Abstract: A microwave ablation assembly and method including a relatively thin, elongated probe (21) having a proximal access end (22) and an opposite distal penetration end (23) adapted to penetrate into bio-tissue (25). The probe (21) defines an insert passage (26) extending therethrough from the access end (22) to the penetration end (23) thereof. An ablation catheter includes a coaxial transmission line (28) with an antenna device (30) coupled to a distal end of the transmission line (28) for generating an electric field sufficiently strong to cause tissue ablation. The coaxial transmission line (28) includes an inner conductor (31) and an outer conductor (32) separated by a dielectric material medium (33). A proximal end of the transmission line (28) is coupled to a microwave energy source.

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: A method of electrotherapy for living matter such as humans, animals and plants is provided. The method involves providing a transmitter for generating a radiofrequency electromagnetic transmission from an antenna in the range of 10 to 50 megahertz, determining empirically the resonant frequency of said human, animal or plant to be treated and placing said human, animal or plant to be treated in the vicinity of the antenna at the resonant frequency for a sufficient period of time to provide the desired benefits.

Abstract: An ablation catheter apparatus with a monopole antenna that is arranged to provide a relatively uniform electric field and a method for using such an ablation catheter apparatus are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, an ablation catheter includes an elongated flexible tubular member that is adapted to be inserted into the body of a patient, and a transmission line that is disposed within the tubular member. The transmission line has a distal end and a proximal end which is arranged to be connected to an electromagnetic energy source. The catheter also includes a monopole antenna with tip section and a body section that includes a distal end and a proximal end. The tip section and the body section are arranged to produce a relatively uniform electric field around the monopole antenna which is sufficiently strong to cause tissue ablation. The proximal end of the body section of the monopole antenna is arranged to be electrically coupled to the transmission line.

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: A monopole phased array thermotherapy applicator radiating radiofrequency energy for inducing a temperature rise in a target within a body includes a plurality of monopole elements each for transmitting electric-field radiation; a metallic waveguide with an RF reflecting ground plane surface with a plurality of circular holes for mounting the monopole elements where the metallic waveguide forms an aperture for receiving a body to be treated; a waveform generator providing a source of electric field coupled to each monopole radiating element through a respective phase and power weighting network; at least one electric field probe positioned on a skin surface of the body for detecting electric field radiation from the plurality of monopole elements; and a controller circuit coupled to the electric field probe received feedback signals to adjust the phase and power delivered to the plurality of monopole elements so that one or more adaptive nulls are formed on the surface of the body and a focus is formed at the

Abstract: A medical instrument is disclosed. The medical instrument includes a pair of spaced apart and electrically isolated elongated wire electrodes positioned adjacent one another on a working member. The wire electrodes are arranged for sensing electrical activity of biological tissues inside the body of the patient. The medical instrument also includes a pair of electrically isolated electrode wires that extend through the working member. Each of the electrode wires are electrically coupled to an associated wire electrode.

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 catheter-based microwave antenna cardiac ablation applicator has been developed which unlike previously-developed ablation catheters, forms a wide aperture that produces a large heating pattern. The antenna comprises a spiral antenna connected to the center conductor of a coaxial line, and which is insulated from blood and tissue by a non-conductive fluid filled balloon. The antenna can be furled inside a catheter for transluminal guiding. Once in place at the cardiac target, the balloon is inflated, and the coiled spiral antenna is ejected into the inflated balloon. The wide aperture antenna generates a ring-shaped power pattern. The heat generated from this deposited power is conducted through a volume larger than the spiral diameter, ablating diseased tissue. The resultant lesion profile is both wider and deeper than that of either conventionally-used RF catheter-based ablation electrodes, or that of other microwave applicators, and provides greater heating accuracy and controllability.

Abstract: A medical instrument is disclosed. The medical instrument includes a pair of spaced apart and electrically isolated elongated wire electrodes positioned adjacent one another on a working member. The wire electrodes are arranged for sensing electrical activity of biological tissues inside the body of the patient. The medical instrument also includes a pair of electrically isolated electrode wires that extend through the working member. Each of the electrode wires are electrically coupled to an associated wire electrode.

