Cell death, perfusion and electrical parameters are critical in models of hepatic radiofrequency ablation
Journal
International Journal of Hyperthermia
Journal Volume
31
Journal Issue
5
Pages
538-550
Date Issued
2015
Author(s)
Abstract
Purpose: A sensitivity analysis has been performed on a mathematical model of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in the liver. The purpose of this is to identify the most important parameters in the model, defined as those that produce the largest changes in the prediction. This is important in understanding the role of uncertainty and when comparing the model predictions to experimental data. Materials and methods: The Morris method was chosen to perform the sensitivity analysis because it is ideal for models with many parameters or that take a significant length of time to obtain solutions. A comprehensive literature review was performed to obtain ranges over which the model parameters are expected to vary, crucial input information. Results: The most important parameters in predicting the ablation zone size in our model of RFA are those representing the blood perfusion, electrical conductivity and the cell death model. The size of the 50 °C isotherm is sensitive to the electrical properties of tissue while the heat source is active, and to the thermal parameters during cooling. Conclusions: The parameter ranges chosen for the sensitivity analysis are believed to represent all that is currently known about their values in combination. The Morris method is able to compute global parameter sensitivities taking into account the interaction of all parameters, something that has not been done before. Research is needed to better understand the uncertainties in the cell death, electrical conductivity and perfusion models, but the other parameters are only of second order, providing a significant simplification. ? 2015 ? 2015 The Author(s). Published by Taylor & Francis.
Subjects
animal tissue
Article
cell death
cooling
electric conductivity
electrical parameters
heat
heat transfer
human
human cell
human tissue
isotherm
liver
mathematical model
nonhuman
perfusion
radiofrequency ablation
temperature dependence
thermal conductivity
adverse effects
catheter ablation
procedures
surgery
theoretical model
Catheter Ablation
Cell Death
Electric Conductivity
Humans
Liver
Models, Theoretical
Perfusion
SDGs
Type
journal article