RF Safe

Antenna Design and SAR Analysis on Human Head Phantom Simulation for Future Clinical Applications.

Journal of biomedical science and engineering · 2017 · Unclear · Insufficient evidence

← Research stream
UnclearInsufficient evidencePaper 4902

A COMSOL Multiphysics simulation of RF-EMF exposure to a human head phantom using a Yagi-Uda antenna at 64 MHz and SAR 0.6 W/kg indicated a temperature increase of less than 1 mK from absorbed EM power. The analysis compared field distribution using one versu…

Study snapshot

PublicationJournal of biomedical science and engineering · 2017
Study typeengineering
Reported directionUnclear
Evidence ratingInsufficient

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The rapid development of a variety of devices that emit Radiofrequency Electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) has sparked growing interest in their interaction with biological systems and the beneficial effects on human health. As a result, investigations have been driven by the potential for therapeutic applications, as well as concern for any possible negative health implications of these EM energies [1-4]. Recent results have indicated specific tuning of experimental and clinical RF exposure may lead to their clinical application toward beneficial health outcomes [5]. METHOD: In the current study, a mathematical and computer simulation model to analyze a specific RF-EMF exposure on a human head model was developed. Impetus for this research was derived from results of our previous experiments which revealed that Repeated Electromagnetic Field Stimulation (REMFS) decreased the toxic levels of beta amyloid (A) in neuronal cells, thereby suggesting a new potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Throughout development of the proposed device, experimental variables such as the EM frequency range, specific absorption rate (SAR), penetration depth, and innate properties of different tissues have been carefully considered. RESULTS: RF-EMF exposure to the human head phantom was performed utilizing a Yagi-Uda antenna type possessing high gain (in the order of 10 dbs) at a frequency of 64 MHz and SAR of 0.6 W/Kg. In order to maximize the EM power transmission in one direction, directors were placed in front of the driven element and reflectors were placed behind the driven element. So as to strategically direct the EM field into the center of the brain tissue, while providing field linearity, our analysis considered the field distribution for one versus four antennas. Within the provided dimensions of a typical human brain, results of the Bioheat equation within COMSOL Multiphysics version 5.2a software demonstrated less than a 1 m˚K increase from the absorbed EM power.

Machine Enhanced Logic

AI evidence extraction

Structured fields below were generated from the paper’s abstract and metadata to make the evidence easier to inspect. Automated extraction may be incomplete or incorrect; verify important details against the original paper.

Study typeengineering
Effect directionunclear
Populationhuman head phantom (simulation model)
Sample sizeNot supplied
ExposureRF · 64 MHz · 0.6 W/kg
Evidence strengthInsufficientConfidence: 78% · Peer reviewed: yes

Main findings

A COMSOL Multiphysics simulation of RF-EMF exposure to a human head phantom using a Yagi-Uda antenna at 64 MHz and SAR 0.6 W/kg indicated a temperature increase of less than 1 mK from absorbed EM power. The analysis compared field distribution using one versus four antennas to direct the field toward the center of brain tissue.

Outcomes measured

  • Specific absorption rate (SAR)
  • Field distribution in head phantom (one vs four antennas)
  • Temperature change (Bioheat equation simulation)

Limitations

  • Simulation/modeling study on a head phantom rather than human participants
  • Exposure duration not reported in the abstract
  • Health/clinical outcomes were not measured; outcomes were primarily SAR/field distribution/temperature modeling
View raw extracted JSON
{
  "study_type": "engineering",
  "exposure": {
    "band": "RF",
    "source": "antenna (Yagi-Uda)",
    "frequency_mhz": 64,
    "sar_wkg": 0.6,
    "duration": null
  },
  "population": "human head phantom (simulation model)",
  "sample_size": null,
  "outcomes": [
    "Specific absorption rate (SAR)",
    "Field distribution in head phantom (one vs four antennas)",
    "Temperature change (Bioheat equation simulation)"
  ],
  "main_findings": "A COMSOL Multiphysics simulation of RF-EMF exposure to a human head phantom using a Yagi-Uda antenna at 64 MHz and SAR 0.6 W/kg indicated a temperature increase of less than 1 mK from absorbed EM power. The analysis compared field distribution using one versus four antennas to direct the field toward the center of brain tissue.",
  "effect_direction": "unclear",
  "limitations": [
    "Simulation/modeling study on a head phantom rather than human participants",
    "Exposure duration not reported in the abstract",
    "Health/clinical outcomes were not measured; outcomes were primarily SAR/field distribution/temperature modeling"
  ],
  "evidence_strength": "insufficient",
  "confidence": 0.78,
  "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
  "keywords": [
    "RF-EMF",
    "Yagi-Uda antenna",
    "human head phantom",
    "COMSOL Multiphysics",
    "SAR",
    "Bioheat equation",
    "64 MHz",
    "Alzheimer's disease",
    "repeated electromagnetic field stimulation (REMFS)"
  ],
  "suggested_hubs": [
    {
      "slug": "exposure-assessment",
      "weight": 0.86,
      "reason": "Focuses on RF exposure modeling, SAR, field distribution, and bioheat/temperature simulation in a head phantom."
    }
  ]
}
AI can be wrong. Always verify against the paper.

AI-extracted fields are generated from the abstract and metadata and may be incomplete or incorrect. This material is for informational purposes and is not medical advice.

Identifiers and source

DOI: 10.4236/jbise.2017.109032
PubMed: 28959376

Read the original paper →

Related papers

← Back to the Research Library