An optimized microstrip antenna to generate intense localized heating at target sites for maximum effect

AbstractNowadays, the use of electromagnetic waves in medical applications has become common, and hyperthermia is one of the popular areas. Nonetheless, designing effective antennas for electromagnetic hyperthermia poses a key challenge. In designing of hyperthermia antennas for medical applications, factors such as appropriate resonant frequencies and appropriate antenna sizes are important. Another critical aspect in the design of useful and usable hyperthermia antenna is the heat on the target body area, since a proper depth setting for heating is normally neglected. In this paper, using the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm, we focus on the heat on the target area when designing a hyperthermia antenna that operates at the frequency of 432 MHz. The antenna is analyzed using the finite difference time domain method, while the PSO fitness function is selected in such a way as to maintain the optimal frequency characteristics of the antenna, along with optimization of its heating performance. A series of simulation studies in MATLAB and the associated laboratory results confirm accuracy of the designed antenna. With minimal influence on healthy tissues, the temperature of approximately 42 degrees Celsius is achieved steadily after about 12 min from the start of heating in the target area, where the tumor is located. We observe minor differences between simulation and laboratory results, owing to not being able to use living tissue in the laboratory and lack of precision in the construction of antenna with optimized parameters.