Comparison of hot contrast material and hot saline for renal ablation in a canine model

Renal ablation was performed in eight dogs with either 76% diatrizoate for normal saline. Both fluids were heated to 100 degrees C before injection. Coagulation necrosis and tubular atrophy were seen with both agents, indicating that much of the effectiveness of hot contrast material is due to heat. Diatrizoate also caused glomerular sclerosis, probably due to its inherent nephrotoxicity. Hot diatrizoate is probably more effective for renal ablation, but may not have an advantage over hot normal saline outside the kidney. Because of the risk of infection, prophylactic antibiotics are advised when renal ablation is performed with hot fluids.