A Thermo-Fluid-Solid Model Thermal Damage Prediction in Laser Ablation Therapy.

BACKGROUND

Precise temperature control is critical for safe, effective laser ablation in minimally invasive tumour treatment, but current models lack full understanding of multi-physics coupling during the process.

METHODS

Using poroelastic theory, we developed a fully coupled optical-thermal-fluid-solid model for high-fidelity temperature prediction to optimise surgical protocols. Ex vivo experiments in pork tissue with precise needle positioning and multi-point temperature measurements validated the model.

RESULTS

Simulations showed thermal expansion in elastic tissues induces fluid backflow to the heating zone (thermal focussing). A smaller beam waist enhances optical penetration, while higher porosity reduces peak temperature and promotes diffusion. Validation yielded a maximum prediction error ≤ 1.73°C.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides a theoretical basis for precise temperature control and tissue damage prediction in laser therapy, with particular relevance to prostate tumour treatment.