Abstract: A combination applicator is able to deliver heat and radiation, either simultaneously or sequentially, for the treatment of cancer or other disease. The combination applicator is flexible and able to conform to contoured anatomy of the patient. The combination applicator comprises a flexible, dielectric containing compartment having a tissue-engaging surface and an opposite, non-tissue-engaging surface. A heating surface comprising one or more RF or microwave antennas or ultrasound transducers is supported adjacent to the non-tissue-engaging surface. In addition, a plurality of conduits are also supported on the dielectric containing compartment, the conduits being adapted to communicate with at least one brachytherapy source. Additional conduits may be located on the tissue contacting surface of the dielectric containing compartment to accommodate moving or stationary temperature monitoring sensors.

Abstract: A flexible microwave applicator and method of use thereof. The applicator includes a flexible, dielectric-containing compartment (e.g. temperature regulated water or oil) having a variable contour, tissue-engaging surface and an opposite non-tissue-engaging surface and an antenna array adjacent to a non-tissue-engaging surface. The antenna array includes at least one flexible printed circuit board having a front metal surface, a dielectric substrate, a back metal surface, a connection structure for connecting the antenna array to at least one external microwave device, at least one dual concentric conductor aperture on the front surface, and at least one microstrip feedline in communication with the dual concentric conductor aperture and the connection structure.

Abstract: An implantable helical coil microwave antenna, particularly adapted for interstitial hyperthermia therapy of cancer, comprises a coaxial cable having a distal end of its outer conductor removed and a helical coil mounted on the exposed inner conductor insulator. A proximal end of the helical coil is separated axially from the distal end of the outer conductor and the distal end of the helical coil is connected to the inner conductor of the coaxial cable feed line. The antenna functions to confine heat to the area immediately surrounding the coil and thus induces substantially identical thermal profiles at varying antenna insertion depths in tissue when the antenna is energized with microwave energy.