Numerical Simulation and Experimental Validation on Focused Microwave Thermotherapy

This paper presents the results of beam-focusing of the human tissue mimic phantom using the time reversal (TR) algorithm in the developed focused microwave thermotherapy (FMT) system for the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders. The simulation and experimental verification for the possibility of beam-focusing at the target position was performed at 925 MHz frequency. It can be achieved the effective beam-focusing at the desired position of the phantom.

I. Introduction

Thermal therapies are increasing in use in the treatment of a variety of diseases [1]. Particularly, microwave thermotherapy is known to destroy cancer cells without added side effects and can have a synergistic effect in combination with other therapies such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy [2]. Microwave thermotherapy ultimately aims at elevating a moderate temperature to more than 42°C at tumor location for a sufficient period of time while maintaining a normal temperatures in healthy tissue [3]. The FMT technique could be useful for pain relief and the treatment of pathologies in many types of musculoskeletal diseases including the arthritis, cancer, inflammation.