Thermal Analysis of Ex-Vivo Liver RF Ablation through Numerical Modeling and Fiber Bragg Gratings Validation

Radio frequency ablation is a well-established technique in clinical practice for the treatment of tumors. Standardized protocols, new electrode technologies, and impedance feedback generators have already made this technique very advantageous for both patient and doctors, providing minimal invasiveness and localized treatment. Treatment planning can further enhance this technique, creating a customized solution for each patient. Numerical methods are very helpful in predicting treatment outcomes. However, their use as a reference requires a high degree of accuracy. Aim of this paper is to combine the use of numerical simulations with experimental measurements based on fiber optic sensors. To do this, tests on ex-vivo porcine liver have been carried out using a bipolar probe. The results of simulations have been compared with punctual temperature data provided by optical fibers and with experimental outcomes showing a good agreement.