What is the purpose of delivering fluid, like heparinized saline, in open irrigation cooling?

The purpose of delivering fluid, such as heparinized saline, during open irrigation cooling is primarily to cool both internally and externally. This process helps maintain a safe operating temperature in the targeted area during surgical procedures, which is crucial to prevent excessive thermal injury to healthy tissues while ensuring effective ablation of the target tissues.

When open irrigation is employed, the continuous flow of fluid not only helps in cooling the area where the ablation is taking place but also aids in maintaining the integrity of surrounding structures. By preventing overheating, it enhances the safety and efficacy of the procedure.

Furthermore, while cooling is a significant benefit, the heparinized saline also serves an additional purpose by preventing clot formation within the delivery system, thereby allowing for uninterrupted fluid flow. This combination of cooling and preventing clot formation maximizes the effectiveness of the ablation process while minimizing risks to patient safety.