Evaluation of 'Melody' Paracentesis Device for Ascites Therapy

Ascites is the accumulation of fluid inside the abdomen. This can happen when the liver fails due to a substantial amount of scarring (cirrhosis). Patients (pts) must have this fluid drained and as cirrhosis progresses, patients will require drainage of ascites repeatedly on a regular basis, leading to frequent hospitals visits and increased complications. The current drainage device is slow and doesn't always drain completely so pts have to return repeatedly to keep symptoms under control. A new device (called Melody) has been developed and specifically designed for the purpose of draining ascites fluid, which the Investigators expect to drain faster and completely. This study will compare the volume of ascites drained using the new 'Melody' catheter device with that used in standard NHS practice. If the melody catheter device is confirmed as superior to the current device this would improve patient experience (less frequent visits to hospital and increased length of time between visits). With fewer procedures performed per patient, the pressure on the NHS would be greatly reduced in terms of time and costs.