Simulation and ex vivo validation study reveals accurate thermal damage prediction in porcine tissue, highlighting mechanisms for precise temperature control during laser ablation.
Key Points
To develop and validate a fully coupled optical-thermal-fluid-solid model based on poroelastic theory to predict temperature dynamics and optimize protocols in laser ablation therapy.
Formulated a fully coupled multi-physics model accounting for optical absorption, heat transfer, fluid flow, and solid mechanical deformation using poroelastic theory.
Validated the numerical simulations through ex vivo experiments in pork tissue using precise needle guidance and multi-point temperature measurements.
Thermal expansion within elastic tissue induced fluid backflow toward the heated region, creating a thermal focusing effect.
A narrower laser beam waist improved optical penetration depth, whereas higher tissue porosity lowered peak temperatures and facilitated thermal diffusion.
Experimental validation demonstrated strong model accuracy, yielding a maximum temperature prediction error of 1.73°C.