A practical, modular hyperthermia phantom

A catheterized, three-component slab phantom has been fabricated for use in mapping specific absorption rate (SAR) distributions from hyperthermia applicators. A planar array of 21 closely spaced catheters, located at one surface of the 1-cm-thick slab, can be positioned at depths of 0-7 cm below the phantom surface, in 1-cm steps, through appropriate placement and orientation of this slab within the three-slab set. Owing to its modular design, the phantom can be prepared, and also purged of degraded material rapidly and without damage to the catheter tracks.