Numerical analysis of capacitively coupled electrodes for interstitial hyperthermia.

Multi electrode current source interstitial hyperthermia (MECS-IHT) employs individually controlled, 27 MHz radiofrequency electrodes inserted into plastic brachytherapy catheters. In order to get a firm understanding of the physical behaviour of the electrodes and to verify the current source approximation in our hyperthermia treatment planning system we have investigated (1) the electrical properties of the electrode-catheter-tissue system, and (2) the impact of inhomogeneity of the electrical properties of the tissue in the vicinity of the electrodes. The results validate the use of the ideal current source approximation in the treatment planning SAR model. The models predict the presence of a significant heat source inside the electrode wall when lossy catheter materials are used, producing a conductive heating component in addition to the SAR in the tissue. For a given catheter spacing this conductive component will produce a more heterogeneous temperature distribution. Thus, low-loss catheter materials like polyethylene and Teflon are recommended. The SAR is highly localized near the catheter. Calculations concerning a fat-muscle interface show that the SAR is higher in the fatty tissue than in the muscle tissue; 3D SAR control by individually controlled electrode segments is essential in such a situation.