A three-dimensional thermal and electromagnetic model of whole limb heating with a MAPA

A realistically shaped, three-dimensional finite element model of a tumor-bearing human lower leg was constructed and was 'attached' mathematically to the whole body thermal model of man described in previous studies by the authors. The central as well as local thermoregulatory feedback control mechanisms which determine blood perfusion to the various tissues and rate of evaporation by sweating were input into the limb model. In addition, the temperature of the arterial blood which feeds into the most proximal section of the lower leg was computed by the whole body thermal model. Results indicate that proper positioning of the limb relative to the miniannular phased array (MAPA) is a significant factor in determining the effectiveness of the treatment. A patient-specific hyperthermia protocol can be designed using this coupled electromagnetic and thermal model.<
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