In silico evaluation of geometry variations with respect to the thermal spread during coagulation of egg white using bipolar vessel sealing instruments.BACKGROUND
 Reliable knowledge of the thermal spread is crucial for a safe application of bipolar vessel sealing instruments when operating close to thermo-sensitive structures, such as nerves.  The evolution of the thermal spread over time and space depends on a variety of parameters, such as the biological tissue, the energy applied to the tissue, and the geometry of the vessel sealing instrument.  Mathematical modeling has proven useful for the prediction of the thermal spread.  It is, thus, a promising tool for the systematic analysis of the influence of geometrical changes on the thermal spread.


 We present an experimentally validated in silico study to evaluate the impact of geometry variations on the progression of chicken egg white coagulation and the final shape of coagulated egg white as an approximation of the temporal and spatial evolution of the thermal spread during bipolar vessel sealing.  Egg white has similar thermal and electrical properties to human tissue, with the advantage being that the spatial and temporal evolution of the thermal spread can be visually gauged.  Our simulation study shows that the geometry has a pronounced influence on the thermal spread and, thus, is a suitable parameter to reduce thermal damage. 
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