Multifrequency operation of an intracavitary monopole with sliding broadband choke for delivering hyperthermia treatment with variable coverage.

Abstract

Microwave applicators reported for intracavitary hyperthermia (HT) operate at single frequency and deliver fixed treatment coverage at the tumor target. In this work, we report multifrequency operation of a water-cooled monopole antenna with a sliding broadband ferrite choke for delivering intracavitary HT to the cervix with variable spatial coverage. Spatially varying treatment coverage is achieved by varying the choke position with respect to the monopole using a mechanical sliding arrangement and exciting the antenna at the modified resonant frequency. Multifrequency operation of the antenna prototype is demonstrated over 700-1000 MHz using a straight intrauterine cervix applicator. Numerical simulations confirm the ability to deliver targeted HT with axial extent varying between 35.4 and 62.0 mm by controlling the sliding choke and coupling water temperature. Applicator prototype measurements in tissue mimicking phantoms confirm multifrequency operation of the antenna and its ability to induce axially varying intracavitary HT coverage to match the tumor size using a single applicator.