Thermoablation for breast cancer treatment using microwave interstitial helix applicators

In this paper we studied the possibilities of usage of interstitial applicators for the breast cancer treatment by microwave thermoablation. The applicators used in this work are the helix type and the operating frequency was 2.45GHz. For here described simulations two types of breast phantoms were used. The interstitial applicators, virtually organized in several configurations, were gradually inserted into these phantoms. The first model of breast was simply created by spherical segment. It was formed by three parts: a homogeneous breast tissue, skin and a spherical tumour. The second breast phantom was derived from magnetic resonance images (MRIs) and includes more parts which are anatomically realistic. The phantom includes a bit more complex shape of the tumour. For calculation of SAR characteristics created by these applicators a simulator of electromagnetic field SEMCAD X was used. A distribution of SAR value was especially monitored in the area where the breast tumour was placed. Finally we could compare the differences between the simplified breast model and the MRI-derived model.