Modelling the temperature-dependent RF ablation produced by the multi-tine electrode

What is it about?

The paper discusses a thermal ablation of liver tissue with a multi-tine probe. The 3D model of such applicator with evenly distributed 2–5 arms was placed in hepatic tissue near a cylindrical vessel with circulating blood. The temperature of the surrounding tissue was regulated within defined limits by changing the voltage employed on the RF electrode. The current study examines influence of temperature-dependent and constant parameters of liver tissue on thermal efficiency of ablation procedure. As presented, a blood flowing in the blood vessel causes the cooling of tissue, which requires the electrode voltage to be increased to maintain the set therapeutic levels of temperatures. Interestingly, even larger changes in electrode potential are required in the case of temperature-dependent ablation with a blood vessel.

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Why is it important?

keywords: FEM, blood flow, multi-tine electrode, hepatocellular carcinoma, temperature-dependent RF ablation, hepatic tissue properties

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