The MedWaveImage project has successfully completed its first major milestone: the requirements definition for three specialized microwave imaging (MWI) systems. This critical step lays the groundwork for developing and testing cutting-edge imaging technologies tailored to three key medical applications:
- temperature monitoring during hyperthermia treatments (e.g., for neck cancer);
- early-stage breast cancer detection;
- continuous monitoring of brain infarcted tissues during treatment post-stroke.
This activity involved a collaborative effort from all partners, with leadership from the universities where three prototype systems are currently under study. A comprehensive analysis of medical, electronic, and mechanical requirements was conducted, ensuring that the systems meet the specific needs of each application.
Key achievements of this milestone include:
- A state-of-the-art review of MWI technology, highlighting its benefits and challenges in medical applications.
- Detailed specifications for the three imaging systems, covering both technical and medical aspects.
- Progress in the development of physical phantoms to simulate realistic medical conditions for experimental testing.
The insights gained from this deliverable will guide the next phases of the project, including design optimization, experimental testing, and industrialization of the prototypes. These efforts reflect a strong collaboration among academic institutions, small-to-medium enterprises, and healthcare providers, aiming to transition MWI systems from experimental concepts to practical clinical tools.