Antenna Design and SAR Analysis on Human Head Phantom Simulation for Future Clinical Applications

Abstract

Background The rapid development of a variety of devices that emit Radiofrequency Electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) has sparked growing interest in their interaction with biological systems and the beneficial effects on human health. As a result, investigations have been driven by the potential for therapeutic applications, as well as concern for any possible negative health implications of these EM energies [1-4]. Recent results have indicated specific tuning of experimental and clinical RF exposure may lead to their clinical application toward beneficial health outcomes [5]. Method In the current study, a mathematical and computer simulation model to analyze a specific RF-EMF exposure on a human head model was developed. Impetus for this research was derived from results of our previous experiments which revealed that Repeated Electromagnetic Field Stimulation (REMFS) decreased the toxic levels of beta amyloid (Aβ) in neuronal cells, thereby suggesting a new potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Throughout development of the proposed device, experimental variables such as the EM frequency range, specific absorption rate (SAR), penetration depth, and innate properties of different tissues have been carefully considered. Results RF-EMF exposure to the human head phantom was performed utilizing a Yagi-Uda antenna type possessing high gain (in the order of 10 dbs) at a frequency of 64 MHz and SAR of 0.6 W/Kg. In order to maximize the EM power transmission in one direction, directors were placed in front of the driven element and reflectors were placed behind the driven element. So as to strategically direct the EM field into the center of the brain tissue, while providing field linearity, our analysis considered the field distribution for one versus four antennas. Within the provided dimensions of a typical human brain, results of the Bioheat equation within COMSOL Multiphysics version 5.2a software demonstrated less than a 1 m˚K increase from the absorbed EM power.

Multidimensional insights into the repeated electromagnetic field stimulation and biosystems interaction in aging and age-related diseases

“…Additionally, our experiments use the same REMFS frequency that has been used by MRI machines for decades. Since their implementation for clinical imaging, MRI exposures have had no demonstrable negative health impacts [ 231 ]. Lastly, a recent phase one clinical trial in AD did not find any behavioral side-effect, pain, tumor growth, hemorrhage, or abnormal physiological responses after 2 months of treatment with REMFS.…”

The Effect of Repeated Electromagnetic Fields Stimulation in Biological Systems

“…We designed a virtual antenna that delivers a SAR of around 0.6 W/kg to a simulated phantom of a human brain. With these simulations we found the REMFS parameters that would deliver a uniform radiation to a human skull in clinical trials [86]. In the near future, we will experimentally confirm these results using an appropriate antenna to expose a Specific Anthropomorphic Mannequin (SAM) human head phantom [87] with internal and external probes oriented vertically to determine the EMF parameters that will provide an effective and safe SAR for future Alzheimer's treatment.…”

SAR analysis of directive antenna on anatomically real breast phantoms for microwave holography

“…The tissues were exposed with the radiations for around 2 hours, and the change in temperature was calculated by using the Pennes-Bioheat Equation. 16 It was found that the temperature was varied from (310-310.2 K) corresponding to…”

“…Therefore, the experiment was performed in CST simulator for analysing the thermal exposure of the antenna. The tissues were exposed with the radiations for around 2 hours and the change in temperature was calculated by using the Pennes-Bioheat equation 16 . It was found that the temperature was varied from (310 K -310.2 K) corresponding to 0dBm power and (310 K -310.3 K) corresponding to 10dBm power.…”