Task 10 - EM device for axillary lymph node diagnosis

FCiências.ID , supervisor Dr. R. Conceição, ESR M. Savazzi.

In this task, the first EM device for the diagnosis of axillary lymph nodes will be developed. The activity will start with the development of computational models and physical anatomically realistic anthropomorphic phantoms with axillary lymph nodes at different depths and locations (in collaboration with ESR1) and the review of the dielectric properties of healthy and malignant lymph nodes and surrounding tissues (at microwaves) to assign to the models of the axilla (in collaboration with ESR2). Then, the design and realization of an optimal Ultra-Wide Band (UWB) antenna arrays for operation in the axillary region will be done in collaboration with the partner organization IT. The imaging algorithms in Task 3.2 will be integrated in the device and extensively tested with phantoms (in collaboration with ESR7). The whole task will be developed in close collaboration with the clinical partner organization CHTMAD.

Objectives:

• Development of computational models and physical anatomically realistic anthropomorphic phantoms of the axillary region with Axillary Lymph Nodes (ALNs) at different depths and locations
• Review of the dielectric properties of healthy / malignant LNs and surrounding tissues (at microwave frequencies) to assign to the models of the axilla
• Design of the optimal Ultra-WideBand (UWB) antenna and antenna arrays for operation in the axillary regions in collaboration with the partner  IT
• Implementation of imaging algorithms developed in WP3 in collaboration with ESR7
• Design, assembly and testing of a prototype for ALN examination
• Pre-clinical validation of prototype, in close collaboration with the clinical partner CHTMAD

Expected Results:

• Review of dielectric properties of Lymph Nodes
• Completion of a functional ALN electromagnetic imaging device poised for patient studies