VLF induction heating for clinical hyperthermia

A new 20-30-kHz method of induction heating for thermal therapy (hyperthermia) of malignant tumors has been developed. Localization of the heated volume within the medium and temperature measurements via thermocouple are both accomplished with relative ease. The apparatus for this system costs substantially less than that based on microwave heating. Powder, grains, and balls of ferromagnetic materials such as iron, steel, and stainless steel and wires and tapes of high conductive materials such as copper and aluminum, were tested as heating media. Experiments on models and treatment of human patients in the clinic revealed that braided wires of copper are probably the most efficient medium in the generation of uniform heating of the body.