Anatomically and Dielectrically Realistic 2.5D 5-Layer Reconfigurable Head Phantom for Testing Microwave Stroke Detection and Classification

This work presents the design and manufacturing of an anatomically and dielectrically realistic layered phantom of the human head that allows the insertion of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke phantom models. A 2.5D physical phantom was designed using a representative anatomical image of the human head, which was simplified into 5 different layers that mimic the scalp, skull, cerebrospinal fluid, brain, and stroke regions in terms of anatomy and dielectric properties. Apart from the brain phantom, all other layers consist of a mixture of polyurethane rubber, graphite powder, and carbon black powder. The brain phantom is in the liquid form to facilitate the insertion of different stroke models (ischemic or hemorrhagic) with different positions and shapes. Phantoms were designed with dielectric properties valid within the frequency range 0.5-3.0 GHz, which is relevant for microwave stroke detection and classification. Molds for casting individual parts of the phantom were printed in 3D. The presented phantom is suitable for the development and testing of microwave systems and algorithms used in the detection and classification of vascular events relevant to stroke diagnosis.