Methods of Hyperthermia Control

This book deals with the major problem of hyperthermia control - which has not yet been optimally solved - by considering the invasive techniques of thermometry as well as the noninvasive methods of radiothermometry and thermal imaging. The various techniques of thermometry as currently practiced in clinical settings using implanted probes are reviewed and discussed extensively, emphasis being placed upon the procedures for locating probes in tissue. The possible methodological approaches to noninvasive control of hyperthermia based upon different principles of radiometry and imaging (X-ray, NMR, ultrasound, microwave, electric impedance) are reviewed, addressing questions such as the compromise of sensitivities (thermal, spatial, temporal), the problem of noise rejection, the space constraint (heater and imager targeted at the same volume), and the sensitivity of the thermometric parameter to other physiological veriables. To exemplify the potentials of noninvasive control, the development and practical implementation of a system integrating microwave heating and radiometry into a totally engineered package are described.