Three-dimensional theoretical SAR and temperature distributions created in brain tissue by 915 and 2450 MHz dipole antenna arrays with varying insertion depths

Abstract

Theoretical three-dimensional power deposition and temperature distributions were calculated for interstitial hyperthermia microwave antenna arrays driven at 915 and 2450 MHz in brain tissue. Four dipole antennas were assumed to be placed in a 2×2 cm array with varying insertion depths in cylindrical tumour models. The bioheat transfer equation was solved for the three-dimensional steady-state temperature distributions using a finite element method. Homogeneous and non-homogeneous blood flow models were considered. As a basis of comparison of the various temperature distributions, the volume of the tumour heated to ≥ 43°C was calculated. SAR distributions calculated for the 915 MHz antenna arrays in brain tissue were very similar to those calculated for muscle. The 2450 MHz arrays showed similar behaviour to the 915 MHz arrays; however, as the insertion depth increased from slightly less than a full-wavelength there was a single hotspot centred at the antenna junction. For the 2450 MHz arrays, the predicted therapeutic tumour volumes were relatively constant over the entire range of insertion depths considered, and in fact, for most insertion depths considered, the model predicted the 2450 MHz arrays would heat larger therapeutic volumes than the 915 MHz arrays. For the 915 MHz array, at insertion depths between 7·8 and 14·6 cm there was a sharp decrease in the predicted therapeutic volume due to a proximal secondary hotspot in the normal tissue causing overheating. However, when the same size tumour at the same insertion depth was heated with the 2450 MHz array, the hotspot was in the tumour, adding to the volume of tumour that was heated to therapeutic temperatures.

Key Words:

• cancer therapy
• finite elements
• hyperthermia
• brain
• microwave antennas
• temperature distributions