Energy deposition patterns in an amputated human lower leg heated with a miniannular phased array

The energy deposition patterns in both alcohol-fixed and unfixed amputated human lower legs produced by a miniannular phased array (MAPA) applicator have been determined. The nontumor bearing portions of four human legs, amputated for therapeutic purposes, were heated within the MAPA. Experimental measurements of the time rate of temperature rise at many locations inside the leg (between 125 and 150) were transformed to specific absorption rate (SAR) values at each point. A simple model was developed which predicts the axial variations in SAR inside the heated limb based upon quantitative details of the leg's geometry obtained from computerized tomography scans. The axial location of the region of maximum energy deposition was predicted by the model with a precision of approximately 1 to 2 cm. Significant time rate of temperature rise was measured inside the cortical portion of the tibia, while the temperature rise in the cancellous (marrow) portion of the tibia was negligible. The alcohol fixation process appears to have no significant effect on the energy deposition patterns within the various leg tissues.