Computational Modelling of Bioheat Transfer for Hyperthermia Using Finite Difference Method

Abstract

Bioheat transfer is a field which involves the study of thermal energy in living systems like tissues. Penne’s bioheat transfer equation is a popular model used in this field. The objective of this study is to develop a computational model to understand the effect of different heating methods like magnetic hyperthermia and laser treatment for living tissues with an embedded tumour. This is done by solving Penne’s bioheat transfer equation using finite difference method for a two-dimensional domain. Initially, Penne’s model in its one-dimensional form is used to observe heat transfer in a living tissue. After validating the results, the model is extended to a two-dimensional domain with an embedded tumour. The properties of the healthy tissue and the tumour cells are considered to be different. Using different heating methods, the temperature of the tumour is raised to 40–43 ℃ to damage the tumour cells, and the time taken for necrosis is found. The results obtained will be useful for tumour detection and also its treatment. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.