The optimization of electrosurgical procedures requires a rigorous understanding of the electrical, thermal, mechanical and chemical events accompanying the ablation process. Modeling is indispensable and is needed to further advance this technology. This study introduces a novel tissue electrosurgical ablation model based on interstitial vapor nucleation and expansion. The model describes interstitial vapor nucleation and bubble growth using a homogeneous nulceation theory and Rayleigh equation. Electrosurgical incisions were made on beef muscle while equivalent electrical circuit patameters were monitored as a function of power settings and scalpel geometries. Thermal damage was measured using light and polarization microscopy. Results were compared with predictions produced by a numerical simulation, which modeled the tissue and electrosurgical scalpel interaction as a function of power settings and scalpel geometry.

Date Published: 10 June 2003
PDF: 7 pages
Proc. SPIE 4954, Thermal Treatment of Tissue: Energy Delivery and Assessment II, (10 June 2003); doi: 10.1117/12.476344

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 4954:
Thermal Treatment of Tissue: Energy Delivery and Assessment II
Thomas P. Ryan, Editor(s)