Anistropically varying conductivity in irreversible electroporation simulations
Nicholas Labarbera1, Corina Drapaca2,3
1Department of Engineering Science & Mechanics, The Pennsylvania State University, 212 Earth-Engineering Sciences Bldg., University Park, 16802, PA, USA. nal5047@psu.edu.
Theoretical Biology & Medical Modelling
|November 2, 2017
Summary
This study introduces a new mathematical model for irreversible electroporation (IRE) that accounts for electrical field direction. The model more accurately predicts tumor ablation size, reducing overprediction compared to previous methods.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Computational Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Irreversible electroporation (IRE) is a minimally invasive cancer treatment using electricity to ablate tumor cells.
- Experimental evidence shows tissue conductivity varies with electrical field direction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a mathematical model for IRE that incorporates anisotropic tissue conductivity.
- To derive a conductivity tensor dependent on electrical field direction for numerical implementation.
Main Methods:
- Derived a general formulation for an anisotropic-varying conductivity tensor.
- Implemented the tensor into IRE modeling software.
- Performed numerical simulations comparing isotropic and anisotropic conductivity models.
Main Results:
- The anisotropic model predicts a 5-10% decrease in ablation size compared to isotropic models.
- This anisotropic formulation accounts for both electrical field direction and magnitude.
- Results align with experimental trends, showing a larger volume change for bipolar simulations.
Conclusions:
- The anisotropic conductivity model provides a more accurate prediction of ablation volume in IRE.
- This improved accuracy may explain the overprediction observed with isotropic models.
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