Antennas Design for Microwave Ablation in Bone Tissue: Simulation and Experimental Validation

The objective of this study was to analyze the performance of two types of antennas proposed for microwave ablation as possible treatment for bone tumors by making a comparison between simulations and experiments. The design and optimization, by using computational parametric models and the Finite Element Method (FEM), allowed to predict the behavior of two antennas, a Metal-Tip Monopole antenna (MTM) and a Double Slot Choke antenna (DSC) when they are in contact with bone tissue. The parameters to evaluate the coupling of the antennas were the standing wave ratio (SWR) values, heating patterns and temperatures reached. Optimized antennas were fabricated from an UT-085 semi-rigid micro-coaxial cable in order to replicate the design used in the FEM models. Ex vivo porcine bones were ablated with the fabricated antennas using 10 W during 5 min. Both antennas reached ablation temperatures around 60°C-100°C.