Simulation-driven modeling of a microwave ablation system

The trade-off between the different microwave ablation (MWA) parameters necessitates the need to simulate the MWA process to select a superior scenario for the ablation settings. These settings include the probe type/design, feeding power, ablation duration, and temperature level for complete tumor damage with minimal damage to the surrounding healthy tissue. The simulation process is based on finite element modeling using ruling equations to govern the tissue destruction and find the relationship between the change in temperature over time and the rate of tissue destruction. To optimize the design routine of the MWA system, different simulation-driven methods are applied using several software tools. Generally, COMSOL Multiphysics software is considered an efficient tool for providing data analysis and illustrations of the predicted ablated zones and radiation distribution while changing the parameter settings during the MWA process. This chapter includes the design steps while using COMSOL to simulate an MWA system as a case study. The introduced model includes geometry of a hepatic tumor, where a single-slot microwave probe is inserted in its center as a case study. Also, a comparative study using the chocked probe and a monopole probe is carried out. Both Maxwell's equations and the bioheat transfer equations were applied in the COMSOL simulation. This chapter describes in detail the steps using COMSOL to design a specific MWA process as a case study.