Performance comparison of available interstitial antennas for microwave hyperthermia

The authors have developed a numerical model which calculates the current distribution and radiation characteristics of multisection antennas have varying diameters of the center conductor and/or the types and thicknesses of the insulation. They briefly describe the model and compare the numerical results with the experimental data published by T.P. Ryan and J.W. Strohbehn (1987). Excellent correlation between the experimental and calculated patterns was obtained. The numerical model was then used to examine some interesting changes in the commercial designs, such as the effect of the tip termination of the antenna and the diameters of the conducting sections (collars) on the heating patterns of the BSD Medical antenna. Important observations regarding the role of each section, in multisection antenna designs, in guiding along the antenna vs. coupling to the ambient were also investigated and verified.< >