Continuum thermomechanics and the clinical treatment of disease and injury

Abstract

Advances in laser, microwave, radio-frequency, and similar technologies have given rise to many new treatments of disease and injury that seek to raise the temperature of cells and tissues to supra-physiologic levels. Copious examples are found in, among other specialties, cardiology, dermatology, gynecology, neurosurgery, oncology, ophthalmology, orthopedics, and urology. Most of the particular clinical procedures are motivated primarily by the availability of a new technology, however, not by an understanding of the underlying biothermomechanics. This article reviews some of the literature on the effects of supra-physiologic temperatures on cells and tissues as well as some of the available mathematical models. Because of the absence of any textbook on biothermomechanics, some basic concepts are included for the interested student. Because of space limitations, however, most research findings are simply stated, and the reader is directed to the relevant papers for details. Finally, because of the desire to attract diverse researchers to the field, open problems are identified. Indeed, it is hoped that this review will generate excitement with regard to the potential of improving health care delivery through the important and challenging field of Continuum Biothermomechanics. There are 177 references cited in this review article.