Abstract: A near-field antenna structure is described that is an effective delivery tool for radiofrequency (RF) and microwave power to achieve coagulative necrosis in metastatic tumors while reducing or eliminating thermal conduction along the structure. This tool is a probe small enough to be used safely virtually anywhere in the neck, chest, abdomen, and pelvis, and be guided by computerized tomography (CT) or ultrasonic imaging.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hair-shortening device. The device is based on the principle of laser-induced optical breakdown, wherein a laser pulse causes mechanical effects in tissue, which are used to cut the hair (20). The invention uses the insight that, when two or more such laser pulses are provided simultaneously, the mechanical effects can co-operate. This in turn allows cutting of the hair (20) with less total energy, down to about half the energy required for cases with pulses that are supplied sequentially. In one embodiment, the device comprises a laser source (2), a grating (6), and a beam manipulator (8), that aim a plurality of simultaneous focal spots (10) into a hair (20).

Abstract: An RF diathermy coil assembly, including a generally elastically deformable patient conforming garment and a conductive coil secured to the garment. The conductive coil having a woven wire construction such that the coil can deform as the garment elastically deforms. The RF diathermy coil assembly can be used for wound healing in conjunction with muscle stimulation.

Abstract: A method of manipulating a disc tissue of an intervertebral disc is described, the disc has a nucleus pulposus, an annulus fibrosus, and an inner wall of the annulus fibrosus. The method includes providing a catheter having a radiofrequency electrode at a distal region of the catheter and a proximal region for externally guiding the distal region of the catheter within an intervertebral disc. The method also includes positioning the electrode at the inner wall of the annulus fibrosus by applying a sufficient force to advance the catheter through the nucleus pulposus to the inner wall of the annulus fibrosus. The force is insufficient to puncture the annulus fibrosus. The method further includes delivering energy to the disc tissue using the electrode.

Abstract: Uterine fibroids and other tissue masses are treated using an electrode or other treatment element introduced into a potential or peri-capsular space surrounding the fibroid under ultrasonic imaging. A therapy is delivered into the potential space by the treatment element in order to reduce or eliminate blood supply to the fibroid or other tissue mass.

Abstract: A method and device delivers microwave power to an antenna through a coaxial cable utilizing air or other gases as its dielectric core. The cable includes supports made of low-loss materials to keep the inner conductor centered in the cable, and defining spaces therebetween for the air or gas. Channels in the supports allow the air or gas to circulate in the cable. The gas may be chilled or cooled to provide an addition level of heat dissipation. The device enables delivery of large amounts of power to tissue without undue heating of the feed cable or peripheral tissues, and without increasing the diameter of the feeding cable or antenna, keeping the antenna safe for percutaneous use.

Abstract: The apparatus and method are designed to compute the optimal spatial and temporal characteristics for combating tumor growth within a body on the basis of cytological (as provided by biopsies, etc.) and anatomical data (as provided by CT, MRI, PET, etc.), as well as the electric properties of the different elements. On the basis of this computation, the apparatus applies the fields that have maximal effect on the tumor and minimal effect on all other tissues by adjusting both the field generator output characteristics and by optimal positioning of the insulated electrodes or isolects on the patient's body.

Abstract: An improved antenna for microwave ablation uses a triaxial design which reduces reflected energy allowing higher power ablation and/or a smaller diameter feeder line to the antenna.

Abstract: A method for biological tissue ablation includes shaping a shapeable RF antenna to accommodate the contour of a body vessel adjacent a biological tissue load; generating a train of radio frequency (RF) energy pulses at an output frequency for transmission in a transmission line to the shapeable RF antenna adjacent the biological tissue load; sensing a reflected signal and a forward signal of the RF energy pulses; and adjusting output frequency of the RF energy pulses to effect a substantial match of transmission line impedance with shapeable RF antenna and biological tissue load impedance.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the treatment of chronic wounds using electromagnetic energy. The apparatus includes a generator and at least one applicator. The generator can produce electromagnetic energy and the applicator can apply the electromagnetic energy produced by the generator. A detector is disposed on the applicator that can measure the field strength of the electromagnetic energy applied.

