Triaxial Antenna Research Articles

Electromagnetic field effects of marine radar systems on the ship crew

Marine radars become the sources of electromagnetic pollution during navigation and anchor watchkeeping. In several scientific studies, it was reported that electromagnetic fields could lead to several serious diseases, especially in the nervous system. In the current study, electromagnetic pollution is measured at different points on ships of various tonnage and types to identify electromagnetic pollution induced by marine radars. During these measurements, SRM 3006 compact spectrum analyzer (Narda Safety Test Solutions GmbH, Germany) that was operated within the 400 MHz–6 GHz frequency range was employed with a triaxial antenna. Then, the measurement results were compared with the benchmark published by ICNIRP (International Committee on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection), and electromagnetic pollution levels induced by marine radar antennas and possible negative consequences for the crew were analyzed.

Creation of Short Microwave Ablation Zones: In Vivo Characterization of Single and Paired Modified Triaxial Antennas

PurposeTo characterize modified triaxial microwave antennas configured to produce short ablation zones. Materials and MethodsFifty single-antenna and 27 paired-antenna hepatic ablations were performed in domestic swine (N = 11) with 17-gauge gas-cooled modified triaxial antennas powered at 65 W from a 2.45-GHz generator. Single-antenna ablations were performed at 2 (n = 16), 5 (n = 21), and 10 (n = 13) minutes. Paired-antenna ablations were performed at 1-cm and 2-cm spacing for 5 (n = 7 and n = 8, respectively) and 10 minutes (n = 7 and n = 5, respectively). Mean transverse width, length, and aspect ratio of sectioned ablation zones were measured and compared. ResultsFor single antennas, mean ablation zone lengths were 2.9 cm ± 0.45, 3.5 cm ± 0.55, and 4.2 cm ± 0.40 at 2, 5, and 10 minutes, respectively. Mean widths were 1.8 cm ± 0.3, 2.0 cm ± 0.32, and 2.5 cm ± 0.25 at 2, 5, and 10 minutes, respectively. For paired antennas, mean length at 5 minutes with 1-cm and 2-cm spacing and 10 minutes with 1-cm and 2-cm spacing was 4.2 cm ± 0.9, 4.9 cm ± 1.0, 4.8 cm ± 0.5, and 4.8 cm ± 1.3, respectively. Mean width was 3.1 cm ± 1.0, 4.4 cm ± 0.7, 3.8 cm ± 0.4, and 4.5 cm ± 0.7, respectively. Paired-antenna ablations were more spherical (aspect ratios, 0.72–0.79 for 5–10 min) than single-antenna ablations (aspect ratios, 0.57–0.59). For paired-antenna ablations, 1-cm spacing appeared optimal, with improved circularity and decreased clefting compared with 2-cm spacing (circularity, 0.85 at 1 cm, 0.78 at 2 cm). ConclusionsModified triaxial antennas can generate relatively short, spherical ablation zones. Paired-antenna ablations were rounder and larger in transverse dimension than single antenna ablations, with 1-cm spacing optimal for confluence of the ablation zone.

Microwaves create larger ablations than radiofrequency when controlled for power in ex vivo tissue

To compare ablation zones created with equal amounts of 2.45 GHz microwave and 480 kHz radiofrequency (RF) energy in ex vivo liver and lung. A total of 38 ablations were performed in ex vivo liver and lung for 10 min each. Nineteen RF ablations (nine liver, ten lung) were performed with a 480 kHz system (200 W max, impedance-based pulsing) and cooled electrode while measuring the average RF power applied. Nineteen microwave ablations (nine liver, ten lung) were then created using a cooled triaxial antenna to deliver 2.45 GHz at the same power level as in RF experiments. Ablation zones were then sectioned and measured for minimum, maximum and mean diameters, and circularity. Measurements were compared using t-tests, with P < 0.05 indicating statistical significance. Mean diameters of microwave ablations were greater than RF ablations in both liver and lung (4.4 +/- 0.3 vs 3.3 +/- 0.2 cm in liver; 2.45 +/- 0.3 vs 1.6 +/- 0.5 cm in lungs; P < 0.0005 all comparisons). There was no significant difference in the mean power applied during microwave or RF ablations in either organ (54.44 +/- 1.71 W vs 56.4 +/- 6.7 W in liver, P > 0.05; 40 +/- 0.95 W vs 44.9 +/- 7.1 W in lung, P > 0.05). Using a single cooled applicator, microwave energy at 2.45 GHz produces larger ablations than an equivalent amount of 480 kHz RF energy in normal liver and lung. This was more apparent in lung, likely due to the high baseline impedance which limits RF, but not microwave power delivery.

