Finite-Element Analysis and In Vitro Experiments of Placement Configurations Using Triple Antennas in Microwave Hepatic Ablation

This study presents analyses of triple-antenna configurations and designs for microwave (MW) hepatic ablation using 3-D finite-element (FE) analyses verified by in vitro experiments. Treatment of hepatic cancer often requires removal or destruction of large volume lesions. Using multiple antennas offers a potential solution for creating ablation zones with larger dimensions, as well as varied geometrical shapes. We performed both 3-D FE analyses and in vitro experiments using three identical open-tip MW antennas simultaneously, placing them in three types of configurations-ldquolinear array,rdquo ldquotriangular,rdquo and ldquoT-shapedrdquo arrangements. We compared coagulation volumes created, as well as temperature distribution characteristics, from the three-antenna arrangements after power delivery of 50 W for 60 s. We also performed additional tests using nonidentical antennas (open tip, slot, and slot with insulating jacket) for the three configurations. The results illustrate that arranging antennas in the ldquoT-shapedrdquo pattern destroyed more unwanted tissues than those found when using ldquolinear arrayrdquo and ldquotriangularrdquo arrangements, with maximum coagulation width and depth of 46 and 81 mm, respectively, and coagulation volume of 30.7 cm³ . In addition, using nonidentical triple antennas caused variations in coagulation zone characteristics, and thus, the technique could be applied to treatment situations where nonsymmetric coagulation zones are required.