Abstract
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This study developed a computer simulation based on the finite element method to investigate microwave ablation performance, antenna design, electromagnetic and thermal effects, specific absorption rate (SAR), and fraction of necrotic tissue within cancer treatment. The numerical results show that SAR and temperature distribution are strongly affected by input microwave power. High microwave power causes a high SAR value and raises the temperature above 50 degrees C, which may destroy healthy cells.
Abstract Microwave ablation is one type of hyperthermia treatment of cancer that involves heating tumor cells. This technique uses electromagnetic wave effects to kill cancer cells. A micro-coaxial antenna is introduced into the biological tissue. The radiation emitted by the antenna is absorbed by the tissue and leads to the heating of cancer cells. The diffuse increase in temperature should reach a certain value to achieve the treatment of cancer cells but it should be less than a certain other value to avoid damaging normal cells. This is why hyperthermia treatment should be carefully monitored. A numerical simulation is useful and may provide valuable information. The bio-heat equation and Maxwell's equations are solved using the finite element method. Electro-thermal effects, temperature distribution profile, specific absorption rate (SAR), and fraction of necrotic tissue within cancer cells are analyzed. The results show that SAR and temperature distribution are strongly affected by input microwave power. High microwave power causes a high SAR value and raises the temperature above 50 degrees C, which may destroy healthy cells. It is revealed that with a power of 10 W, the tumor cells will be killed without damaging the surrounding tissue.