Initial results for automated computational modeling of patient-specific electromagnetic hyperthermia

Developments in finite-difference time-domain (FD-TD) computational modeling of Maxwell's equations, super-computer technology, and computed tomography (CT) imagery open the possibility of accurate numerical simulation of electromagnetic (EM) wave interactions with specific, complex, biological tissue structures. One application of this technology is in the area of treatment planning for EM hyperthermia. In this paper, we report the first highly automated CT image segmentation and interpolation scheme applied to model patient-specific EM hyperthermia. This novel system is based on sophisticated tools from the artificial intelligence, computer vision, and computer graphics disciplines. It permits CT-based patient-specific hyperthermia models to be constructed without tedious manual contouring on digitizing pads or CRT screens. The system permits in principle near real-time assistance in hyperthermia treatment planning. We apply this system to interpret actual patient CT data, reconstructing a 3-D model of the human thigh from a collection of 29 serial CT images at 10 mm intervals. Then, using FD-TD, we obtain 2-D and 3-D models of EM hyperthermia of this thigh due to a waveguide applicator. We find that different results are obtained from the 2-D and 3-D models, and conclude that full 3-D tissue models are required for future clinical usage.