Model-based assessment of probe placement criteria in cancer therapy using RF ablation

Radiofrequency ablation has been developed as a minimally-invasive method for cancer therapy. Nevertheless, the unfeasibility of direct observation during ablation process sometimes becomes a challenge for practitioners, particularly those constrained by the absence of a proper monitoring system. Thus, aiming to develop a prudent cancer therapy planning, this research develops a 3D model that enable practitioners to predict the tissue damage resulted by a simulated ablation before a real ablation is executed. The model, developed using finite element method, is made to mimic real human liver tissue by simulating its physical properties as temperature-dependent functions. Three probe placement cases, representing three different approaches, are analysed to study the effect of probe placement configuration on tissue damage formed during a time-dependent ablation process. The three placement cases are surface-perpendicular placement, misaligned placement, and relatively accurate placement. It can be concluded that the accuracy of a probe placement configuration can be assessed by quantifying two major parameters: average tissue damage in the target domain and accumulated damage resulted in complementary tissue domain. Optimum ablation duration can also be determined by considering those parameters.