Thermographically determined specific absorption rate patterns of 434-MHz applicators.

The specific absorption rate (SAR) patterns of two 434-MHz hyperthermia applicators, models TCA 434-1 (9 X 20 cm) and TCA 434-2 (13 X 25 cm), were evaluated thermographically using a phantom model. The phantom model consisted of a 2-cm-thick layer of fat and a 10-cm depth of muscle contained in a 30 X 30 cm base Plexiglas box. The model was bisected in the middle. Polyester screens at the interface allowed the synthetic gel to make electrical contact between the two halves of the muscle tissue. Octyl alcohol was applied to the fat interface to ensure continuity of dielectric properties. Thermograms were taken for both applicators over the following areas of the exposed model: (1) fat surface, (2) internal surface with E-field parallel to interface, and (3) internal surface with E-field perpendicular to interface. SAR's were calculated from the temperature rise (8 degrees C maximum), net input power (550-650 W), exposure time (15-60 s), and specific heat of the muscle (0.86 kcal/kg degrees C). A factor of 0.42 needs to be multiplied to correct for the specific heat of fat. High localized SAR's along the broad sides of the applicators were seen when the applicators were in direct contact with the phantom. With the use of a 0.8-cm polystyrene foam spacing, the SAR's within the aperture of the applicators were relatively uniform. The patterns of the two applicators were quite similar. However, the TCA 434-1 applicator is smaller and more applicable for clinical conditions.