Computational FEM Model and Phantom Validation of Microwave Ablation for Segmental Microcalcifications in Breasts Using a Coaxial Double-Slot Antenna.

Kristian Segura Félix,Francisco G Flores García,Geshel D Guerrero López,Lorenzo Leija Salas,José I Hernández Jacquez,Mario F J Cepeda Rubio,Eva C Orozco Ruiz De La Peña,Arturo Vera Hernández,Dean Ta

doi:10.1155/2021/8858822

Abstract

Introduction Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide. Breast cancer is the second most common cause of cancer-related mortality, accounting for 11.6% of the total number of deaths. The main treatments for this disease are surgical removal of the tumor, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Recently, different minimally invasive technologies have been applied (e.g., emission of electromagnetic waves, thermal and chemical means) to overcome the important side effects of these treatment modalities. The objective of this study was to develop and evaluate a predictive computational model of microwave ablation. Materials and Methods The predictive computational model of microwave ablation was constructed by means of a dual-slot coaxial antenna. The model was compared with an experiment performed using a breast phantom, which emulates the dielectric properties of breast tissue with segmental microcalcifications. The standing wave ratio (SWR) was obtained for both methods to make a comparison and determine the feasibility of applying electromagnetic ablation to premalignant lesions in breasts. Specifically, for the analysis of segmental microcalcifications, a breast phantom with segmental microcalcifications was developed and two computational models were performed under the same conditions (except for blood perfusion, which was excluded in one of the models). Results The SWR was obtained by triplicate experiments in the phantom, and the measurements had a difference of 0.191 between the minimum and maximum SWR values, implying a change of power reflection of 0.8%. The average of the three measurements was compared with the simulation that did not consider blood perfusion. The comparison yielded a change of 0.104, representing a 0.2% change in power reflection. Discussion. Both experimentation in phantom and simulations demonstrated that ablation therapy can be performed using this antenna. However, an additional optimization procedure is warranted to increase the efficiency of the antenna.

Highlights

Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide
The most common type is lung cancer, representing 11.6% of the total number of cases and accounting for the highest number of deaths due to cancer (18.4%)
The main treatments for cancer are the surgical removal of the tumor, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or combinations of these modalities

Summary

Introduction

Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide. Breast cancer is the second most common cause of cancerrelated mortality, accounting for 11.6% of the total number of deaths. Both experimentation in phantom and simulations demonstrated that ablation therapy can be performed using this antenna. The main treatments for cancer are the surgical removal of the tumor, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or combinations of these modalities These treatments are associated with important physical and emotional side effects [2]. The application of different technologies (e.g., tissue ablation through the emission of electromagnetic waves, chemical or thermal means) has been investigated [3]. Puncture planning methods have been developed to make procedures more accurate [7], and it has been shown to be more effective and safe than other therapies This is because it is not necessary to use a reference electrode as in the case of radiofrequency ablation; electromagnetic waves can propagate by all kinds of biological tissue. It is possible to make arrangements of more than one antenna and presents less procedural pain [8]; and needle applicators can be produced at a low cost [9]

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Discussion

Conclusion