A cylindrical-section ultrasound phased-array applicator for hyperthermia cancer therapy

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Physics
• Oncology

Background:

• Deep localized hyperthermia is an effective cancer treatment modality.
• Current applicator designs face challenges in achieving precise and controllable heat deposition in deep tissues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present and evaluate a novel phased-array applicator geometry for deep localized hyperthermia.
• To investigate the focusing, scanning, and thermal deposition characteristics of this applicator.

Main Methods:

• Development of a cylindrical-section phased-array applicator model.
• Computer simulations in homogeneous lossy media to assess focusing and scanning properties.
• Three-dimensional thermal modeling to simulate steady-state temperature distributions in surrounding tissues.

Main Results:

• The array demonstrated spatially limited focusing in transverse and longitudinal directions with suitable intensity gain for deep hyperthermia.
• Minimal effect of grating lobes on the power deposition pattern was observed.
• Simulations showed effective temperature distribution around a simulated tumor volume.

Conclusions:

• The cylindrical-section phased-array applicator is a promising configuration for deep localized hyperthermia.
• The design offers controllable focusing and scanning with minimal adverse effects, suitable for clinical applications.