Low-cost Mini-invasive Microwave Needle Applicator for Cancer Thermal Ablation: Feasibility Investigation

The design and characterization of a low-cost mini-invasive needle applicator prototype for hyperthermia therapy of cancer are performed, after the investigation of different approaches, focused to increase the device feasibility and miniaturization and to improve patient wellness. The needle applicator is a coaxial antenna operating at frequency f = 2.45 GHz in the Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) frequency band. Many simulations are performed with the aim of investigating different geometries, impedance matching techniques, possible 3D-printing biocompatible materials, and radiating configurations fitting 14-gauge (14G) and 16-gauge (16G) hypodermic tube sizes. Also, a cooling circuit is investigated to maintain the patient healthy tissues at lower temperature, during the ablation session. As last step, prototypes of 14G and 16G applicators have been constructed and characterized.