Mathematical Modelling of Thermal and Electrical Processes in the Polyp-Colon System During Electrosurgical Polypectomy

Abstract

In this paper, the mathematical model of the electrical and thermal processes proceeding during the electrosurgical polypectomy is considered. During a colonoscopy, the endoscopist can remove abnormal growths (polyps) inside the large intestine (the colon). In the electrosurgical polypectomy procedure, a polypectomy snare is tightened around the base of the polyp. Next, the electric current flows for a short moment of time from the snare loop (the first electrode), through the polyp-colon tissues and the other body tissues, to the second electrode placed on the patient's skin. Both electrodes are connected to the electrosurgical generator unit. This medical surgery allows to cut off the polyp stalk from the colon wall. The systems of the partial differential equations that describe the thermal and electrical processes with the appropriate initial-boundary conditions are proposed. The examples of numerical simulations related to two duty cycles of the electrosurgical generator unit are presented. Simulation results can be helpful for the surgeons to choose the optimal heating time and to set other parameters of the electric current that flows by tissues during the endoscopy procedure.

Electrosurgical resection of colorectal polyps – mathematical modelling of processes during medical treatment

“…It is worth mentioning that these models are connected together. This work is a continuation of the previous researches [5,6], in which it was extended to atypical (incorrect) cases of the polyp location in the large intestine during surgery.…”

“…First, the governing equations related to the bio-heat transfer model are presented. The temperature field in all considered sub-domains is described by the system of equations [5,6,9]…”

“…Mathematical models and numerical simulations describing the ongoing processes can also be helpful. In works [5,6], the authors undertook the development of such mathematical models and presented examples of simulation results. The influence of current parameters and its duration on the course of the polypectomy, especially in order to determine the degree of the tissue damage, was investigated.…”