Abstract: A printed circuit board structure fabricated to define a plurality of quarter wavelength microstrip antennas, each radiating microwave energy in a dipole pattern. The ends of the microstrip antennas are formed overlapping the ends of adjacent microstrip antennas so that a resultant additive effect of the radiated microwave energy is exhibited near the ends of the antennas. The overall effect is to produce a more uniform radiation pattern which does not have the typical radiation minima located at the ends of the dipole antennas.

Abstract: An improved microwave applicator includes a frequency tuner discoupled from an input power coupling tuner. The frequency tuner includes parallel elongated dielectric bars axially adjustable in a dielectric-filled waveguide. A central passageway space is provided between the dielectric bars for incorporation of an input coupling tuner in the form of a magnetic loop assembly. The magnetic loop assembly includes a metal loop connected to a metal block and means for axially adjusting the position of the loop assembly within the central passageway space between the elongated dielectric members. Frequency and input coupling tuning controls, as well as the microwave input connector, are located behind the closed end of the waveguide applicator to facilitate optimization of mutual positioning of multiple applicators.

Abstract: A hyperthermia treatment system has multiple applicators and multiple temperature sensors for controlling the operation of the hyperthermia system. A temperature sensor probe implanted within a tumor provides a temperature signal for controlling and optimizing the power input to multiple applicators to maintain the system output during the treatment period at a predetermined control temperature. Temperature sensors implanted in the region of the healthy tissue provide temperature signals to override the controls providing power input to the applicators to prevent injury to healthy tissues. Individual microwave applicators are evaluated during the hyperthermia treatment to determine their effect on the overall heating pattern for optimizing the heating pattern.

Abstract: Multiple microwave applicators are configured to optimize the treatment in a hyperthermia system. Individual applicators are positioned for incrementally varying the treatment field size by the addition or subtraction of individual applicators. A fan beam geometric configuration may be utilized with individual applicators for producing a concave electric field for focusing the electromagnetic energy at a particular region of the body. The microwave applicator system may be positioned either in direct or indirect contact with a treatment area by positioning individual applicators to conform to the contours of the surface treatment area. The applicators may be combined to provide a continuing electromagnetic field pattern.