Numerical simulation and comparison of hepatic tumor hyperthermia using microwave and radiofrequency waves

In this study, the thermal ablation of liver tumors using radiofrequency (RF) and microwave (MW) energy was numerically investigated. Heat transfer within the tissue was simulated based on coupled electromagnetic and bioheat models, employing a realistic liver geometry in COMSOL Multiphysics. Unlike previous studies that primarily used simplified cylindrical models, this work utilized actual tissue structure to achieve a more accurate analysis of temperature distribution, electromagnetic field intensity, and the extent of necrosis. The results indicate that the highest degree of tumor cell destruction occurs in regions closest to the applicator, while both field intensity and temperature gradually decrease with distance, leading to reduced necrosis. The realistic model demonstrated greater accuracy in predicting local temperatures and thermal effects compared to simplified models. Based on the findings, to minimize unintended damage to surrounding healthy tissue, it is recommended to reduce the applied power (to 5 W for MW) and voltage (to 17 V for RF). These results can contribute to the optimization of non-invasive liver cancer treatments and the safer design of hyperthermia devices.