Knowledge of heat transfer in biological bodies has many therapeutic applications involving either increasing or
lowering tissue temperature. Radio-Frequency (RF) energy deposition is a method for increasing the temperature of
diseased tissue above 55°C to thermally ablate it. The resulting elevated tissue temperature is due to RF energy
deposition as well as tissue thermodynamics. However, it is difficult to separate these two processes on any lab bench or
in vivo model, hence computer simulation is a valuable tool for the separation and examination of these two phenomena.
Classically, the Pennes' bio-heat equation coupled with electrical field equations in a finite element analysis (FEA)
environment provides the governing structure for computer simulations that model energy deposition in biological
tissues. In the present work we have modified the computer simulation to allow an artificial partitioning of RF energy
deposition and tissue thermal diffusion. An internal cooled RF electrode (CoolTipTM) is analyzed using this partitioning
method. This method provides useful knowledge for optimizing the control of RF energy delivery to target tissue.
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