Low-frequency induction heating of a ferromagnetic catheter for the varicose veins treatment: a study of feasibility

Y. Liu , Z. Xiang , J. Garcia , B. Newell , M.Q. Q Le , Benjamin Ducharne (1)

1 LGEF - Laboratoire de Génie Electrique et Ferroélectricité

Low Frequency Induction Heating (LFIH) phenomena take place in a ferromagnetic catheter under the influence of a low frequency magnetic excitation field. This contactless heat source can be used to heal locally and destroy damaged blood vessels. According to medical specialists, thermal ablation of varicose veins requires a temperature of 120°C and time constants lower than a few seconds. Preliminary investigation results showed great potential of the LFIH method, but further testing and validation steps are still needed before in vivo testing can commence. In this article, multi-physics simulation results, including ferromagnetic, thermal and fluid mechanics considerations are proposed and compared to experimental data when possible. The most efficient magnetic waveform (frequency) is selected based on its influence on human tissues. These results constitute a mandatory step towards a preliminary medical testing and the overall medical certification of this alternative treatment.

Mots clés: Ferromagnetic catheter; induction heating; varicose veins treatment

Domaines: Sciences de l'ingénieur [physics]

Y. Liu, Z. Xiang, J. Garcia, B. Newell, M.Q. Q Le, et al.. Low-frequency induction heating of a ferromagnetic catheter for the varicose veins treatment: a study of feasibility. 2021 IEEE International Magnetic Conference (INTERMAG), Apr 2021, LYON, France. pp.1-5, ⟨10.1109/INTERMAG42984.2021.9579639⟩. ⟨hal-03435888⟩