Electrocautery in pediatric penile procedures is modeled with the finite element method. Both the electromagnetic power deposition and heat transport due to thermal conduction and blood flow are considered. Anatomical geometry in the region of interest is derived from MR scans of a pediatric penile case. Penile tissue property parameters and variables associated with the electrocautery procedure are varied to study the range of possible responses to the thermal load engendered. Results suggest that electrocautery in the pediatric penis is safe if properly applied. Temperature elevations along the urethra from the tip to the base of the penis do occur, and are influenced most strongly by the power setting, the number and duration of electrocautery events, and their repetition rate. Cross-sectional dimensions of the penis are also important. However, even under relatively extreme conditions, temperature rise is relatively short-lived. Thermal dose estimates suggest that the area of significant thermal damage is confined to the superficial portion of the penis proximal to the site of electrocautery. Further, the model contains a number of simplifications which conspire to over-predict the temperature elevations produced. Hence, the results presented here may be viewed conservatively as worst-case estimates in terms of the safety ofthe procedure vis-a-vis the induction ofthermal injury distal to the site ofelectrocautery in the pediatric penis.

Date Published: 1 June 2001
PDF: 9 pages
Proc. SPIE 4247, Thermal Treatment of Tissue: Energy Delivery and Assessment, (1 June 2001); doi: 10.1117/12.427859

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 4247:
Thermal Treatment of Tissue: Energy Delivery and Assessment
Thomas P. Ryan, Editor(s)