M. Zimmermann et al., THEORETICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATIONS OF A NEWLY DEVELOPED INTRACAVITARY APPLICATOR SYSTEM FOR THE RADIOTHERMOTHERAPY OF GYNECOLOGICAL TUMORS, International journal of hyperthermia, 9(3), 1993, pp. 463-477
This paper describes a new type of applicator system for the intracavi
tary radiothermotherapy of gynaecological tumours. Hyperthermia and ra
diation can be delivered by one and the same applicator. The hyperther
mia is delivered by a modified capacitive heating technique (27.12 MHz
) combined with cooling systems, the radiation by the numerically cont
rolled oscillation of a gamma source on the inside of the main applica
tor, the RF gamma applicator (HDR afterloading technique). Isotherms a
nd isodoses can be adapted to the anatomical-pathological situation. I
nteractions between the applicator system and the surrounding tissue w
ere investigated in a theoretical model (FEM). Complex two-dimensional
SAR calculations as well as three-dimensional temperature calculation
s were carried out. The RF gamma applicator was also examined by therm
ography; the thermography proved the theoretical modelling to be corre
ct. The applicators were also tested in animal experiments.