Optimizing electrode placement using finite-element models in radiofrequency ablation treatment planning.

Conventional radiofrequency ablation (RFA) planning methods for identifying suitable electrode placements typically use geometric shapes to model ablation outcomes. A method is presented for searching electrode placements that couples finite-element models (FEMs) of RFA together with a novel optimization strategy. The method was designed to reduce the need for model solutions per local search step. The optimization strategy was tested against scenarios requiring single and multiple ablations. In particular, for a scenario requiring multiple ablations, a domain decomposition strategy was described to minimize the complexity of simultaneously searching multiple electrode placements. The effects of nearby vasculature on optimal electrode placement were also studied. Compared with geometric planning approaches, FEMs could potentially deliver electrode placement plans that provide more physically meaningful predictions of therapeutic outcomes.