Background: Electrolysis fulfils the criteria for an ideal treatment of pat
ients with unresectable liver rumours. Previous studies in the rat and pig
have shown that controlled necrosis can be safely produced by inserting pla
tinum electrodes into normal liver parenchyma and liver tumours. As with an
y new treatment it is mandatory to investigate the 'worst-case scenario' of
inadvertent intravascular electrode placement in a large animal model befo
re progressing to clinical trials.
Methods: Under ultrasound control in six pigs, electrodes were inserted int
o, or immediately adjacent to, an hepatic vein. An electrolytic 'dose' of 1
00 C was then administered and the evolution of the lesion was monitored us
ing ultrasound. Venous blood was collected before and during the electrolys
is to evaluate potential acid/base disturbances and animals were closely mo
nitored during electrolysis and during their recovery until a full autopsy
was performed 4-7 days after treatment.
Results: Gas bubbles were seen to enter the hepatic veins or inferior vena
cava during treatment in five of the six animals. There were no major compl
ications as a consequence and all animals recovered and remained in a healt
hy state until they were killed, At autopsy one animal had complete thrombo
tic occlusion of the left hepatic vein. Otherwise, findings were normal.
Conclusion: In the clinical setting, due to the use of ultrasound to guide
electrode placement into the centre of a tumour, the electrodes should rare
ly juxtapose an hepatic vein. Nevertheless, in this extreme situation, elec
trolysis is surprisingly safe with only one major vascular occlusion and no
morbidity or mortality.