RF transmit power limit for the barewire loopless catheter antenna.

The safety of the barewire loopless catheter antenna in transmit mode is addressed with respect to radiofrequency (RF) heating. Analytical expressions for electric field and specific absorption rate (SAR) distributions surrounding the antenna are postulated and experimentally verified. Limiting RF transmit power to 40-70 mW time-averaged power, depending on the specific antenna design, will ensure that the current regulatory guideline of SAR of 8 W/kg in any gram of tissue is not exceeded. These limits can act as guidelines for the design of RF pulses for use with this device. Further study is required to examine the safety of the antenna in receive mode.