Multiscale optimization of the probe placement for radiofrequency ablation.
OBJECTIVE
We present a model for the optimal placement of mono- and bipolar probes in radiofrequency (RF) ablation. The model is based on a system of partial differential equations that describe the electric potential of the probe and the steady state of the induced heat distribution.


METHODS
To optimize the probe placement we minimize a temperature-based objective function under the constraining system of partial differential equations. Further, the extension of the resulting optimality system for the use of multiple coupled RF probes is discussed. We choose a multiscale gradient descent approach to solve the optimality system.


RESULTS
This article describes the discretization and implementation of the approach with finite elements on three-dimensional hexahedral grids.


CONCLUSIONS
Applications of the optimization to artificial test scenarios as well as a comparison to a real RF ablation show the usefulness of the approach.
Altrogge
Inga
I
Center of Complex Systems and Visualization, University of Bremen, Germany. inga@cevis.uni-bremen.de
Preusser
Tobias
T
Kröger
Tim
T
Büskens
Christof
C
Pereira
Philippe L
PL
Schmidt
Diethard
D
Peitgen
Heinz-Otto
HO
D001831:Body Temperature; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D003198:Computer Simulation; D006498:Hepatectomy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D008954:Models, Biological; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D013817:Thermography / Q000379:methods