Numerical Validation of the Efficiency of Dual-Frequency Radiofrequency Ablation

A. Candeo[1] and F. Dughiero[1]
[1]Department Electrical Engineering, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
Published in 2009

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) represents a valid alternative for treating liver metastases in medically complicated patients. Conventional devices currently operate at 500 kHz, due to good conducting properties of tissues. However, the use of lower frequencies (i.e. 20 kHz) has been recently reported to enhance the treatment effectiveness, due to a more pronounced difference in electrical properties between tumor and liver tissue. This results in focusing higher power densities in the tumor area, rather than in surrounding tissue, thus producing higher heating rates. The effect of different frequency values was investigated by means of numerical simulation. Both single and dualfrequency modes were considered, by using a constant or variable input feed.

Download