A tubular electrode for radiofrequency ablation therapy

Carlos Lemos Lemos Lemos Antunes, Tony Richard O Almeida, Nélia Raposeiro, Belarmino Gonçalves, Paulo E M Álmeida

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose – Due to its good mechanical and biocompatibility characteristics, nitinol SEMS is a popular endoprothesis used for relieving stricture problems in hollow organs due to carcinomas. Besides its mechanical application, SEMS can be regarded as well as potential electrode for performing RF ablation therapy on the tumor. The purpose of this work is to perform numerical and experimental analyses in order to characterize the lesion volume induced in biological tissue using this kind of tubular electrode. Design/methodology/approach – Data concerning electrical conductivity and dimension of the damaged tissue after RF ablation procedure were obtained from ex vivo samples. Next, numerical models using 3D finite element method were obtained reassembling the conditions considered at experimentation setup and results were compared. Findings – Numerical and experimental results show that a regular volume of damaged tissue can be obtained considering this type of electrode. Also, results obtained from numerical simulation are close to those obtained by experimentation. Originality/value – SEMSs, commonly used as devices to minimize obstruction problems due to the growth of tumors, may still be considered as an active electrode for RF ablation procedures. A method considering this observation is presented in this paper. Also, numerical simulation can be regarded in this case as a tool for determining the lesion volume.
Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1077-1086
Number of pages10
JournalCOMPEL - The international journal for computation and mathematics in electrical and electronic engineering
Volume31
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 6 2012
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Engineering

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