COMBINATION OF SQUARE AND NEEDLE ELECTRODES FOR BETTER ELECTRIC FIELD DISTRIBUTION IN CANCER TREATMENT TECHNIQUES

K. EISA, M.M. SHAWKI, M.M. MOHAMMED, THANAA E. SHALABY, Y. S. YOUSSEF

Bio-Medical Physics Department, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt

The success of electrochemotherapy, electroendocytosis, iontophoresis and electrogene transfer techniques depend on the electric field distribution inside and outside the target area. Electrode configuration is a major factor that affects the intensity, homogeneity of electric field distribution. The aim of the present work is to examine different electrode configurations either square electrodes or combination of square and needle electrodes from the point of the electric field intensity and homogeneity. These parameters were studied practically using Ehrlich tumors. The results indicated that the four square electrodes + one needle electrode configuration gives the highest electric field intensity, while the two square electrodes + one needle electrode configuration gives the highest homogeneity. Combination on needle electrode with square electrodes gives better electric field intensity and homogeneity in the target area than using square electrodes only. The results show the electric characters of different electrode configurations which can help in the electrode selection according to the required treatment.

Corresponding author’s e-mail: mamdouh971@hotmail.com

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