Development of an inductive, non-invasive RF applicator for studying hyperthermia in a rat brain tumour model

Abstract

A non-invasive inductive RF applicator has been designed specially for local heating of 6 mm diameter tumours growing in the brains of F344 rats (144–148 MHz). It is shown that an inductive applicator is the choice for this particular case. The power deposition pattern is analysed by modelling the applicator with a three-dimensional array of magnetic dipoles. The total hyperthermia system is briefly described and results of phantom and in vivo experimental measurements are presented. These confirm the theoretical analysis.

Key Words:

• Non-invasive
• inductive
• heating
• brain tumour
• modelling
• hypertherrnia