Numerical modelling of magnetic induction heating of a tubular implant for hyperthermia procedures

In this paper it is studied the feasibility of using of a self-expandable stent, as an applicator for hyperthermia treatments by magnetic induction. This approach avoids the physical connection of the implant to a generator, and heat is generated from the interaction of the conductor with an applied external magnetic field. The latter induces a current in the section of the stent which, by Joule effect, will warm the adjacent tumour tissues. This study is carried considering a numerical simulation, based on finite element analysis, of a cholangiocarcinoma, a cancerous tumour located in the bile duct. Data obtained from this analysis have shown promising results, proving that it might be possible to induce thermal necrosis on the tissue adjacent to the implant. Still, the influence of major blood vessels next to the bile duct affect the temperature distribution and so the lesion volume might not be as uniform as expected.