Real-time monitoring of bioelectrical impedance for minimizing tissue carbonization in microwave ablation of porcine liver

The charring tissue generated by the high temperature during microwave ablation can affect the therapeutic effect, such as limiting the volume of the coagulation zone and causing rejection. This paper aimed to prevent tissue carbonization while delivering an appropriate thermal dose for effective ablations by employing a treatment protocol with real-time bioelectrical impedance monitoring. Firstly, the current field response under different microwave ablation statuses is analyzed based on finite element simulation. Next, the change of impedance measured by the electrodes is correlated with the physical state of the ablated tissue, and a microwave ablation carbonization control protocol based on real-time electrical impedance monitoring was established. The finite element simulation results show that the dielectric properties of biological tissues changed dynamically during the ablation process. Finally, the relative change rule of the electrical impedance magnitude of the ex vivo porcine liver throughout the entire MWA process and the reduction of the central zone carbonization were obtained by the MWA experiment. Charring tissue was eliminated without water cooling at 40 W and significantly reduced at 50 W and 60 W. The carbonization during MWA can be reduced according to the changes in tissue electrical impedance to optimize microwave thermal ablation efficacy.