Computational analysis of Microwave Imaging (MWI) System for Post Stroke Screening Using Unidirectional Antenna

Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability around the whole world. Currently computed axial tomography (CAT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET) scan and ultrasound CAT scan, MRI, PET scan and ultrasound are commonly used to detect brain stroke. However, these scan facilities are not available outside the hospital environment due to their large and bulky structure and beside this MRI is a very expensive diagnose system. In this research, a microwave imaging system utilizing unidirectional antenna is designed that uses the difference in contrast in the electrical properties between healthy and hemorrhaged brain tissues. Two unidirectional patch antennas are used in MWI simulation. One is used to transmit signal and another one is for receiving transmitted backscattered signal from various parts of the head. A homogeneous head phantom with the brain is placed between the transmitter and receiver antenna. An elliptical shaped blood clot (having density of 1060 Kg/m3, thermal conductivity of 0.51 W/K/m) is considered in the simulation system. The received backscattered signals are post-processed to generate a 2D image.