Orbital Angular Momentum in Radio—A System Study

Recent discoveries concerning rotating (helical) phase fronts and orbital angular momentum (OAM) of laser beams are applied to radio frequencies and comprehensive simulations of a radio OAM system are performed. We find that with the use of vector field-sensing electric and magnetic triaxial antennas, it is possible to unambiguously estimate the OAM in radio beams by local measurements at a single point, assuming ideal (noiseless) conditions and that the beam axis is known. Furthermore, we show that conventional antenna pattern optimization methods can be applied to OAM-generating circular arrays to enhance their directivity.

Microwave Ablation versus Radiofrequency Ablation in the Kidney: High-power Triaxial Antennas Create Larger Ablation Zones than Similarly Sized Internally Cooled Electrodes

To determine whether microwave ablation with high-power triaxial antennas creates significantly larger ablation zones than radiofrequency (RF) ablation with similarly sized internally cooled electrodes. Twenty-eight 12-minute ablations were performed in an in vivo porcine kidney model. RF ablations were performed with a 200-W pulsed generator and either a single 17-gauge cooled electrode (n = 9) or three switched electrodes spaced 1.5 cm apart (n = 7). Microwave ablations were performed with one (n = 7), two (n = 3), or three (n = 2) 17-gauge triaxial antennas to deliver 90 W continuous power per antenna. Multiple antennas were powered simultaneously. Temperatures 1 cm from the applicator were measured during two RF and microwave ablations each. Animals were euthanized after ablation and ablation zone diameter, cross-sectional area, and circularity were measured. Comparisons between groups were performed with use of a mixed-effects model with P values less than .05 indicating statistical significance. No adverse events occurred during the procedures. Three-electrode RF (mean area, 14.7 cm(2)) and single-antenna microwave (mean area, 10.9 cm(2)) ablation zones were significantly larger than single-electrode RF zones (mean area, 5.6 cm(2); P = .001 and P = .0355, respectively). No significant differences were detected between single-antenna microwave and multiple-electrode RF. Ablation zone circularity was similar across groups (P > .05). Tissue temperatures were higher during microwave ablation (maximum temperature of 123 degrees C vs 100 degrees C for RF). Microwave ablation with high-power triaxial antennas created larger ablation zones in normal porcine kidneys than RF ablation with similarly sized applicators.

Pulmonary Thermal Ablation: Comparison of Radiofrequency and Microwave Devices by Using Gross Pathologic and CT Findings in a Swine Model

To compare the performance of equivalently sized radiofrequency and microwave ablation applicators in a normal porcine lung model. All experiments were approved by an institutional animal care and use committee. A total of 18 ablations were performed in vivo in normal porcine lungs. By using computed tomographic (CT) fluoroscopic guidance, a 17-gauge cooled triaxial microwave antenna (n = 9) and a 17-gauge cooled radiofrequency (RF) electrode (n = 9) were placed percutaneously. Ablations were performed for 10 minutes by using either 125 W of microwave power or 200 W of RF power delivered with an impedance-based pulsing algorithm. CT images were acquired every minute during ablation to monitor growth. Animals were sacrificed after the procedure. Ablation zones were then excised and sectioned transverse to the applicator in 5-mm increments. Minimum and maximum diameter, cross-sectional area, length, and circularity were measured from gross specimens and CT images. Comparisons of each measurement were performed by using a mixed-effects model; P < .05 was considered to indicate a significant difference. Mean diameter (3.32 cm +/- 0.19 [standard deviation] vs 2.70 cm +/- 0.23, P < .001) was 25% larger with microwave ablation and mean cross-sectional area (8.25 cm(2) +/- 0.92 vs 5.45 cm(2) +/- 1.14, P < .001) was 50% larger with microwave ablation, compared with RF ablation. With microwave ablation, the zones of ablation were also significantly more circular in cross section (mean circularity, 0.90 +/- 0.06 vs 0.82 +/- 0.09; P < .05). One small pneumothorax was noted during RF ablation but stabilized without intervention. Microwave ablation with a 17-gauge high-power triaxial antenna creates larger and more circular zones of ablation than does a similarly sized RF applicator in a preclinical animal model. Microwave ablation may be a more effective treatment of lung tumors.

Microwave Ablation with Triaxial Antennas Tuned for Lung: Results in an in Vivo Porcine Model

