Multi-scale model for investigating the electrical properties and mechanical properties of liver tissue undergoing ablation

Abstract

Purpose: Radio-frequency (RF) has been used to induce ablation and coagulation in liver for minimizing blood loss during liver resection. A multi-level tissue model that we have developed to investigate the changes in electrical properties of liver tissue during RF ablation. Methods: The proposed computational model comprises of an equivalent circuit consisting of resistors and capacitors. The potential difference across the cells and the extracellular structure is used to help predicting the associated changes in tissue electrical property. Experiments were done to validate the proposed model and computer simulation. Results: The changes in tissue mechanical properties were correlated with that of electrical property using experiments. Conclusion: Knowledge of tissue properties changes in associated with changes at the cells and the extracellular structure can be used to optimize RF ablation and tissue division during surgery. © 2010 CARS.