Radio-frequency thermal therapy of renal cell carcinomas.
Published: 2004
Language: eng
Number of pages: 84
Description: Radio-frequency thermal therapy is a minimally invasive technique used to destroy solid tumours by elevating tissue temperature above 55&deg;C. This technique is being investigated as an alternative to surgical management of renal cell carcinoma. The aim of this thesis is to investigate the changes in tissue dielectric properties at high temperatures and to incorporate this knowledge into a mathematical model to predict the thermal damage during RF thermal treatment of kidney.An experimental system was built to measure dielectric properties (at 460 kHz) at high temperatures of kidney cortex and fat. Results showed that these properties change significantly during heating due to both temperature and structural processes. A dynamic theoretical model was developed to calculate the voltage, temperature rise and extent of thermal damage in kidney, based on Arrhenius damage integral. The accuracy of predictions was verified with measurements of temperature rise and extent of coagulation in kidney,  ex vivo.
Notes: Adviser:  Michael D. Sherar.

Thesis (M.Sc.)--University of Toronto, 2004.

Electronic version licensed for access by U. of T. users.

Source: Masters Abstracts International, Volume: 42-06, page: 2129.

MICR copy on microfiche (2 microfiches).