Implementation of a 3D kidney tissue model to simulate microwave antenna and blood perfusion rate effects due to microwave ablation

Abstract

Microwave ablation (MWA) is a cancer treatment using microwave energy. The treatment methods will involve inserting a microwave antenna to deliver the microwave directly into the tissue to destroy cancer cells. Microwave energy is a type of high-frequency electromagnetic wave. When applied to tissue, it can absorb and generate heat rapidly. The heat generated also affects the surrounding normal tissue slightly, allowing for the rapid and safe destruction of cancerous growths without harming other organs in the body. In this research, a numerical simulation of MWA techniques using a microwave antenna within a kidney tissue model is investigated. The finite element method (FEM) with three-dimensional (3D) model of kidney tissue with a tumor of MWA are determined. Model coupling of electromagnetic wave propagation equation and bioheat equation are analyzed. The impacts of different types of microwave antennas, including single and double slot microwave antennas, and blood perfusion rates on the temperature-increasing distribution and percentage of necrosis volume are carried out. A double-slot microwave antenna results in a higher temperature value within the kidney tissue model. In addition, higher blood perfusion rate values also result in lower temperature values due to better blood flow. It can be concluded that the double slot antenna based on a blood perfusion rate of 0.025 s^-1 has the highest percentage of necrosis volume compared to other cases. It is hoped that this study could provide guidelines for treating kidney cancer and can be applied to treating cancer in other organs as well.