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 microwave applicator for applying electromagnetic radiation at microwave frequency includes a coaxial input for a microwave signal input and a waveguide for receiving and propagating the microwave signal input. Dielectric material is positioned within the waveguide and extends beyond the waveguide to form an antenna for radiating microwave energy. The coaxial input has direct in-line transition to the dielectric-filled waveguide. Preferably, this direct in-line transition is achieved by the central conductor of the coaxial input extending axially centrally into the waveguide so as to excite microwaves in the waveguide. A lateral conductor extends radially from the central conductor to assist the launch of the microwaves into the waveguide. Preferably, the applicator includes a temperature sensor which is directly connected to the coaxial input.

Abstract: A RF catheter system includes a catheter with a proximal portion, a distal portion having a distal end and a lumen extending from the proximal portion to the distal portion. Inner and outer coaxially aligned conductors extend within the catheter and are coaxial with the lumen. A deflectable catheter guide is disposed within the catheter lumen and extends proximally within the catheter lumen and terminates distally of the distal end of the catheter to define a biological ablation pathway. A radio-frequency antenna is disposed at the distal portion of the catheter and is in electrical communication with the inner and outer coaxially aligned conductors. The radio-frequency antenna is adaptable to receive and transmit radio-frequency energy for ablating biological tissue along the ablation pathway.

Abstract: A device and method are provided for sealing a puncture in a body vessel. The device has an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end sized to be positioned within a lumen of the body vessel; at least one closure composition precursor lumen within the elongated body having a entrance port adjacent the proximal end of the elongated body through which one or more fluent closure composition precursors can be delivered into the closure composition precursor lumen and an exit port adjacent the distal end of the elongated body through which the one or more fluent closure composition precursors can be delivered outside the vessel adjacent the vessel puncture; and a microwave antenna for delivering microwave energy adjacent the distal end of the elongated body to the fluent closure compound precursor. The microwave antenna according to this embodiment is preferably incorporated onto the elongated body adjacent the body distal end.

Abstract: A microwave ablation assembly and method including a relatively thin, elongated probe (21) having a proximal access end (22) and an opposite distal penetration end (23) adapted to penetrate into bio-tissue (25). The probe (21) defines an insert passage (26) extending therethrough from the access end (22) to the penetration end (23) thereof. An ablation catheter includes a coaxial transmission line (28) with an antenna device (30) coupled to a distal end of the transmission line (28) for generating an electric field sufficiently strong to cause tissue ablation. The coaxial transmission line (28) includes an inner conductor (31) and an outer conductor (32) separated by a dielectric material medium (33). A proximal end of the transmission line (28) is coupled to a microwave energy source.

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: 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 treating cancer and other illnesses in humans and animals are described. The treatment involves the low-power, pulsed application of radio frequency tuned with precision of at least one half part per million. Alternative embodiments are described for apparatus that generates the required RF signals and applies such signals therapeutically. Laboratory data is reported, showing the successful use of the disclosed apparatus and methods to suppress and eliminate cancerous tumors in mice.

Abstract: An active RF or microwave bandage, that incorporates any of various disclosed configurations of pliable planar microstrip or slotline antenna structures, is conformable to a selected area of the skin of a patient for use in therapeutically treating soft tissue of the patient underlying the selected area with pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) energy of a given frequency radiated from the planar antenna structure. The PEMF energy is supplied to the planar antenna structure by means including a PEMF generator (which generator may be a miniaturized portable generator employing a battery power supply that permits the patient being treated to be ambulatory).

Abstract: A directional ablation instrument for ablation of a targeted tissue. The instrument includes a transmission line having a proximal portion suitable for connection to an electromagnetic energy source, and an elongated antenna device having a longitudinal axis and an end coupled to the transmission line. The antenna is adapted to generate an electric field sufficiently strong to cause tissue ablation of the targeted tissue. An elongated support assembly includes a central axis, and a ablation surface extending longitudinally along an exterior surface portion of the support assembly. The support assembly is configured to receive the antenna device in the ablation surface such that the longitudinal axis of the antenna device is offset from the support assembly central axis. Further, the antenna device is oriented toward the surface portion for positioning of the antenna device substantially adjacent to or in contact with the targeted tissue during operable use.

