Submillimeter diameter interstitial microwave hyperthermia applicators: preclinical testing

Interstitial hyperthermia applicators as small as 0.20 mm in diameter have been fabricated using ultraminiature coaxial cable. Animal studies show less local tissue trauma than with commercial 1.1-mm-diameter applicators with equivalent heating. precise nonsurgical hyperthermia of deep-seated tumors may be achievable with these applicators. It is concluded that the submillimeter applicators show considerable promise for clinical application. They produce heating patterns equivalent to those of larger devices currently available, and they appear to have sufficient ruggedness and power handling capability.<>