Induction of hyperthermia using an intracavitary multielement ultrasonic applicator

The possibility of inducing controlled hyperthermia in rectal or vaginal wall tumors using an intracavity ultrasonic applicator is considered. A computer model that took into account the thermal and ultrasonic properties of tissues and surface cooling was used to optimize the transducer parameters to obtain desirable temperature distributions for different perfusion situations in the tumor. An applicator that consisted of a cylindrical array of five independently controllable ultrasonic transducers was developed. This array was then tested in degassed water to determine the functional characteristics. This same applicator, modified to include water cooling of the tissue surface, was tested in vivo in dogs. The temperature distributions were found to be promising, and, with modifications, this approach can be used in clinical treatments of suitable tumors.<>