Practical interstitial method of heating operating at 27.12 MHz

Abstract

A practical interstitial capacitive method of heating using thin flexible coated electrodes operating at 27.12 MHz is described. Advantages compared to classical interstitial methods are: uniform heating, control of the inserted length, compatibility with curie therapy, simplicity and low cost. The electrode geometry could be designed according to tumour site and volume. Restriction of longitudinal heating to a part of the wire is also possible. A simple matching circuit can be connected to the active wires to obtain a standing wave ratio (SWR) of less than 1.5. Individual power regulation of the electrode should be used and is feasible at this frequency. Numerical, experimental and clinical results demonstrate the practical value of this method.