Optimization of probe separation distance and cooling time in multi-probe cryoablation technique by arranging probes in triangular and square pattern-A computational approach

Abstract

Cryoablation is a minimally invasive and efficient therapy option for liver cancer. Liquid nitrogen was used to kill the unwanted cells via freezing. One of the challenges of cryosurgery is to destroy the complete tumor without damaging the surrounding healthy cells when the tumor is large. To overcome this challenge, multi-cryoprobes were arranged in a polygonal pattern to create a uniform cooling and optimum ablation zone in the tissue. Single, three, and four cryoprobes were placed in the center, triangle, and square patterns to analyze the temperature profile and ablation zone. The results showed that tissue will freeze quickly when cryoprobes are placed in a square pattern. After the treatment of 600 seconds, $99\%$, $96\%$, and $31\%$ of the tumor were killed using four, three, and single cryoprobes, respectively. One of the difficulties in the multi-probe technique is choosing the probe separation distance and cooling time. The volume of the ablation zone, the thermal damage to healthy cells, and the volume of tumor cells killed during the treatment for different probe separation distances of 10 mm, 15 mm, and 20 mm are analyzed. Compared to other settings, a multi-probe technique destroys the entire tumor with the least harm to healthy cells when probes are arranged in a square pattern with a 15 mm space between them.