Optimal power deposition with finite-sized, planar hyperthermia applicator arrays

Improved hyperthermia applicator technology is allowing finer spatial power resolution within the heated tissue volume. Effective utilization of these planar applicator arrays requires an understanding of the interrelationships between the lateral dimensions of the tumor and the applicators, the power field produced by the applicators, the amount of surface cooling, the tumor tissue blood perfusion, and the normal tissue blood perfusion. These interrelationships are investigated using three-dimensional power patterns and temperature fields produced by optimizing the power amplitudes of the individual applicators located within an array of small, but finite, planar applicators. Five major conclusions are obtained. First, optimization works and is effective in determining optimal power fields. Second, for optimal treatments the lateral dimensions of a single superficial applicator need to extend beyond the tumor boundary. Third, surface cooling is needed to reduce the high normal tissue temperatures at shallow depths. Fourth, finer power resolution becomes more important as the tumor size decreases, but, little improvement in the temperature field is achieved beyond a 3 x 3 array configuration. Fifth, increasing the normal blood perfusion rate can decrease the temperature on the tumor boundary if direct power deposition on that boundary is unavailable.