Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation

Eric Crugnale

Glenn L Spacht

Justine D Cermignani

Robert E McGill

Terry Button

Susan Barbour

A hyperthermia treatment apparatus includes an annular radio frequency (RF) antenna array with bolus that is compatible with a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine. Antenna elements polarized parallel to the axis of the cylinder are used for forming a Specific Absorption Ratio (SAR) map as well as for directing the energy to accomplish hyperthermia. The array may be dynamically controlled to focus energy at any specified region within the cylinder. The array is positioned inside an MRI machine and is tuned to the machine's hydrogen resonant frequency. For treatment planning, the array is employed to form an SAR map via RF current density imaging. Using this map, array phase, amplitude, and temporal weighting are optimized until the SAR maxima is congruent with the treatment volume. For treatment, RF radiation is applied to the subject to induce heating of the treatment volume using these optimal array parameters. Temperature is periodically determined via noninvasive MRI methods (i.e., diffusion imaging, T.sub.1 map, etc.) in order to obtain an image that includes isotherms from which the pattern of heating can be observed. Feedback is provided such that adjustment may be made to compensate for bioheat transfer.

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Port Jefferson, NY, United States of America

Eric Crugnale