Abstract: Methods, simulations, and apparatus are provided that may be utilized for medical treatments which are especially suitable for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of separate microwave antennas are utilized to heat prostatic tissue to promote necrosing of the prostatic tissue that relieves the pressure of the prostatic tissue against the urethra as the body reabsorbs the necrosed or dead tissue. By utilizing constructive and destructive interference of the microwave transmission, the energy can be deposited on the tissues to be necrosed while protecting other tissues such as the urethra. Saline injections to alter the conductivity of the tissues may also be used to further focus the energy deposits. A computer simulation is provided that can be used to predict the resulting temperature profile produced in the prostatic tissue.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing hyperthermia treatment for enhancing cancer therapy includes an applicator body and a plurality of antennas operatively associated with the applicator body. The applicator body has a concave profile extending from an aperture and defines an open cavity for receiving RF standing waves. The antennas are arrayed for transmitting RF standing waves at respective selected amplitudes and relative phases into the cavity and generally toward a tumor-containing tissue disposed in operative alignment with the antennas. In use, the tissue such as a breast or chest wall is immersed in the cavity or supported on a pillow mounted to the cavity. The cavity contains a fluid such as deionized water through which the RF energy is transmitted to heat the tissue. The hyperthermia treatment can be used to enhance the effects of a cancer-related therapy such as radiotherapy or chemotherapy.

Abstract: Systems for RF diathermy treatment are described. An apparatus includes an RF diathermy coil assembly, comprising: an elastically deformable garment; and a conductive coil assembly secured to the garment, including: a primary winding; and a secondary winding coupled to the primary winding, the primary winding and the secondary winding being configured to optimize an impedance match between the conductive coil and an RF power source connected to the conductive coil.

Abstract: An improved radio-frequency based catheter system and method for ablating biological tissues within the body vessel of a patient comprises a radio-frequency (“RF”) generator for selectively generating high frequency energy in a deployable catheter having a RF co-axial transmission line with a hollow lumen, a RF antenna mounted on the distal portion of the catheter, and steering control lines in the lumen of the transmission line for steering catheter while being inserted into the body vessel and for deflecting the RF antenna to accommodate the contour of the body vessel where tissue ablation is needed. The RF generator having variable output frequency is adapted to generate and communicate RF energy to the RF antenna that minimizes reflected energy from the antenna-tissue interface. In application, the RF antenna establishes line of contact with the body vessel conformable to its internal contour to prescribe the precise tissue ablation pathway despite body vessel movements.

Abstract: A device for delivering a fluid to a patient, including an exit port, a dispenser for causing fluid from a reservoir to flow to the exit port, a local processor programmed to cause a flow of fluid to the exit port based on flow instructions from a separate, remote control device, and a wireless receiver connected to the local processor for receiving the flow instructions. The device also includes a housing free of user input components for providing flow instructions to the local processor, in order to reduce the complexity and costs of the device so that the device lends itself to being disposable in nature. A system and a kit are also described that include the fluid delivery device, a separate, remote control device, and accessories for transcutaneous delivery of fluid medications. Methods of utilizing the fluid delivery device to infuse fluid medications are additionally disclosed.

Abstract: While an interferon therapy is a conventional method for treating hepatitis C, no particular option exists currently in the treatment except for this interferon therapy. An object of the present invention is to provide a novel method for treating hepatitis C. The present invention includes a method for treating hepatitis C comprising warming a liver region of a human by sandwiching an upper abdominal region of a human body between electrodes on the front and back by supplying a high-frequency electric power to these electrodes.

Abstract: A method, simulation, and apparatus are provided that are highly suitable for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). A catheter is disclosed that includes a small diameter disk loaded monopole antenna surrounded by fusion material having a high heat of fusion and a melting point preferably at or near body temperature. Microwaves from the antenna heat prostatic tissue to promote necrosing of the prostatic tissue that relieves the pressure of the prostatic tissue against the urethra as the body reabsorbs the necrosed or dead tissue. The fusion material keeps the urethra cool by means of the heat of fusion of the fusion material. This prevents damage to the urethra while the prostatic tissue is necrosed. A computer simulation is provided that can be used to predict the resulting temperature profile produced in the prostatic tissue.

Abstract: A method and system for treating skin. The method comprises deforming the skin so that a region of skin protrudes from surrounding skin, and applying radio frequency (RF) energy to the skin. The system comprises a skin deformer that deforms a region of skin so that a region of skin protrudes out from surrounding skin. The system also comprises one or more RF elemodes configured to apply RF energy to the skin. The invention may be used to treat subcutaneous adipose tissue and cartage.

