Microwave based diagnostics and treatment in practice

Abstract

Globally, around 15 million people each year suffer a stroke. Only a small fraction of stroke patients who could benefit from thrombolytic treatment reach diagnosis and treatment in time. To increase this low figure we have developed microwave technology aiming to differentiate hemorrhagic from ischemic stroke patients. The standard method for breast cancer diagnosis today is X-ray mammography. Despite its recognized ability to detect tumors it suffers from some limitations. Neither the false positive nor the false negative detection rates are negligible. An interesting alternative being researched extensively today is microwave tomography. In our current strive to develop a clinical prototype we have found that the most suitable design consists of an antenna array placed in a full 3D pattern. During the last decade clinical studies have demonstrated the ability of microwave hyperthermia to dramatically enhance cancer patient survival. The fundamental challenge is to adequately heat deep-seated tumors while preventing surrounding healthy tissue from undesired heating and damage. We are specifically addressing the challenge to deliver power levels with spatial control, patient treatment planning, and noninvasive temperature measurements.