Theoretical assessment of principal factors influencing laser interstitial thermotherapy outcomes on pancreas.
The influence of some therapy-relevant parameters on Laser Induced Interstitial Thermotherapy (LITT) outcomes on pancreas is assessed. The aim is to execute a sensitivity analysis for an optimal treatment strategy on in vivo pancreas. A numerical model based on Bioheat Equation has been implemented to assess the influence of laser settings (power P and energy E), applicator radius (r(f)) and optical properties (effective attenuation coefficient, μ(eff)) on temperature (T) distribution. Effects on pancreas undergoing LITT have been evaluated with a twofold approach: 1) T rise and maximum T (T(max)) in tissue; 2) injured volumes (vaporized and coagulated ones). We consider parameters range in typical LITT values (P from 1.5 W to 6 W, E from 500 J to 1500 J, r(f) from 150 µm to 600 µm) and optical values reported in literature. Our analysis shows that, among others, P and μ(eff) are the principal influencing factors of thermal effects on pancreas undergoing LITT: P should be carefully chosen by operator to obtain the desired injured volumes, while the accurate measurement of tissue optical properties is crucial to carry out a safe and controlled thermal therapy on pancreas.
Unit of Measurements and Biomedical Instrumentation, Center for Integrated Research, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Álvaro del Portillo, Rome, Italy.
P
P
Saccomandi
E
E
Schena
F M
FM
Di Matteo
M
M
Pandolfi
M
M
Martino
R
R
Rea
F
F
Panzera
S
S
Silvestri
D006801:Humans; D006979:Hyperthermia, Induced / Q000379:methods*; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D010179:Pancreas