Utility of microwave radiometry for diagnostic and therapeutic applications of non-invasive temperature monitoring
This paper describes the applicability of microwave radiometry for several potential diagnostic and therapeutic applications that can benefit from accurate non-invasive measurement of volume average temperature of tissue regions extending 4cm or more into the body. Design features are summarized for an appropriate high sensitivity long term stable system with 2.5 and 7cm diameter receive antennas and integral 1.1-1.6GHz total power radiometer electronics. Radiometer performance is characterized with electromagnetic and thermal simulations, as well as experimental measurements in realistic models of two typical diagnostic applications. Results demonstrate sufficient sensitivity to track clinically significant changes in temperature of deep tissue targets for applications like the non-invasive detection of vesicoureteral reflux into kidney, and monitoring brain 'core' temperature during extended hypothermic surgery.
