Power deposition properties of a travelling-wave applicator for interstitial hyperthermia

An interstitial hyperthermia applicator is described that is capable of providing uniform heating over an extended range of depths. The applicator utilizes glossy two-wire transmission lines that are terminated in p-i-n diodes that may be biased on or off. A pair of these transmission lines within a single applicator allows a variety of symmetrical and asymmetrical patterns to be produced. Theoretical predictions of the applicator's performance are provided that are based on empirically determined transmission line characteristics.