Numerical Study and Experimental Verification of Tissue Cryofreezing Based on Flexible Cryoprobe System

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T Song¹, B Liu², B Xu³

¹Institute of Biothermal Technology, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China.

|May 17, 2019

Abstract

Background:

Cryosurgery is effectively used for treating various diseases including cancer and tumor. But there is difficulty accurately quantifying the spatial temperature profile needed to determine diseased tissue destruction.

Objective:

A novel flexible cryosurgical probe was developed that can pass through the natural cavities of human body to minimize the damage to normal tissues. The present study aims to study the design of the flexible cryoprobe by 3D heat transfer modeling and experimental verification.

Materials And Methods:

A 3D model, on the basis of the flexible cryoprobe system, was developed to predict the temperature distribution during cryosurgery in porcine liver. In vitro experiments and pathological analysis with TUNEL staining of tissue samples were performed for verification.

Results:

The results of numerical simulation based on the Pennes equation exhibited good agreement with experimental measurements for the flexible cryoprobe system. The simulation shows that the tissue within the range of 0 to 6 mm along the cryoprobe is effectively destroyed and the temperature in this domain decreases to the range -35°C to -40°C. Due to the non-uniform distribution, the temperature in the z-axis direction decreases to -40°C faster, with more serious tissue damage; whereas the x-axis direction has the greater distance of tissue destruction. Pathologic analysis of tissue after in vitro cryosurgery has verified the efficacy of the flexible cryoprobe system.

Conclusion:

Numerical simulation and experimental verification demonstrate the efficacy of the flexible cryoprobe system. The 3D heat transfer model can be a valuable tool for optimizing the design of the flexible cryoprobe system.

Insights

A new flexible cryoprobe for cancer treatment was developed and validated. This innovative device allows for precise temperature control, ensuring effective diseased tissue destruction while minimizing damage to healthy surrounding tissues.

Area of Science:

Biomedical Engineering
Medical Physics
Oncology

Background:

Cryosurgery is a valuable treatment for tumors, but accurately measuring temperature profiles for tissue destruction remains challenging.
Existing methods struggle with precise quantification of spatial temperature, impacting treatment efficacy and safety.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop and validate a novel flexible cryosurgical probe designed for minimally invasive procedures through natural body cavities.
To utilize 3D heat transfer modeling and experimental verification to study the design and performance of this flexible cryoprobe.

Main Methods:

A 3D heat transfer model based on the Pennes equation was created to simulate temperature distribution during cryosurgery.
In vitro experiments using porcine liver tissue and pathological analysis (TUNEL staining) were conducted for model verification.

Main Results:

Numerical simulations showed good agreement with experimental measurements for the flexible cryoprobe system.
Effective tissue destruction was observed within 0-6 mm of the probe, with temperatures reaching -35°C to -40°C.
Pathological analysis confirmed the efficacy of the flexible cryoprobe in destroying targeted tissue.

Conclusions:

The flexible cryoprobe system is effective, as demonstrated by numerical simulation and experimental validation.
The developed 3D heat transfer model serves as a crucial tool for optimizing future flexible cryoprobe designs.

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