ABSTRACT
Short-wave and microwave diathermy have been used to heat muscle masses to relieve stress and strain, to stimulate blood circulation, and to reduce inflammation for more than 50 y [1,2]. Although nuclear magnetic resonance imaging or MRI has been developed only during the past 20 y, it has become one of the most extensively used diagnostic radiological imaging procedures. This chapter reviews recent biomedical applications that involve electromagnetic technology. Specifically, it describes applications in neuromagnetic imaging and stimulation, physiological monitoring, elimination of hypothermia, thermal ablation therapy, and hyperthermia treatment of cancer. Some of the applications have already found their niche in clinical practice.
