PURPOSE: To evaluate the distribution pattern of injected ethanol in ox liver according to the types of needle and injection velocity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-one punctures using three different types of needle were made in an ox liver previously removed from the animal. In addition, a solution of 4ml ethanol mixed with 1ml contrast media was injected at successive velocities of 0.05 ml/sec, 0.1ml/sec, and 0.2ml/sec. Distribution of the mixed solution was confirmed immediately after the injection, using lateral radiographs. The vertical diameter/transveme diameter ratio was measured. RESULTS: Distribution patterns of mixed solution did not differ significantly(p>0.01), but were significantly different according to needle type(p<0.01). Vertical/transverse diameter ratios were as follows : group using maltiple-side-hole needle : 0.76 ±SD 0.19(n=27);using end-hole needle without bevel : 1.30 ±0.37(n=27) ; and using end-hole needle with bevel ; 0.98 ±0.26(n=27). CONCLUSION: The distribution of mixed solution did not depend on the speed of injection by varied according to needle shape. These findings are therefore important with regard to the distribnion of ethanol within a tumor, with proper localization of needle tip.