Abstract: An interstitial applicator is provided in order to heat a localized region of living tissue by simultaneously enhancing energy passed at the end of a central conductor while cancelling signals traveling along the outside of the application by forming a gap in the outer conductor of a coaxial cable with the gap being located 1/4 wavelength from the end of the outer conductor. The width of the gap corresponds to 1/3 of the diameter of the coaxial cable which forms the applicator. This system provides for an enhancement of the heating at the particular area around the tip of the central conductor while at the same time forms a block to stop surface wave heat from travelling back to the skin/tissue surface.

Abstract: An automated temperature scanning system for monitoring hyperthermia treatment has a linear drive assembly operatively connected to a non-rotational extended-length screw shaft which is linearly translated by a stepper motor. A first tube having a thermometric probe concentrically positioned therein is fixedly secured to the linear drive assembly so as to be motivated thereby. A second tube is secured at one end to an interstitial catheter and is adapted to be at least partially slidably received within the first tube so that linear movement of the first tube toward the second tube slidably moves the thermometric probe within the second tube and an interstitial catheter associated therewith. A computer is electrically connected to the stepper motor to control the movement of the thermometric probe utilizing real time data generated thereby.