Changes in dielectric properties following a microwave thermal ablation procedure

Microwave thermal ablation (MTA) is a therapeutic technique employed for the eradication of tumors. It is based on the temperature increase achievable in biological tissues through the absorption of an electromagnetic field at microwave frequencies. Accordingly, a small antenna is inserted into the tumor to be treated, and it is allowed to radiate very high power values. Target temperatures are above 60°C, at which almost instantaneous coagulation occurs [1]. MTA is widely accepted as a very promising and powerful technique; however, actual devices lack a reliable, real-time, and objective method for temperature monitoring. To this end, several efforts are under way to develop new tools for temperature monitoring.