Abstract: A system for controlled and automated delivery of pharmacological agents from an implantable endovascular medical device, for example to deliver an antiretroviral regimen to an HIV-infected pregnant mother to prevent transmission of the virus to the child in utero. A first component of the system is an implantable member dimensioned for insertion into a patient's vasculature, either natural or synthetic that delivers energy across a therapeutic interface between the member and body media, such as blood flow and the wall of the vasculature. The implanted member carries a helical coil in its wall that is responsive to selected electromagnetic energy radiation. A second component of the system is a portable transmitter system located at the exterior of the patient's body to transmit electromagnetic energy signals to the implanted member which is received by the helical coil.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for diagnosing, treating, monitoring and modifying the treatment of cancer and other illnesses in humans and animals is described. A radioscope is used to test a biological sample from a subject, and the results of that test are compared to a tabulation of prior test results in order to diagnose the illness of the subject. The illness is then treated using a therapeutic apparatus involving the low-power, pulsed application of radio frequency tuned with precision of at least one half part per million. A radioscope is then used to monitor the results of the treatment, and the results of the later tests are again compared to a tabulation of prior test results in order to adjust the treatment if necessary.

Abstract: A dual mode transurethral warming apparatus particularly adapted to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia includes a urethral catheter dimensioned for insertia through the urethra. The catheter includes an elongated flexible tube having a plurality of longitudinal lumens extending between the ends of the tube. A coaxial cable extends along one of the lumens to an antenna in the form of a multi-turn helical winding wound around the outside of the tube. A first connector connects one of the cable conductors to one end of the winding and a second connector connects the other cable conductor to the other end of the winding so that the antenna formed by the winding is larger in diameter than the cable, and all of the lumens are located within the winding. The cable is connected to a control and display unit which includes a transmitter which provides electromagnetic energy via the cable to the antenna so that the antenna generates an electromagnetic field sufficient to treat tissue adjacent the antenna.

Abstract: A directional ablation instrument for ablation of a targeted tissue. The instrument includes a transmission line having a proximal portion suitable for connection to an electromagnetic energy source, and an elongated antenna device having a longitudinal axis and an end coupled to the transmission line. The antenna is adapted to generate an electric field sufficiently strong to cause tissue ablation of the targeted tissue. An elongated support assembly includes a central axis, and a ablation surface extending longitudinally along an exterior surface portion of the support assembly. The support assembly is configured to receive the antenna device in the ablation surface such that the longitudinal axis of the antenna device is off-set from the support assembly central axis. Further, the antenna device is oriented toward the surface portion for positioning of the antenna device substantially adjacent to or in contact with the targeted tissue during operable use.

Abstract: A securing apparatus for selectively securing an ablating element of an ablation instrument proximate to a targeted region of a biological tissue. The securing apparatus includes a support base affixed to the ablation instrument relative the ablating element, and having a support face adapted to seat against the biological tissue proximate to the ablation element. The support base further defines a passage having one end communicably coupled to a vacuum source and an opposite end terminating at an orifice at the support face. The support face together with the biological tissue forms a hermetic seal thereagainst during operation of the vacuum source to secure the ablation instrument thereagainst. Essentially, the hermetic seal and the vacuum source cooperate to form a vacuum force sufficient to retain the ablation device against the biological tissue.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for heat treatment of prostatic tissue. The device comprises a treatment catheter with an expandable fluid reservoir and first heating means which is arranged within the treatment catheter and emits electromagnetic radiation for heating of the surrounding prostatic tissue. A second heating means is provided in thermal contact with the liquid in the fluid reservoir for heating of the liquid in the fluid reservoir as well as the tissue located in the immediate surrounding of the reservoir.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating a body of water with a floating platform, a device for generating millimeter wave electromagnetic radiation connected to the floating platform, a transmitting antenna located below the floating platform, a receiving antenna located above the floating platform, a waveguide for conveying the millimeter wave electromagnetic energy to the transmitting antenna, and a power supply.

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: The present invention provides a method of treating a prostate in a patient in need thereof and a heating catheter, or an electromagnetic radiation applicator, system suitable for effecting the present inventive method. The present inventive method provides for substantial unexpected improvement in patient outcome by providing, inter alia, a preferred therapeutic temperature for thermotherapy of the prostate and a method of decreasing a patient's intolerance due to pain. The present inventive system provides for, inter alia, automatic implementation of the present inventive method.

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: A microwave ablation assembly and method including a relatively thin, elongated probe (21) having a proximal access end (22) and an opposite distal penetration end (23) adapted to penetrate into bio-tissue (25). The probe (21) defines an insert passage (26) extending therethrough from the access end (22) to the penetration end (23) thereof. An ablation catheter includes a coaxial transmission line (28) with an antenna device (30) coupled to a distal end of the transmission line (28) for generating an electric field sufficiently strong to cause tissue ablation. The coaxial transmission line (28) includes an inner conductor (31) and an outer conductor (32) separated by a dielectric material medium (33). A proximal end of the transmission line (28) is coupled to a microwave energy source.

