An on-line phase measurement system for quality assurance of the BSD 2000. Part II: Results of the phase measurement system

Abstract

Phase constancy and accuracy are significant for regional hyperthermia with phased array radiofrequency hyperthermia systems. They are both necessary for a precise target steering in therapy. For the BSD 2000 system (BSD Medical Corp. Salt Lake City, Utah, USA), the phase values of all channels are checked with a self-developed automatic on-line phase measurement system. On different days the phases are measured under identical conditions, where the output paths are cut off with 50Ω dummy loads to suppress the influence of the radiation conditions of the antennae on the measurement values. The results show how the phase values of the four channels change in the first 30 min and from day to day. During this time interval after the start the phases drop down by up to 15°. For the time later changes are very slight and the differences from day to day are negligible. The phase shift that occurs in the first 30 min is as high as a change of the target point by 1 cm. Earlier switching on of the amplifiers prevents this shift occurring during the treatment. The measurement system provides a good tool for determination of phase accuracy and is easy to realize.