Abstract: A mat for hot-heat treatment and fomentation including: a compressor installed in a main body; a cool and hot wind generator for generating a cool wind or a hot wind according to a user's selection and discharging it through a discharge outlet when the compressor is operated; a cover sheet inflated with the cool wind or the hot wind generated by the cool and hot wind generator, lower end portion thereof being sealed with the marginal portion of the main body so as not to leak the cool wind or the hot wind outwardly; and a heater embedded at the bottom of the main body and heated at a predetermined temperature. With this construction, the body of the user can be heated or sweated by the cool and hot wind generator within a limited space, so that more effective hot-heat treatment can be performed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a catheter device/method for enhancing local administration of pharmaceutical compounds. Such device/method is used for various situations which require high concentrations of drugs that are delivered locally.

Abstract: A method, simulation, and apparatus are provided that are highly suitable for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). A catheter is disclosed that includes a small diameter disk loaded monopole antenna surrounded by fusion material having a high heat of fusion and a melting point preferably at or near body temperature. Microwaves from the antenna heat prostatic tissue to promote necrosing of the prostatic tissue that relieves the pressure of the prostatic tissue against the urethra as the body reabsorbs the necrosed or dead tissue. The fusion material keeps the urethra cool by means of the heat of fusion of the fusion material. This prevents damage to the urethra while the prostatic tissue is necrosed. A computer simulation is provided that can be used to predict the resulting temperature profile produced in the prostatic tissue.

Abstract: An electrosurgery system has an electrosurgical generator operable to generate electrosurgical power at a frequency in the UHF band (typically 2.45 GHz), a feed structure, and an electrode assembly for delivering the electrosurgical power to tissue to be cut. The electrode assembly has an elongate active electrode which, at the operating frequency, is &lgr;/8 in length (&lgr; being the wavelength in air) and has an active surface area of less than 30 square millimeters. A return electrode set back proximally from the active electrode is arranged so as to be capacitively coupled to tissue adjacent the active electrode and is isolated from the feed structure in respect of unbalanced currents. Tissue cutting occurs due to thermal dissipation of UHF power in the tissue substantially without arcing, resulting from the lossy dielectric behavior of the tissue.

Abstract: A method and apparatus applies radiant energy through the skin to an underlying subcutaneous layer or deeper soft tissue layers that includes loculations of fat with fibrous septae made of collagen tissue. This creates a desired contour effect without substantially modifying melanocytes and other epithelial cells in the epidermis. A membrane conforms a contacting exterior surface of the membrane to a skin layer. One or more thermal electrodes positioned in the membrane. A focussing element focuses thermal energy to the underlying collagen tissue. The focusing element and the electrolytic solution create a reverse thermal gradient from the skin to the collagen tissue. A thermal power source is coupled to the thermal electrodes.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for the treatment of chronic wounds using pulsed electromagnetic energy provides a constant, known and replicable dosage output which remains unaffected by the capacitance of the patient's body. The apparatus is simple to operate, requiring little operator training or interaction with the apparatus. All specifications of the apparatus relating to the generation and emission of electromagnetic energy are fixed, with the specifications based on actual scientific studies of the various technical parameters involved, such as pulse width and RF dosage. The apparatus includes a pulsed electromagnetic energy generator, a power level controller and one or more thin applicators which can be flexible. The applicators are located immediately adjacent to the patient's body, without the aid of a support member or removal of any dressings or bandages.

Abstract: A given high frequency electric power introduced into a cavity resonator is resonated in the long direction of the cavity resonator on an excited mode with a constant electric field intensity along the long direction of the cavity resonator. Then, a human body is set on a table 2 in the cavity resonator so that its body axis can match the long direction of the cavity resonator. Then, the resonated high frequency electric power is applied to the human body.

Abstract: A hand held applicator for delivery of microwave energy to skin surfaces is provided that is compact, easily manipulated, precisely positionable and secure against malfunction. Microwave energy of a chosen frequency is supplied for a given duration at a predetermined energy level, via one or more waveguides having a distal end section that is dielectrically loaded and matched to skin impedance. Positioning indicia may be disposed on a single use end cap adjacent the emitter end of the applicator to permit easy visualization by the surgeon or technician. Coolant, such as a pressurized gas refrigerant, is supplied in a burst to the skin surface via an interior solenoid controlled valve. The microwave energy pulse is initiated by control circuits after the effective delivery of coolant is sensed. The initiation of the cycle can be effected by actuation of a switch, movement of the applicator against the skin, or by tracking the movement of the applicator from one position to another.

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: The present invention relates to a drug delivery device incorporating current and electromagnetic field sources to provide a controlled drug delivery system. The system can include a membrane with an RF antenna, a plurality of electrodes and contacts to provide an interface to a controller housing.