Abstract: A directional reflective shield assembly (25) is provided for a microwave ablation instrument (20) having an antenna (23) coupled to a transmission line (21). The antenna (23) is formed to generate an electric field sufficiently strong to cause tissue ablation. The shield assembly (25) includes a cradle device (26) disposed about the antenna (23) in a manner substantially shielding a surrounding area of the antenna (23) from the electric field radially generated therefrom. The cradle device (26) further provides a window portion (27) communicating with the antenna (23) which is strategically located relative the antenna to direct a majority of the field generally in a predetermined direction.

Abstract: A microwave ablation instrument including a transmission line having a first conductor and a second conductor suitable for the transmission of microwave energy. A horn antenna device is mounted to the end of the transmission line, and include an outer conductor and an inner conductor. The outer conductor of the horn antenna is electrically coupled to the second conductor of the transmission line, and includes a peripherally extending interior wall flaring outwardly to define a recess therein. The inner conductor of the horn antenna is electrically coupled to the first conductor of the transmission line and terminates in the outer conductor recess. The inner conductor and the outer conductor cooperate to emit an electromagnetic field sufficiently strong to cause tissue ablation in a direction generally away from the flared interior wall of the outer conductor.

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: Microwave heating apparatus for heating fluid or tissue includes an elongated catheter for placement adjacent to high/dielectric high loss organic fluid or tissue in a patient. The catheter has a distal end and a proximal end and includes an antenna adjacent to the distal end and a cable having one end connected to the antenna and a second end. A transmitter provides a transmitter signal capable of heating the fluid or tissue and a first receiver receives a first signal indicative of thermal radiation from a first depth in the fluid or tissue, producing a first output signal in response thereto. There is also a second receiver for receiving a second signal indicative of thermal radiation from a second depth in the fluid or tissue, producing a second output signal in and response thereto. The apparatus also includes active and passive diplexers connected in series between the transmitter and the second end of the cable.

Abstract: An ablation catheter apparatus with a monopole antenna that is arranged to provide a relatively uniform electric field and a method for using such an ablation catheter apparatus are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, an ablation catheter includes an elongated flexible tubular member that is adapted to be inserted into the body of a patient, and a transmission line that is disposed within the tubular member. The transmission line has a distal end and a proximal end which is arranged to be connected to an electromagnetic energy source. The catheter also includes a monopole antenna with tip section and a body section that includes a distal end and a proximal end. The tip section and the body section are arranged to produce a relatively uniform electric field around the monopole antenna which is sufficiently strong to cause tissue ablation. The proximal end of the body section of the monopole antenna is arranged to be electrically coupled to the transmission line.

Abstract: A directional reflective shield assembly (25) is provided for a microwave ablation instrument (20) having an antenna (23) coupled to a transmission line (21). The antenna (23) is formed to generate an electric field sufficiently strong to cause tissue ablation. The shield assembly (25) includes a cradle device (26) disposed about the antenna (23) in a manner substantially shielding a surrounding area of the antenna (23) from the electric field radially generated therefrom. The cradle device (26) further provides a window portion (27) communicating with the antenna (23) which is strategically located relative the antenna to direct a majority of the field generally in a predetermined direction.

Abstract: A medical treatment system includes an antenna for radiating energy from a source of electromagnetic energy and including a first radiating element and a second radiating element having a conductor helically wound and coaxially positioned around the first radiating element to receive energy radiated by the first radiating element. The first and second radiating elements are positioned substantially along a longitudinal axis of the antenna with the first radiating element having a proximal end coupled to the source of electromagnetic energy. With this arrangement, energy from the electromagnetic source is efficiently conveyed from the first radiating element and then resonates the coaxially positioned and helically wound second radiating element.

Abstract: The catheter constitutes a single integrated structural unit comprising a first tubular balloon-supporting structure having a given outer diameter and a second structure inserted therein comprising an antenna and a coaxial cable for energizing the antenna. This permits both the antenna and the longitudinal cable to be wider, without any increase in the given outer diameter, than would be the case if the catheter were a prior-art non-integrated structure in which the tubular first structure and the second structure are separate detached units and, therefore, require clearance therebetween to permit insertion. In both basic and preferred embodiments, the single integrated structural is achieved by an electrically conductive shield attached by spacers to an outer conductor of the coaxial cable. In the basic embodiment, the shield is spaced from both the outer cable conductor and first structure to form inner and outer channels for exiting and entering the circulating balloon-inflating liquid.

