Hyperthermia applicator for treatment with microwave energy and ultrasonic wave energy

摘要

A direct contact hyperthermia applicator includes an ultrasonic lens with an array of ultrasonic transducers and an array of microwave antenna elements mounted behind the lens and positioned for transmission of ultrasonic wave energy and microwave energy therethrough. The antenna elements can be waveguide sections having radiating apertures or microstrip antenna elements. A fluid enclosure is defined between the front surface of the lens and a thin rubber sheet sealed around the periphery of the lens. During hyperthermia treatment, the rubber sheet conforms to the contours of the patient's body. The fluid, which is typically cooled distilled water, improves coupling of microwave energy and ultrasonic wave energy into the patient's body and cools the surface region.