Abstract: A method, simulation, and apparatus are provided that are highly suitable for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). A catheter is disclosed that includes a small diameter disk loaded monopole antenna surrounded by fusion material having a high heat of fusion and a melting point preferably at or near body temperature. Microwaves from the antenna heat prostatic tissue to promote necrosing of the prostatic tissue that relieves the pressure of the prostatic tissue against the urethra as the body reabsorbs the necrosed or dead tissue. The fusion material keeps the urethra cool by means of the heat of fusion of the fusion material. This prevents damage to the urethra while the prostatic tissue is necrosed. A computer simulation is provided that can be used to predict the resulting temperature profile produced in the prostatic tissue.

Abstract: The ultra-wide band rf-enhanced chemotherapy for treatment of cancer and other intracellular diseases provides for increasing drug effectiveness. It also provides a means of treatment of inoperable cancers. The invention uses ultra-wide band short pulses to provide high electric field strength in diseased areas of a patient to induce electroporosis preferentially in the region to be treated by chemotherapy. The effect is to make the interiors of the cells in the affected region open to the chemotherapeutic agent. The treatment can be enhanced in its effectiveness thereby. It also enables treatment with reduced doses of the therapeutic agent and reduces side effects in other areas of the patient through the reduction of the total dosage. The invention makes specific use of the polarization of UWB fields and the very short duration of the pulsed electromagnetic fields induced into the region to be treated to minimize the absorbed rf energy associated with the treatment, making the heating of tissue negligible.

Abstract: A treatment mat includes: a mat foldable at the one side thereof and centrally provided with a longitudinal groove; a hyperthermo-therapeutical apparatus moving along a rail provided in the longitudinal groove of the mat; a mechanism for conveying the hyperthermo-therapeutical apparatus; a control panel for controlling the conveying mechanism, and a control unit for controlling the position of the hyperthermo-therapeutical apparatus.

Abstract: A diathermy apparatus has a power circuit operative at a selected, fixed frequency. An applicator head, for providing therapeutic treatment, has an irradiating portion. A transmission line connects the power circuit and applicator head, and is of a length so that, at the frequency, a selected minimum power is delivered to the applicator head when unloaded, the length further being such that a selected maximum amount of power is delivered to the applicator head when it is in a loaded position in close proximity to a patient load. The diathermy apparatus also includes a cabinet and portable base, wherein the portable base mounts the applicator head, and provides a carriage for the cabinet. The applicator head has an internal fan for cooling components of the applicator head. A display is provided for displaying the actual power consumed by the patient load. A processor independently controls the pulse modulator and power circuit in digital increments on a selected scale.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided to treat atherosclerosis wherein the artery is partially closed by dilating the artery while preserving the vital and sensitive endothelial layer thereof. Microwave energy having a frequency from 3 GHz to 300 GHz is propagated into the arterial wall to produce a desired temperature profile therein at tissue depths sufficient for thermally necrosing connective tissue and softening fatty and waxy plaque while limiting heating of surrounding tissues including the endothelial layer and/or other healthy tissue, organs, and blood. The heating period for raising the temperature a potentially desired amount about 20° C., within the atherosclerotic lesion may be less than about one second. In one embodiment of the invention, a radically beveled waveguide antenna is used to deliver microwave energy at frequencies from 25 GHz or 30 GHz to about 300 GHz and is focused towards a particular radial sector of the artery.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided to treat atherosclerosis wherein the artery is partially closed by dilating the artery while preserving the vital and sensitive endothelial layer thereof. Microwave energy having a frequency from 3 GHz to 300 GHz is propagated into the arterial wall to produce a desired temperature profile therein at tissue depths sufficient for thermally necrosing connective tissue and softening fatty and waxy plaque while limiting heating of surrounding tissues including the endothelial layer and/or other healthy tissue, organs, and blood. The heating period for raising the temperature a potentially desired amount, about 20° C. within the atherosclerotic lesion may be less than about one second. In one embodiment of the invention, a radically beveled waveguide antenna is used to deliver microwave energy at frequencies from 25 GHz or 30 GHz to about 300 GHz and is focused towards a particular radial sector of the artery.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for non-invasive removal of target tissues is disclosed. The apparatus includes a microwave applicator antenna element array for introducing a plurality of cylindrical, quasi-transverse electromagnetic surface waves adjacent the target tissue. The applicator is used for reducing fatty tissue within a subcutaneous fatty layer by taking into account the differing dielectric constants of the adjacent skin and muscle layers. A cooling bolus, made of water equivalent ceramic material, actively maintains skin surface temperature below a level at which cell damage or discomfort would occur. A control system for the applicator comprises a software driven digital computer including a program for choosing antenna array excitations. The control system further includes a phase shifting circuit including a compensating network for reducing the variation in insertion loss with phase shift.

