Numerical model for RF capacitive regional deep hyperthermia in pelvic tumors

A numerical model based on Finite Element Method (FEM) for the prediction of power density distribution and temperature during RF-capacitive hyperthermia treatment has been presented in the paper and the results are discussed. In particular the models are related to the treatment of pelvic tumors where it is more difficult to localize and focus heat in deep regions. The geometrical and physical model of the patient is reconstructed with a segmentation procedure by means of dedicated software. The geometrical meshed model has been used as input for the solution of coupled electromagnetic and thermal problems. A deep analysis of different configurations derived from specific scientific literature of the last years has been presented in the paper and discussed. The results obtained by FEM analyses have demonstrated the suitability of this method for the prediction of power and temperature distribution during RF capacitive hyperthermia and that the calculation procedure is an efficient mean to evaluate the efficacy of the heating system.