The influence of antenna gain and beamwidth used in OSSEUS in the screening process for osteoporosis

• Main Authors: Bruno de Melo Pinheiro, Antônio Luiz Pereira de Siqueira Campos, Dionísio Dias Aires de Carvalho, Agnaldo Souza Cruz, Ricardo Alexsandro de Medeiros Valentim, Nicolas Vinícius Rodrigues Veras, João Paulo Queiroz dos Santos
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Nature Publishing Group 2021-09-01
• Series: Scientific Reports
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-98204-4

Abstract Applications on electromagnetic waves in the field of biotelemetry have increased in the latest years, being used to prevent, diagnose, and treatment of several diseases. In this context, biotelemetry allows minimally invasive monitoring of the physiologic, improving comfort and patient care and significantly reducing hospital costs. Aiming to assist the mineral bone density classification, through a radio frequency signal (RF), for a later diagnosis of osteoporosis, Osseus was proposed in 2018. This equipment is a combination of the application of techniques and concepts of several areas such as software, electrical, electronic, computational, and biomedical engineering, developed at a low cost, with easy access to the population, and non-invasive. However, when placed on evaluation, potential improvements were identified to increase the stability of Osseus operation. It is proposed the implementation of improvements in the antennas used by Osseus, aiming its miniaturization, improvement in the reception of the RF signal, and better stability of the equipment's operation. Then, two antennas were built, one of which was used as a project for the second, which is an array. The array showed significant improvements in the radiation parameters relevant to the application, being a candidate to replace the antennas currently in use at Osseus.