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Biomedical subjects

H I Bicher

Publications and source records attributed to H I Bicher.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

TRIPAS: a triapplicator system with relocatable 'hot spot' at tissue depth.

Solving the problem of heat focusing and standardization of the clinical application of hyperthermia requires a mathematical prediction model. The model should include the medium constitutive parameter, and be able to predict positioning of the microwave applicators to optimize treatment planning and provide for reproducible treatment set-up. We present a configuration of 3 applicators subtended by an equilateral triangle in order to target and relocate a 'hot spot' for improved treatment of deep tumors. A simple geometric analysis is illustrated. The microwave beam absorption profile, from the three power sources, was obtained from phantom studies depicting the radiative heat pattern for the triapplicator system (TRIPAS). A complex mathematical model was developed to demonstrate interaction of the beams in the medium. It was observed empirically that under coherent propagation in the near field electromagnetic (EM) waves tend to add at the center, while varying the propagation axial focal length caused a relocation of the summing focal points. Mathematical prediction correlated very well with the phantom studies. SAR values above 100 W/kg were achieved at 12.5 cm phantom depth, creating a relocatable 'hot spot' at the concentric foci of the 3 air cooled horn microwave applicators operating at 300 MHz.

Computer Simulation

Microwave hyperthermia as an adjunct to radiation therapy: summary experience of 256 multifraction treatment cases.

Results in 256 cases of malignant disease treated by multifraction combination hyperthermia-radiation therapy under the supervision of one physician are presented. The overall response rate was 94% including a 62% complete response. Complications specifically ascribed to hyperthermia were minor, and most side effects of combined treatment were radiation dose related. Tumor response was somewhat better for chest wall recurrence (72% CR) and for adenocarcinoma in general (64% CR), but no significant dependence on tumor site or type was found. Most patients were treated with low dose external radiation with hyperthermia given by air cooled microwave applicators or intracavitary antennae operating at 915 or 300 MHz, and some by interstitial microwave antennae plus 192 Ir. Results appeared to be independent of the microwave source employed. Response did depend on radiation dose: complete response rate with 4000 rad was 65%, and with 2000 rad was 42%.

Brachytherapy

Autonomic and pharmacological control of oxygen autoregulation mechanisms in brain tissue.

The effect of several agents active on autonomic nervous system functions was tested on brain oxygen autoregulation parameters. It was found that atropine, propranolol and isproterenol had no influence on the measured parameters. Phenoxybenzamine, tolazoline and dibenamine all suppress autoregulation. In an additional experimental series, a phenoxybenzamine infusion was given during O2 breathing. The infusion induced a marked rise in TpO2. It is concluded that an alpha-adrenergic mechanism is part of the autoregulation process, and its pharmacological blockade could be used to raise TpO2 levels in brain with O2 breathing at normal atmospheric pressure. Also, the increase in brain TpO2 induced by 95% O2 - 5% CO2 breathing seems to be blocked by alpha-adrenolytic drugs.

Animals

Effect of ionizing radiation on liver microcirculation and oxygenation.

Platelet aggregation and adhesiveness, as well as TPO2 responses to hypoxia were measured as microcirculation parameters in beagle dogs subject to Co60 ionizing radiation to a dose of 4600 rads in 5 weeks. Simultaneously, changes in blood chemistry and coagulation were also determined. Marked changes in all studied parameters in the post radiation period lead to the conclusion that radiation liver damage is at least in part mediated through microcirculation disturbances.

Animals