Biomedical Engineering
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John G. Webster

John G. Webster

John G. Webster
Professor Emeritus

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  • Summary
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  • Contact Information

    2148 Engineering Centers Building
    1550 Engineering Drive
    Madison, WI 53706
    Tel: 608/263-1574
    Fax: 608/265-9239
    E-mail: webster@engr.wisc.edu

    Program Affiliations

    Courses

    Education

    Fields of Interest

    Publications

    Summary

    My graduate students and I are involved in the following research.

    Probe design for liver ablation

    We are performing finite element method (FEM) computer models and tests on swine to improve RF ablation, microwave ablation, and cryoablation to cure hepatic cancer. We develop complex finite element method (FEM) models and perform experimental tests to optimize the design of ablation probes capable of producing large lesions. This research includes creation of maps of electrical and thermal properties of the liver, for the range of voltages, current densities and temperatures applicable to RF ablation. We use these data to create realistic and complex FEM models for electrical-thermal FEM analyses. Computer simulations find the optimal probe design. These simulations determine: (a) optimal probe geometry; (b) optimal placement of inner temperature sensors for the purpose of efficient temperature-controlled ablation; (c) optimal power application and ablation procedure duration. These findings clarify the electrical-thermal response of the probe-tissue system during ablation. Experimental tests on anesthetized swine validate temperature and electric field distributions predicted by the computer FEM models.

    For more information see: Medical ablation technology group web site below.

    Modeling electric current flow through the human body

    We will model on a computer the flow of electric current through the human body as the result of the application of an electromuscular incapacitation device, experimentally validate the model on anesthetized swine, who will feel no pain, and determine safety margins related to potential cardiac fibrillation in humans See Electromuscular incapacitating devices below.

    Miniature sternal skin-attached hot flash recorder

    Hot flashes cause loss of sleep and workplace disruptions in some menopausal women. In testing potential therapies, subjective diaries are unreliable. Present objective recorders of skin conductance changes are bulky. We will develop a miniature recorder to collect objective data. See hot flash below.

    Files and Links of Interest




    Copyright 2008 The Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System
    Date last modified: 05-Sep-2008
    Content by: webster@engr.wisc.edu
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