Computer analysis of hyperthermia treatment of the prostate

A numerical method for analysis of temperature and heat transfer in patients undergoing hyperthermia treatment of the prostate is presented. The domain to be analysed is irregular in shape and consists of several materials and tissues with different thermal properties and complex boundary conditions. The blood vessels have temperature-dependent flow and the physical properties also depend on the temperature. The finite element formulation of the problem makes it possible to analyse different types of hyperthermia treatments, e.g. treatment of an enlarged prostate. The application shown here is a simulation performed in order to evaluate a thermal injury in a patient undergoing hyperthermia treatment because of symptomatic prostatic enlargement. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.