What is an applicator?
In the framework of hyperthermia, an applicator is a device which is used to induce the energy for the increase of temperature into the patient, respectively into the body area in question. As a rule, these are special antennas or arrays of antennas irradiating electromagnetic waves. During the local (superficial) hyperthermia, the applicators are positioned on top of the tumor (normally they are coupled with an additional water cushion). During the deep hyperthermia, the patient is positioned in a ring-shaped applicator and the body area which is to be treated is surrounded from all sides by a water bag (water bolus), which serves to radiate the energy into the body. The pressure of this water bag may be troublesome (see further above). During the whole-body hyperthermia, the patient is introduced with his whole body into a cabin which is thermically closed as well as possible. This cabin is quipped by infra-red radiators. The head of the patient is outside of this cabin.
