjacent tissue. Based on these results, we conclude that D5W is preferable to saline as a protective fluid.

MeSH terms

  • Biomedical Engineering / methods
  • Catheter Ablation / instrumentation*
  • Catheter Ablation / methods
  • Computer Simulation
  • Electric Impedance
  • Electrochemistry / methods
  • Electrodes
  • Equipment Design
  • Glucose / pharmacology*
  • Models, Theoretical
  • Phantoms, Imaging
  • Salts / pharmacology*
  • Sodium Chloride / pharmacology
  • Temperature
  • Time Factors
  • Water / chemistry*

Substances

  • Salts
  • Water
  • Sodium Chloride
  • Glucose