FEM analysis of RF breast ablation: multiprobe versus cool-tip electrode

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Radio-frequency ablation (RFA) is a key minimally invasive technique for local tumor treatment.
• Evaluating novel RFA methods is crucial for enhancing therapeutic outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of single-needle cool-tip RF breast ablation versus multiprobe RF breast ablation.
• To assess temperature distribution and procedure duration for both RFA techniques.

Main Methods:

• Utilized two distinct commercial radio-frequency ablation electrodes.
• Developed Finite Element Method (FEM) models to simulate thermoablation.
• Performed ex vivo radio-frequency thermal lesion induction for FEM validation.

Main Results:

• FEM models and ex vivo data indicated superior temperature distribution and shorter procedure times with cool-tip RF breast ablation.
• Histopathological analysis confirmed successful coagulation necrosis induction in cool-tip treated specimens.

Conclusions:

• Single-needle cool-tip RF breast ablation demonstrates enhanced performance over multiprobe RFA.
• This technique may lead to more effective in vivo tumor cell eradication with a single application.