Research

Antenna design for microwave hepatic ablation using an axisymmetric electromagnetic model

John M Bertram¹ , Deshan Yang² , Mark C Converse³ , John G Webster¹ and David M Mahvi³

¹Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706 USA

²Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706 USA

³Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53792 USA

author email corresponding author email

BioMedical Engineering OnLine 2006, 5:15doi:10.1186/1475-925X-5-15

Published:	27 February 2006

Abstract

Background

An axisymmetric finite element method (FEM) model was employed to demonstrate important techniques used in the design of antennas for hepatic microwave ablation (MWA). To effectively treat deep-seated hepatic tumors, these antennas should produce a highly localized specific absorption rate (SAR) pattern and be efficient radiators at approved generator frequencies.

Methods and results

As an example, a double slot choked antenna for hepatic MWA was designed and implemented using FEMLAB™ 3.0.

Discussion

This paper emphasizes the importance of factors that can affect simulation accuracy, which include boundary conditions, the dielectric properties of liver tissue, and mesh resolution.