Ultra-wideband applicator for brain-tumor ablation and imaging system

An Ultra-Wideband (UWB) applicator for microwave imaging and hyperthermia or thermal ablation of brain tumors is developed. The system depends on the design of a MIMO array of UWB applicator to be mounted on the head. The applicator is based upon Vivaldi antenna structure, which is designed to increase the power radiated toward the human head to enhance power absorption within the tumor region. Based on the traveling-wave performance, the antenna radiates in the end fire beam, and each applicator touches the head in a slim area of the size of the substrate thickness (1.57 mm) and the antenna width (64 mm). This structure is thus attractive for use as small foot-print elements that allow the construction of large sized-array to surround the human-head. Analysis is performed using the IE3D and SEMCAD-X simulators, and the S-parameters illustrate the UWB characteristics of the antenna. Results of the field and SAR image distributions within the human head illustrate the promising performance of this applicator design.