Experimental and Numerical Studies of Heat Transfer in Human Uteri During Cryoablation

Abstract

This paper presents experimental and numerical studies of transient heat transfer inside the uterus during application of a PFC (perfluorochemical) fluid into the endometrium cavity in order to achieve cryoablation. The numerical prediction is based on a 1-D finite difference method of the bio-heat equation using the Crank Nicolson scheme. The numerical method is first validated by a 1-D physical model by measuring temperature history at several locations within a silicone rubber sheet. Good agreement, thus positive predictability, was obtained by comparing numerical predictions with the experimental data obtained from eight intact, hysterectomized uteri during cryoablation.