Identification of Thermal Model for Human Tissue

A simple model structure of spatial and temporal temperature distribution in human tissue, exposed to electromagnetic heating and surface cooling, is developed. This model, denoted the control model, is useful for thermal dosimetry in hyperthermia cancer therapy. The theoretical control model parameter values for various types of homogeneous tissue are determined from a priori knowledge about tissue composition and parameters. The control model parameters for real tissue are estimated from patient treatment data through the use of a system identification technique. The results indicate that the control model structure is adequate. With the available a priori knowledge the theoretically determined control model parameter values do not accurately reproduce the experimentally estimated values. Accordingly, an identification based on experimental data is recommended, if an accurate model is required.