Evaluation of Complexity of Induced Necrosis Zone Shape by Means of Principal Component Analysis

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is medical procedure that causes coagulation necrosis in the ablative tissue. Experts using descriptive and morphometric methods usually assess the shape of necrosis zone. However, a precise and objective assessment of necrosis zone shape requires quantitative evaluation methodology that includes computerized mathematical algorithms. One of such methods is presented in the program package "SHAPE ver. 1.3", in which quantitative evaluation of various biological contour shapes is based on principal component analysis of elliptic Fourier descriptors (EFDs). Aim of present study was elaboration of quantitative measure for complexity of the necrosis zone shape after radiofrequency ablation. We performed assessment of suitability of computer program package "SHAPE ver. 1.3" to produce valuable estimates of necrosis zone shape. Minimal yet sufficient number of principal components for optimal representation of necrosis area shape could be a quantitative measure of the shape complexity. Program package "SHAPE ver. 1.3" together with proposed procedure for determination of this measure could be used for optimization of radiofrequency ablation procedures.