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Updated: Jun 18, 2026
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Thermal Ablation for the Treatment of Abdominal Tumors
Published on: March 7, 2011
Electromagnetic measurement and modeling techniques for microwave ablation probes
1Covidien Energy Based Devices Boulder, CO 80301, USA. joseph.brannan@covidien.com
Summary
This study measured microwave ablation probe performance in liver tissue, comparing real-world data to simulations. The results validate a new modeling technique for optimizing ablation probe design.
Area of Science:
- Electromagnetic modeling
- Biomedical engineering
- Radiofrequency ablation
Background:
- Microwave ablation is a minimally invasive thermal therapy.
- Accurate modeling of ablation probes is crucial for effective treatment.
- Tissue properties change significantly during ablation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure broadband scattering parameters of a microwave ablation probe during ablation.
- To compare measurements with finite difference time domain (FDTD) simulations.
- To validate a multi-compartmental modeling technique for ablation geometry.
Main Methods:
- Performed broadband scattering parameter measurements on a commercial microwave ablation probe.
- Conducted a 10-minute, 45-Watt ablation cycle in ex-vivo bovine liver tissue.
- Utilized FDTD simulations with varying tissue geometries (non-ablated and ablated).
Main Results:
- Measurement and simulation results showed good agreement between 0-3 GHz.
- Validated the accuracy of the multi-compartmental ablation geometry modeling technique.
- Demonstrated the potential of electromagnetic modeling for probe optimization.
Conclusions:
- The presented electromagnetic modeling technique is a valuable tool for microwave ablation probe design.
- The technique can optimize probes without complex multi-physics simulations.
- Tissue complex permittivity changes with temperature impact probe performance.
