Abstract
Simple SummaryIn this work, a parametric analysis of a dual-mode applicator for microwave ablation treatments is proposed to optimize the geometric parameters of the structure. The dual-mode concept means that the applicator comprises an additional sensing mode to determine the dielectric properties of the surrounding tissue before and during the ablation procedure. Based on numerical electromagnetic-thermal coupled simulations the most optimal design in terms of applicator efficiency as well as ablation zone volume and shape is determined that further fulfills the sensitivity requirements of the sensing mode. The multiobjective optimization problem is solved graphically with the so-called Pareto-optimization method. The resulting Pareto-optimal dual-mode applicator designs are characterized by electromagnetic and thermal simulations and discussed.A multiobjective optimization method for a dual-mode microwave applicator is proposed. Dual-modality means that microwaves are used apart from the treatment, and also for the monitoring of the microwave ablation intervention. (1) The use of computational models to develop and improve microwave ablation applicator geometries is essential for further advances in this field. (2) Numerical electromagnetic–thermal coupled simulation models are used to analyze the performance of the dual-mode applicator in liver tissue; the sensitivity evaluation of the dual-mode applicator’s sensing mode constrains the set of optimal solutions. (3) Three Pareto-optimal design parameter sets are derived that are optimal in terms of applicator efficiency as well as volume and sphericity of the ablation zone. The resulting designs of the dual-mode applicator provide a suitable sensitivity to distinguish between healthy and tumorous liver tissue. (4) The optimized designs are presented and numerically characterized. An improvement on the performance of previously proposed dual-mode applicator designs is achieved. The multiphysical simulation model of electromagnetic and thermal properties of the applicator is applicable for future comprehensive design procedures.
Highlights
Liver cancer is the sixth most frequently diagnosed cancer worldwide, with an increasing incidence rate [1]
The corresponding characterization of the Pareto-optimal applicator geometries are presented in terms of the applicator efficiency and ablation zone size and shape
Many microwave ablation (MWA) applicators have been proposed in literature that were designed by matching the antenna to healthy liver tissue properties as surrounding
Summary
Liver cancer is the sixth most frequently diagnosed cancer worldwide, with an increasing incidence rate [1]. Personalized and local therapies, such as thermal ablation procedures that use heat to destroy tumor cells. The need for those minimally invasive interventions is continuously increasing due to rising case numbers of liver tumor diseases. Various technologies are in clinical use as energy sources for heat generation during the thermal ablation procedure. These include microwave ablation (MWA) [2,3], radiofrequency ablation (RFA) [4,5], laser-induced interstitial thermotherapy (LITT) [6,7], and high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) [8]. MWA could enable a significant reduction of circulating tumor cells in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) [11]
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