A comparison between in vitro studies of protein lesions generated by brain electrodes and finite element model simulations

The aim of this study was to develop a finite element model for simulation of the thermal characteristics of brain electrodes and to compare its perfo rmances with an in vitro experimental albumin model. Ten lesions were creat ed in albumin using a monopolar electrode connected to a Leksell Neuro Gene rator and a computer-assisted video system was used to determine the size o f the generated lesions. A finite element model was set up of the in vitro experiments using the same thermal properties. With a very simple heat sour ce applied to the finite element model in the proximity of the upper part o f the tip, a good agreement (no deviations in width and distance from tip b ut a deviation in length of -1.6 mm) with the in vitro experiments (width 4 .6 +/- 0.1 mm and length 7.4 +/- 0.1 mm) was achieved when comparing the ou tline of the lesion. In addition, a gelatinous albumin-model was set up and compared to computer simulations resulting in deviations in width of -0.4 mm, length of -2.2 mm and distance from the tip of -0.7 mm. Hence, the util isation of finite element model simulations may be a useful complement to i n-vitro experiments.