To prospectively determine in swine the size and shape of coagulation zones created in normal lung tissue by using small-diameter triaxial microwave antennas and to prospectively quantify the effects of bronchial occlusion and multiple antennas on the coagulation zone. The study was approved by the research animal care and use committee, and all husbandry and experimental studies were compliant with the National Research Council's Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. Twenty-four coagulation zones (three per animal) were created at thoracotomy in eight female domestic swine (mean weight, 55 kg) by using a microwave ablation system with 17-gauge lung-tuned triaxial antennas. Ablations were performed for 10 minutes each by using (a) a single antenna, (b) a single antenna with bronchial occlusion, and (c) an array of three antennas powered simultaneously. The animals were sacrificed immediately after ablation. The coagulation zones were excised en bloc and sectioned into approximately 4-mm slices for measurement of size, shape, and circularity. Analysis of variance and two-sample t tests were used to identify differences between the three ablation groups. The overall mean diameters of coagulation achieved with a single antenna and bronchial occlusion (4.11 cm +/- 1.09 [standard deviation]) and with multiple-antenna arrays (4.05 cm +/- 0.69) were significantly greater than the overall mean diameter achieved with a single antenna alone (3.09 cm +/- 0.83) (P = .016 for comparison with multiple antennas, P = .032 for comparison with bronchial occlusion). No significant differences in size were seen between the coagulation zones created with bronchial occlusion and those created with multiple antennas (P = .68). The coagulation zones in all groups were very circular (isoperimetric ratio > 0.80) at cross-sectional analysis. A 17-gauge triaxial microwave ablation system tuned for lung tissue yielded large circular zones of coagulation in vivo in porcine lungs. The coagulation zones created with bronchial occlusion and multiple antennas were significantly larger than those created with one antenna.

Rheometry of multi-port spaceborne antennas including mutual antenna capacitances and application to STEREO/WAVES

Electrolytic tank measurements were applied often to determine the antenna properties of spaceborne monopole antennas. This technique, called rheometry in the present context, yields the effective length vectors of antennas for the quasi-static frequency range. When receivers or preamplifiers are connected to the antennas, their input impedances and the capacitances of the cables change the effective length vectors. In the evaluation of former rheometry measurements this effect has been taken into account for each antenna individually, tacitly neglecting the mutual antenna capacitances. Our analysis shows that this neglect can cause errors in the measured effective axes (directions of effective length vectors) of up to about 10°. However, in order to apply direction finding techniques with a triaxial antenna system an accuracy of about 2° is required. We therefore extend rheometry to the measurement of the complete antenna capacitance matrix. An application of the presented technique to the WAVES antenna system onboard the STEREO spacecraft verifies that the mutual capacitances are crucial in this context. With the extended rheometry technique the antenna transfer and capacitance matrices can be completely determined, thereby yielding a full representation of the reception properties of the antenna system as part of an electronic circuit.

Microwave Ablation with Multiple Simultaneously Powered Small-gauge Triaxial Antennas: Results from an in Vivo Swine Liver Model

To prospectively investigate the ability of a single generator to power multiple small-diameter antennas and create large zones of ablation in an in vivo swine liver model. Thirteen female domestic swine (mean weight, 70 kg) were used for the study as approved by the animal care and use committee. A single generator was used to simultaneously power three triaxial antennas at 55 W per antenna for 10 minutes in three groups: a control group where antennas were spaced to eliminate ablation zone overlap (n=6; 18 individual zones of ablation) and experimental groups where antennas were spaced 2.5 cm (n=7) or 3.0 cm (n=5) apart. Animals were euthanized after ablation, and ablation zones were sectioned and measured. A mixed linear model was used to test for differences in size and circularity among groups. Mean (+/-standard deviation) cross-sectional areas of multiple-antenna zones of ablation at 2.5- and 3.0-cm spacing (26.6 cm(2) +/- 9.7 and 32.2 cm(2) +/- 8.1, respectively) were significantly larger than individual ablation zones created with single antennas (6.76 cm(2) +/- 2.8, P<.001) and were 31% (2.5-cm spacing group: multiple antenna mean area, 26.6 cm(2); 3 x single antenna mean area, 20.28 cm(2)) to 59% (3.0-cm spacing group: multiple antenna mean area, 32.2 cm(2); 3 x single antenna mean area, 20.28 cm(2)) larger than 3 times the mean area of the single-antenna zones. Zones of ablation were found to be very circular, and vessels as large as 1.1 cm were completely coagulated with multiple antennas. A single generator may effectively deliver microwave power to multiple antennas. Large volumes of tissue may be ablated and large vessels coagulated with multiple-antenna ablation in the same time as single-antenna ablation.

Microwave Ablation with a Single Small-Gauge Triaxial Antenna: In Vivo Porcine Liver Model

