Temperature-Dependent Conductivity Change Using MR-Based Electric Properties Tomography

Christoph Leussler¹, Philipp Karkowski¹, Ulrich Katscher¹

Thermal energy is used to treat tumors in liver, kidney and other body organs. Radiofrequency (RF) ablation, microwave ablation, and hyperthermia therapy use the penetration and absorption of electromagnetic waves, which depend on tissue conductivity. The conductivity of tissue depends on frequency and temperature. Relative changes of conductivity of the lesion during treatment with RF energy depend on biochemical changes and on tissue temperature. In this study, we report on the temperature-related change of conductivity, which will need to be distinguished and separated during treatment from biochemical conductivity changes during treatment.