Abstract: A non-invasive therapeutic technique for treating neuro-cerebral disorders such as multiple sclerosis that are characterized by internal lesions in brain tissue. In this technique, directed toward an external site on the body of the subject to be treated adjacent the internal lesions is a pulsatory corona discharge beam which impinges on the site and bombards the lesions with ions to alleviate the disorder. The beam is produced by an energy-generating unit in which a radio-frequency carrier is modulated by an audio frequency signal that is chopped into pulses. In the course of an operating period having a brief duration, such as one minute, the pulses have a progressively stepped up repetition rate, resulting in corresponding bursts of radio-frequency energy. The bursts of energy yielded by the unit are applied to the discharge electrode of an applicator from which the corona discharge beam is projected toward the site.

Abstract: A system and method for treating subcutaneous histological features without affecting adjacent tissues adversely employs microwave energy of selected power, frequency and duration to penetrate subcutaneous tissue and heat target areas with optimum doses to permanently affect the undesirable features. The frequency chosen preferentially interacts with the target as opposed to adjacent tissue, and the microwave energy is delivered as a short pulse causing minimal discomfort and side effects. By distributing microwave energy at the skin over an area and adjusting power and frequency, different conditions, such as hirsuitism and telangiectasia, can be effectively treated.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering energy to a biological site includes an electrode device having a plurality of electrodes, the electrode device positioned proximal the biological site. A power control system supplies power having a controllable phase angle to each of the electrodes. A backplate is also positioned proximal the biological site so that the biological site is interposed between the electrode device and the backplate. The backplate is maintained at the reference voltage level in relation to the power. The power control system controls the phase angle of the power so that the current flow between the electrodes and between the electrodes and the backplate results in the continuity and depth of lesions desired. In a preferred embodiment, the electrodes are arranged in a substantially linear array.

Abstract: A hyperthermia apparatus, suitable for transurethral application, has an energy radiating element comprising a leaky-wave antenna. The leaky wave antenna radiation pattern is characterized by a surface wave which propagates along an aperture formed by openings (small in comparison to a wavelength) in the outer conductor of a transmission line. Appropriate design of the leaky wave antenna produces a uniform, broadside pattern of temperature elevation that uniformly heats all or part of the periurethral tissues.

Abstract: A catheter system comprising a delivery catheter and an inner catheter, wherein the inner catheter is deployable and has a plurality of electrodes on the lattices of a trellis fixture. During a deployed state, the trellis fixture is fully extended to have a series of electrodes on a two-dimensional plane for mapping and/or ablation purposes.

Abstract: A non-invasive therapeutic technique for treating neuro-cerebral disorders that are characterized by internal lesions, such as multiple sclerosis. In this technique, directed toward an external site on the body of the subject to be treated adjacent the internal lesions is a pulsatory corona discharge beam which scans the site and bombards the lesions with ions for a period sufficient to alleviate the disorder. The beam is produced by an energy-generating unit in which a radio-frequency carrier is modulated by an audio frequency signal that is cyclically chopped into pulses which in the course of each cycle having a one minute duration, the pulses have a progressively stepped up repetition rate, resulting in corresponding bursts of radio-frequency energy. The bursts of energy yielded by the unit are applied to the discharge electrode of an applicator from which the corona discharge beam is projected.

Abstract: A microwave body heating system uses one or more focused beams of microwave energy. A fan beam or transversely scanned beam is directed to a narrow transverse section of a subject's body. The transversely scanned or fan beam is moved longitudinally down the body in a controlled sequential incremental manner. Scanning times, patterns and radiated power levels are controlled in experimentally predetermined or monitored formats to achieve desired levels of heating of an entire body or localized area. Microwave frequency energy is provided by one or more magnetron type devices in a variably positionable microwave power assembly which is longitudinally scanned under control of a motor device.

Abstract: A thermodynamic therapy system including a thermally activated drug delivery system which is provided within the bloodstream of a patient under therapy, and an adaptive phased array radiation transmission system operable for transmitting and focusing radiation to heat a treatment area within the patient. The drug delivery system releases a selected drug at the treatment area in response to the treatment area being heated by the focused radiation.

