Desmond Teck Beng Yeo1, Xing Yang2,
Jing Wu3, Lorne Wyatt Hofstetter1, Joseph E. Piel1,
Eric W. Fiveland1, Keith J. Park1, Thomas K. Foo1
1Imaging Technologies, GE
Global Research, Niskayuna, NY, United States; 2Power Conversion
Circuits Lab, GE Global Research, Shanghai, China, People's Republic of; 3Electrical
& Computer Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United
States
Adjuvant mild RF hyperthermia of tumors significantly increases the effectiveness of radio- and chemo-therapy. However, the conventional two-system approach may suffer from SNR and cross-talk issues. We propose a dual-function applicator design based on modified MR loop coils and demonstrate with simulated and experimental data that the modified radiating elements may perform specific absorption rate (SAR) steering for regional RF hyperthermia. The proposed array can enable contemporaneous heating and imaging without using the scanners birdcage body coil, thus enabling parallel imaging and placement of imaging coils closer to the body during RF hyperthermia.