To evaluate the performance of a 17-gauge triaxial antenna at microwave ablation in an in vivo porcine liver model. This study was approved by the institutional animal care and use committee. Thirteen female domestic pigs (mean weight, 45 kg) were used. Ablations were performed with a prototype microwave ablation system and triaxial antenna by using a constant, continuous-wave power of 68 W for 2 (n = 6), 3 (n = 6), 4 (n = 6), 5 (n = 6), 6 (n = 6), 7 (n = 13), 10 (n = 7), and 12 (n = 8) minutes. Animals were euthanized after ablation, livers were removed, and ablation zones were sliced and measured for size and roundness. A mixed linear model with animals modeled as random effects was used to test for significant differences in ablation zone metrics among time groups; post hoc tests were used to detect significant differences between time groups. Mean ablation zone diameters ranged from 2.05 cm +/- 0.23 (standard deviation) at 2 minutes to 2.59 cm +/- 0.53 at 12 minutes. Thirteen (32%) of 40 ablation zones with mean maximum diameters greater than 3.0 cm were observed at the 5-12-minute time groups. No significant differences in ablation zone diameter were observed among all groups (P > .05), but a trend of increasing diameter with time was noted. Mean isoperimetric ratio (a measure of roundness) for all ablation zones was 0.88 +/- 0.02, which indicates minimal heat sinking near vessels. The triaxial microwave ablation system is capable of creating relatively large, circular zones of ablation in minutes with minimal effects from local blood flow.

ABNORMAL RESPONSES OF ELECTRONIC POCKET DOSIMETERS CAUSED BY HIGH FREQUENCY ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS EMITTED FROM DIGITAL CELLULAR TELEPHONES

High frequency electromagnetic fields emitted from digital cellular telephones (cell phones) occasionally cause abnormally high and erroneous indicated dose readings on electronic pocket dosimeters (EPDs). Electric field strength distribution around a cell phone transmitting 1.5 GHz band with a maximum power of 0.8 W was analyzed by using an isotropic probe with tri-axial dipole antennas. Five types of EPDs were exposed to the fields for 50 s under configurations relative to the cell phone. The electric field distribution expanded around the phone's antenna and had a maximum electric field strength of 36.5 +/- 0.3 V m(-1). The cell phone gave rise to erroneous indicated dose readings on four out of five EPDs. The maximum value of erroneous indicated dosage for 50 s reached 1,283 microSv, which was about 2.6% of the annual effective dose limit of 50 mSv. The electromagnetic susceptibility of the EPDs was higher in the sections where the semiconductor detectors or electric circuit boards were located. The distance required to prevent electromagnetic interference differed for each EPD and ranged from 2.0 to 21.0 cm from the cell phone. The electric and magnetic field immunity levels of the EPDs varied from 9.2 V m(-1) to greater than 37.6 V m(-1), and from 0.03 A m(-1) to greater than 0.51 A m(-1). The EPDs displayed erroneous dose readings during exposure but recovered their normal performance after the cell phone ceased transmitting. The electromagnetic immunity levels of the EPDs were either equal to or greater than the IEC-standard. The immunity levels should be enhanced greater than the IEC-standard from the standpoint of radiation protection. The simplest and most reliable measure to prevent potential malfunction is to prohibit the radiation workers from carrying cell phones to their workplace.

Microwave ablation with a triaxial antenna: results in ex vivo bovine liver

We apply a new triaxial antenna for microwave ablation procedures to an ex vivo bovine liver. The antenna consists of a coaxial monopole inserted through a biopsy needle positioned one quarter-wavelength from the antenna base. The insertion needle creates a triaxial structure, which enhances return loss more than 10 dB, maximizing energy transfer to the tissue while minimizing feed cable heating and invasiveness. Numerical electromagnetic and thermal simulations are used to optimize the antenna design and predict heating patterns. Numerical and ex vivo experimental results show that the lesion size depends strongly on ablation time and average input power, but not on peak power. Pulsing algorithms are also explored. We were able to measure a 3.8-cm lesion using 50 W for 7 min, which we believe to be the largest lesion reported thus far using a 17-gauge insertion needle.

Physical–technical basis of invasive microwave hyperthermia—Simulation, construction, and characterization of miniaturized interstitial microwave antennas for the treatment of malignant tumors (in German)

The electromagnetic field of dipole antennas for interstitial microwave hyperthermia was investigated using the field evaluation program MAFIA (MAxwell's equations using the Finite Integration Algorithm). The numerical method was applied to clinically used applicators running at ISM frequencies: 434 MHz and 915 MHz. The method was also used for improvement and optimization of more sophisticated applicators, e.g., those in a triaxial technique having a λ/4 choke section to reduce RF currents on the outer coaxial conductor. Simulations of the frequency dependent impedance match, the electrical field and the specific absorption rate (SAR) distribution of different applicators immersed in a muscle phantom were compared with measurements. Moreover, arrays of two and four applicators, various surrounding tissue properties (bone, fat, tissue), catheter types, and semi‐rigid coaxial cable materials were investigated. Compared with coaxial antennas only triaxial antenna designs produce a homogeneous, symmetric energy deposition pattern below the choke section at all insertion depths. Only triaxial dipole antennas can be designed to run at a specific frequency while the reflection factor ( parameter) does not change with insertion depth. The field simulation allowed studying realistic effects at all discontinuities of the rotational symmetric applicator‐catheter‐tissue system and gave a better understanding of heating phenomena occurring during interstitial hyperthermia treatment.