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Phantom for microwave ablation device testing

Project Overview

Microwave ablation is a medical treatment for many abdominal cancers in vivo. Thin antennas positioned in the tumor cells deliver microwave energy to destroy the tumor cells. This method has achieved some clinical success; however, improvements for devices and ablation techniques are in demand. The current tissue models are heterogeneous and inconsistent and impede device development. Dr. Brace is currently developing new ablation devices and desires a reliable medium to test his innovations. Our collective goal is to create a phantom for microwave ablation that is nearly transparent, mirrors the dielectric and thermal properties of a liver, and provides visual identification of ablation zones.

Team Picture

Group Members from left to right: Andrew Hanske, Kimberly Maciolek, Molly Krohn, and Tian Zhou.
Group Members from left to right: Andrew Hanske, Kimberly Maciolek, Molly Krohn, and Tian Zhou.

Images

Our final design is a mixture of egg white and albumin protein. The albumin not only provides more protein to be denatured but also decreases the dielectric properties to better match that of the liver. The ablation zone, the cooked white ball, is clearly visible throughout the ablation.
Our final design is a mixture of egg white and albumin protein. The albumin not only provides more protein to be denatured but also decreases the dielectric properties to better match that of the liver. The ablation zone, the cooked white ball, is clearly visible throughout the ablation.
Agilent Technologies® E50701C ENA Series Network Analyzer was used to measure dielectric properties.
Agilent Technologies® E50701C ENA Series Network Analyzer was used to measure dielectric properties.
Samples were ablated for 5 minutes using the Cober Muegge microwave source with 50 watts of adjusted power.
Samples were ablated for 5 minutes using the Cober Muegge microwave source with 50 watts of adjusted power.
To start testing, a sample of Dow Corning dielectric silicone gel, was seen above, was ordered.
To start testing, a sample of Dow Corning dielectric silicone gel, was seen above, was ordered.
To begin testing, a sample of permanent thermochromic dye, as seen above, was ordered from HallCrest.
To begin testing, a sample of permanent thermochromic dye, as seen above, was ordered from HallCrest.

Files

Contact Information

Team Members

  • Tian Zhou - Team Leader
  • Molly Krohn - Communicator
  • Andrew Hanske - BSAC
  • Kimberly Maciolek - BWIG

Advisor and Client

  • Prof. John Puccinelli - Advisor
  • Prof. Chris Brace - Client
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