Towards a verified simulation model for radiofrequency ablations

The simulation of radiofrequency ablations (RFA) can predict the achievable coagulation area and thus provide useful information for treatment planning, especially in cases in which the heat distribution can be limited by vascular cooling effects. A strong reliability of the numerical simulation results is essential for clinical use. In this paper, we present a novel experimental procedure for the verification of RFA simulation systems in a lifelike environment without requiring animal tests. RF ablations are performed within isolated, perfused porcine livers, the corresponding configurations are reconstructed and simulated on a computer, and the resulting pathoanatomical coagulations are compared to their simulated counterparts with consideration of vascular cooling effects. We have applied this procedure for an initial verification of an existing RFA simulation system. The results are presented and discussed in this paper.