Computational Analysis of a Suitable Antenna and Optimized Frequency for Microwave Ablation of Breast Cancerous Tissue

The study was aimed to simulate and analyze a suitable antenna operating at an optimized frequency for microwave ablation of breast cancerous tissue. Four different antennas were simulated and analyzed using finite element method (FEM) software. Based on the variation in their reflection coefficient, total power density, and Specific Absorption Ratio, three of the antennas were selected. The four antennas have different geometry parameters based on the effective wavelength in breast tissue at the variable frequencies. Power loss for all simulated microwave antennas were above 50 % from an input power of 10 W. The simulated single slot antenna proved efficient but had high power dissipation. The simulated monopole antenna with a radiating length of 8 mm performed better than the other monopole antennas. Among the frequencies tested, 6.02 GHz had the lowest reflection coefficient but high power dissipation. Considering power dissipation, backward heating along antenna shaft and aspect ratio of necrotic tissue, the simulated monopole antenna with an 8 mm radiating length operating at 6.61 GHz was found to be the most efficient.