Performance evaluation of 2 hyperthermia applicators for deep-seated brain tumors

Abstract

The performance of two hyperthermia applicators in heating deep seated brain tumors is investigated in terms of hyperthermia quality indicators. The antenna elements in both applicators are arranged in a helmet-shape format on a spherical phantom of head. Self grounded bow-tie antennas immersed in conical water containers, are employed as the antenna elements. The first applicator consists of 26 antenna elements placed on a thin water layer over the phantom. We increased the number of antennas to 58 in the second applicator by employing reduced-sized antenna elements. The computed quality indicators at two tumor locations, deeply seated in the head show that the applicator with 58 antennas presents less absorbed power in healthy tissues at higher frequencies. This decrease is more pronounced for the tumor located in the center of the phantom.