An efficient finite element methodology for hyperthermia analysis

Hyperthermia is a longstanding clinical treatment for malignant tumors. The protocol involves uniform localized heating both spatially and temporally. This thesis project develops and verifies a cost-effective finite element approximate numerical methodology to solve the unsteady three-dimensional bio-heat transfer equation governing hyperthermia with great efficiency and to a defined degree of accuracy. Mesh density covering five levels of refinement are explored and found to be a key issue in accurately predicting the temperature distribution over the treatment region. The application of water cooled needles along with multiple electrodes has been found to promote a more homogeneous temperature distribution over the malignant tissue. For normal tissue interface heat flux convection boundary condition can also yeild a more realistic simulation for the hyperthermia treatment modality.