Microwave Hyperthermia

Microwave hyperthermia significantly enhances the effectiveness of radiotherapy and chemotherapy in the treatment of cancer. This method allows for reduced doses of conventional treatments, thereby minimizing their side effects. We are working on the development of a clinical system for microwave hyperthermia focused on the treatment of tumors in the pelvic area, brain, and head and neck. Our work includes:

• Numerical modeling of electromagnetic fields and temperature distribution,
• Development of algorithms for individualized treatment planning,
• Design of applicators, generators, and other key components of the system.

Microwave Non-invasive Temperature Monitoring during Hyperthermia or Tissue Ablation

Accurate temperature monitoring during microwave hyperthermia is crucial for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of treatment. Invasive measurements provide only point-based information, while non-invasive methods, such as magnetic resonance, are financially and technically demanding.

Therefore, we are developing a system for non-invasive temperature monitoring as part of a comprehensive hyperthermic solution. The research includes:

• Numerical simulations and experimental measurements,
• Reconstruction of temperature rise distribution from S-parameters and calculated fields,
• Development of models for the temperature dependence of dielectric properties.

We focus on temperature monitorin in the pelvic area, head&neck, and brain, with a particular emphasis on hyperthermia for glioblastomas. For this reason, we are intensively studying the temperature dependence of dielectric parameters in brain tissue, which is crucial for the accuracy of models and monitoring systems.

Microwave System for Detection and Classification of Stroke

Currently, there is no reliable system for pre-hospital detection and differentiation of stroke types (ischemic vs. hemorrhagic). Rapid diagnosis is crucial for initiating the correct treatment and minimizing permanent consequences.

Our team is developing a compact, portable microwave system in the form of a helmet that allows:

• Early detection and classification of stroke type,
• Monitoring disease progression through differential imaging of changes over time,
• Determining the position and size of the affected area of brain tissue.

The goal is to create a device suitable for use in the field, at emergency departments, and in ambulances, which will significantly speed up the decision-making process for the next steps in treatment.

Measurement of Tissue Dielectric Parameters and Phantom Development

Accurate knowledge of tissue dielectric parameters is essential for all our applications – from hyperthermia to microwave-based diagnostics. We are developing an affordable measurement system that combines a coaxial probe and a vector network analyzer, aiming to enable rapid evaluation of biological samples, such as immediately after a biopsy. In parallel, we are working on creating tomographic maps of dielectric properties using the MRI-EPT method. Our activities also include:

• Tissue and anatomical structure segmentation from CT and MRI data,
• Creation of multi-tissue 3D models of the head, pelvis, and whole body,
• Production of realistic biological tissue phantoms with anatomical and dielectric fidelity.

These models and phantoms play a key role in testing and calibrating our therapeutic and diagnostic systems.

Use of Radar Methods in Medicine

We are focused on the development of radar technologies for medical applications, particularly in areas where non-invasive and contactless detection or real-time imaging is crucial. Radar methods represent a promising tool in several clinical and home-based applications:

• Contactless monitoring of vital signs – detection of respiratory rate and heart rate in patients without physical contact, used in intensive care or home settings.
• Navigation systems for catheter insertion – radar imaging assists in the precise real-time guidance of catheters without the need for ionizing radiation.
• Real-time monitoring of tumor ablation – non-invasive monitoring of the ablation process in 3D space, with the ability to precisely register and evaluate the volume of tissue affected by the procedure directly in the patient’s body.
• Imaging of metal projectile position (e.g., gunshot wounds) – rapid localization of fragments or projectiles within the body without the need for CT or X-ray imaging.
• Fall detection in elderly people – development of a radar system for automatic fall detection in home settings and automated assistance alerts.

Electroporation

We focus on the research and development of electroporation technologies, a process that temporarily increases the permeability of cell membranes using an electric field. Electroporation has a wide range of applications in clinical practice, such as in gene therapy, cancer treatment, targeted drug delivery, and biotechnology.

Our activities include:

• Study of electroporation effects on target tissue – optimizing parameters to ensure that the intervention is both effective and gentle.
• Analysis of electroporation effects on surrounding tissue in the human body – particularly monitoring undesirable effects, such as hemolysis during cardiac ablation.
• Numerical simulations of physical phenomena during electroporation – modeling the distribution of electric fields and temperature changes during procedures in clinical practice.
• Development of device and electrodes – designing new types of electrodes and control units for clinical and laboratory use.
• Gene transfection – exploring methods for transporting genetic material into cells using electroporation, especially for gene therapy purposes.

Low-field Magnetic Resonance Imaging

As part of the European project „Affordable low-field MRI reference system“ by the EURAMET agency, we are collaborating with research institutions on the development of low-cost magnetic resonance imaging systems with a B₀ = 50 mT.

The system being developed at the faculty will enable imaging of the human head and limbs. The magnetic field will be generated by a Halbach magnet composed of approximately 2500 neodymium permanent magnets – as a result, the device will be:

• Significantly smaller and lighter than current clinical MRI scanners,
• Completely passive, and thus with low operating costs,
• Safer for patients with implants.

LF MRI systems represent a potentially affordable alternative for diagnostics, particularly in resource-limited environments.

Assessment of Blood Flow and 3D Printing of Hearts

For the purpose of planning interventional cardiology procedures, we perform segmentation of cardiac structures from CT images and create detailed 3D models of the heart. In these models, we identify and design up to six possible access points for puncturing the interatrial septum, particularly in relation to the closure of the left atrial appendage (LAA) – a procedure that plays a key role in reducing the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation.

Simultaneously, in the context of evaluating this risk, we conduct numerical analysis of flow ratios in the left atrium to explore the impact of the LAA morphology on thrombus formation and, thus, the likelihood of embolic events.

The heart models are:

• Printed using FDM technology from soft plastics,
• Used for planning the optimal procedure,
• Also serve for simulating blood flow and assessing the risk of thrombus formation around the LAA.