Objective This study aims to explore the technical problems and solutions of radiofrequency ablation in large tumors, so as to improve the efficacy of radiofrequency ablation in clinical treatment. Methods Based on the principle of radiofrequency ablation, the limitation of “rolling down” phenomenon on the complete ablation of large tumors was analyzed, and the incomplete ablation caused by heat dissipation of large blood vessels was discussed, so as to introduce the mathematical modeling and simulation method used in radiofrequency ablation to judge the degree of ablation damage. Results and conclusions Based on relevant research status, the role of mathematical modeling and simulation in radiofrequency ablation was emphasized, that is, preoperative simulation to predict the ablation effect and guide clinical optimization of treatment plan to improve treatment effect. Innovation Methods to optimize ablation device design, simulation and other measures to improve the therapeutic effect are summarized, and the development direction of radiofrequency ablation is prospected, such as the introduction of tumor combination therapy and intelligent technology to improve the accuracy and completeness of radiofrequency ablation.