This study focuses attention on interstitial microwave hyperthermia, which is a popular medical procedure for treatment of pathological human tissues containing tumors. In the paper, the 2D finite element analysis is used to compare the models of the coaxial antenna with one, two and three air slots. The implemented models are based on the wave equation in the TM mode coupled with the Pennes equation under a transient state condition. Moreover, the model takes into account the thermo-electrical properties of human tissue for the antenna operating frequency of 2.45 GHz. Simulation results for different tissues and various multi-slot antenna configurations have been presented. The comparative analysis for single-, double- and triple-slot coaxial antennas shown in this article does not have equivalents in the current literature in the field of hyperthermia.

Keywords: Interstitial microwave hyperthermia, Transverse magnetic (TM) waves, Bioheat equation, Finite element method, Tissue properties, Cancer treatment, Simulation