Abstract: A microwave antenna is insertable into a cardiovascular catheter and is formed from a coaxial cable including an inner conductor and an inner insulator with the inner insulator having a reduced diameter portion adjacent a distal end of the catheter. An antenna coil portion of the microwave antenna is disposed about the reduced diameter portion and has a first section, a second section, and a point intermediate to the first and second sections. The intermediate point is electrically connected to an outer conductor of the coaxial cable. An impedance matching means is connected to the inner conductor and to the second section of the antenna coil portion.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for non-invasive removal of target tissues is disclosed. The apparatus includes a microwave applicator antenna element array for introducing a plurality of cylindrical, quasi-transverse electromagnetic surface waves adjacent the target tissue. Through successive phase shifts, the electromagnetic surface waves are brought to converge on a focal point within the target tissue, thereby elevating the temperature of the tissue. In one application, the microwave applicator is used for reducing fatty tissue within a subcutaneous fatty layer by taking into account the differing dielectric constants of the adjacent skin and muscle layers. By launching a wave trapped between the skin layer and the muscle layers, a converging cylindrical wave is produced which includes a column of high density along a line extending from the skin-fat interface to the muscle-fat interface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus applies radiant energy through the skin to underlying collagen tissue without substantially modifying melanocytes and other epithelial cells in the epidermis. A porous membrane is adapted to receive an electrolytic solution and become inflated to substantially conform a contacting exterior surface of the membrane to a skin layer. The membrane includes a cooling lumen for receiving cooling fluid. One or more thermal electrodes is positioned in the membrane and transfers thermal energy to the electrolytic solution. The electrolytic solution and cooling fluid creates a reverse thermal gradient from the skin surface to the underlying collagen tissue. A thermal power source is coupled to the thermal electrodes, and a source of electrolytic solution is coupled to the membrane.

Abstract: An ablation catheter with an anchoring tip extension includes an elongated flexible tubular member adapted to be inserted into a vessel in the body of a patient. A transmission line is disposed within the tubular member, and a transducer is coupled to the transmission line for generating an electric field sufficiently strong to cause tissue ablation. An anchoring tip extension, which is located at the distal end of the catheter, lodges into the wall of a cardiac chamber and serves to anchor the catheter both during an ablation procedure and during the process of conforming the catheter to the wall. In one preferred embodiment, the catheter includes a shape memory wire. In another embodiment, the transmission line of the catheter is a co-axial cable, and the transducer is a helical antenna coil that is adapted to radiate electromagnetic energy in the microwave frequency range. Methods for manufacturing and using such ablation catheters are also described.

Abstract: A system for detecting an incipient tumor in living tissue such as that of a human breast in accordance with differences in relative dielectric characteristics. A generator produces a non-ionizing electromagnetic input wave of preselected frequency, usually exceeding three gigahertz, and that input wave is used to illuminate the living tissue, being effectively focused into a small, discrete volume within the tissue to develop a non-ionizing electromagnetic wave at that position. The illumination location is moved over a portion of the living tissue in a predetermined scanning pattern. Scattered signal returns collected from the living tissue are collected to develop a scattered return signal. The scattered return signal is employed to detect any anomaly, caused by differences in relative dielectric characteristics, that is indicative of the presence of a tumor in the scanned living tissue.

Abstract: Multi-phase RF ablation employing a two-dimensional or three-dimensional electrode array produces a multitude of currents paths on the surface of the ablation zone. This results in a uniform lesion with a size defined by the span of the electrode array. An orthogonal electrode catheter array suitable for cardiac ablation is used in conjunction with a two-phase RF power source to produce uniform square-shaped lesions of size 1.2 cm.sup.2. Lesions of larger size are created by successive adjacent placement of the square-shaped lesions. A temperature sensor at the electrode tip allows monitoring of ablation temperature and regulation of thereof to minimize the electrode tips from being fouled by coagulum.

Abstract: A method of selectively heating targeted cells within a specimen while avoiding heating of non-targeted cells is provided. The method comprises the steps of:(a) determining at least one combination of magnetic field strength and radio wave frequency (strength-frequency combination) at which only the targeted cells will resonate when the magnetic field and the electromagnetic radiation are applied to the specimen orthogonal to one another; and(b) applying a magnetic field and a radio frequency wave to the targeted cells, the strength of the magnetic field and the frequency of the radio wave corresponding to the strength-frequency combination to the targeted cells, in order to cause nuclear magnetic resonance in the targeted cells, thereby increasing the temperature of only the targeted cells.