An electromagnetic thermotherapy system with a deep penetration depth for percutaneous thermal ablation.

Abstract

Thermal ablation has been a promising method to remove the cancerous tissues. Electromagnetic-based thermotherapy has been extensively investigated for a variety of medical applications recently. In this study, a prototype electromagnetic thermotherapy system has been developed with a new coil design and a two-section needle. The coil can generate an alternating electromagnetic field (EMF) with a deep penetration depth to remotely heat the needle which is located up to 15 cm away, enabling percutaneous thermal ablation. Several important parameters, including the heating effects of the needle at different positions, the intensity of the EMF and the induced temperature distribution on the surrounding tissue, are first explored. An in vitro animal experiment has also been performed which shows EMF-induced ablation in a porcine liver by the needle. Furthermore, an in vivo experiment on an animal model (a New Zealand white rabbit) is also conducted in the study. Thus, the two-section needle combined with the coil-generated EMF has been demonstrated to be a promising thermotherapy system for percutaneous thermal ablation.