Title: Formulation of 3D finite elements for hepatic radiofrequency ablation

Authors: Yansheng Jiang, Stefaan Mulier, Wang Chong, Michele Cristiane Diel Rambo, Feng Chen, Guy Marchal, Yicheng Ni

Addresses: Department of Radiology, Gasthuisberg University Hospital, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium. ' Department of Radiology, Gasthuisberg University Hospital, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium. ' Departamento de Tecnologia, Universidade Regional de Noroeste do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Prefeito Rudi Franke, 540 CP 121, Panambi – RS, 98.280-000, Brazil. ' Departamento de Fisica, Estatistica, Matematica, Universidade Regional de Noroeste do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua do Comercio, 3000, Bairro Universitario, Ijui-RS, 98700-000, Brazil. ' Department of Radiology, Gasthuisberg University Hospital, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium. ' Department of Radiology, Gasthuisberg University Hospital, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium. ' Department of Radiology, Gasthuisberg University Hospital, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium

Abstract: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is being used as one of the minimally invasive treatments for unresectable primary and metastatic liver tumours. The variables identified to have significant impact on RF heating include electrical conductivity of the tumour and surrounding tissue, thermal conductivity of tissue, tissue perfusion and RF generator output. These constitute a dynamic and complex matter that makes it difficult to achieve an optimal RFA in clinical practice. This study was intended to propose a specialised three dimensional (3D) finite element modelling in order to develop a fast analysis tool for clinicians to optimise RFA parameters and to predict the ablation outcomes.

Keywords: hepatic tumours; radiofrequency ablation; RFA parameters; finite element method; FEM; modelling; tetrahedral elements; Joule heat; liver tumours; hepatic cancer; medical imaging.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMIC.2010.032803

International Journal of Modelling, Identification and Control, 2010 Vol.9 No.3, pp.225 - 235

Published online: 23 Apr 2010 *

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