Abstract: A generator of a complex energy wave, having audio, radio and light components, including an audio frequency oscillator, a radio frequency transmitter, a radio frequency amplifier, an antenna tuner, an antenna, tuned coaxial cables and an optional reverberation unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing restenosis of a stenotic region of a blood vessel after performing a dilatation angioplasty treatment is disclosed. The method includes radiating microwave energy from a microwave antenna to kill a medial tissue layer of the blood vessel in the stenotic region. The radiation is applied during or after inflation of dilatation balloon to permanently dilate the stenotic region. When radiation is applied during dilatation of the stenotic region, the dilatation balloon forms a seal against the inner wall surface of the blood vessel to exclude blood in the vessel from contacting the stenotic region. The method preferably further includes cooling the blood circulating in the blood vessel about a shaft of the catheter with cooling fluid circulating within cooling lumens of the catheter and cooling an inner wall surface of the blood vessel in the stenotic region during the application of radiation to the medial cell layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating a prostate in a patient in need thereof and a heating catheter, or an electromagnetic radiation applicator, system suitable for effecting the present inventive method. The present inventive method provides for substantial unexpected improvement in patient outcome by providing, inter alia, a preferred therapeutic temperature for thermotherapy of the prostate and a method of decreasing a patient's intolerance due to pain. The present inventive system provides for, inter alia, automatic implementation of the present inventive method.

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: Verification apparatus (32), for verifying the location of an object (22) in a patient's body (20), the apparatus having learn and test modes and including a receiver (76), which receives signals from the object responsive to the location thereof. A parameter vector is derived from the signals. A memory (58) records a learn value of the parameter vector in the learn mode. A processor (54) receives a test value of the parameter vector in the test mode, and determines whether the test value is within a predetermined range of the learn values so as to verify the location of the object (22).

Abstract: An improved radio-frequency catheter system for ablating biological tissues of a body vessel in a patient including a catheter, a deployable antenna guide disposed at the distal portion of the catheter and a radio-frequency (“RF”) antenna mounted on the antenna guide. The RF antenna includes a helical coil which defines an axial passageway to accommodate the antenna guide, and is adapted to receive and transmit RF energy for tissue ablation. Upon deployment, the antenna guide acquires a loop configuration which establishes line contact with the body vessel conformable to its internal contour to prescribe the precise and affixed tissue ablation pathway despite body vessel movements. The RF antenna is carried by the antenna guide to be deployed along the established tissue ablation pathway. Alignment of the loop with the desired tissue ablation pathway is facilitated with the use of radio-opaque markers and intracardiac electrodes mounted along the antenna guide.

Abstract: A method and system to provide for the controlled heating of the preoptic anterior hypothalamus (POAH) for patients receiving such treatment. The system employs a catheter device which may be positioned proximate to the POAH and which emits radiant energy. The radiant energy provides for the heating of the POAH and a cooling apparatus may further be provide for cooling bodily tissues near the POAH which are heated. Feedback sensors may be positioned at various locations on the patient in order to determine an optimal position for the catheter device and to monitor the core body temperature. A control apparatus included with the system controls the amount of heating the POAH receives based on the feedback signals received from the sensors.

Abstract: Medical systems and instruments which utilize microwave energy to provide heat treatment and diagnostic imaging of tissue are provided. One medical treatment system for treating tissue includes an antenna having a radiating element configured to transmit electromagnetic energy toward a desired area of the tissue and having an interior volume for receiving a heat exchange fluid, thereby changing the temperature proximal to the desired area of the tissue.

Abstract: The invention features a method for selectively ablating tumor-forming, glandular tissue in a breast by exposing the breast to microwave radiation that ablates glandular tissue while avoiding damage to the fatty tissues of the breast.

Abstract: A system for treatment of a target volume of cancerous tissue comprises a probe carrying a microwave antenna positioned in a body cavity proximate the target volume. At least one energy-emitting element is placed in the target volume. The microwave antenna is energized so that energy emitted from the antenna and the energy-emitting element necroses cancerous tissue in the target volume.

Abstract: A method of providing thermal therapy to prostate tissue of a patient. The method includes: inserting a mechanical separator or infusing a fluid to separate human tissue to be treated from nontarget tissue, thereby providing thermal insulation and other beneficial effects, and applying the thermal therapy to the target tissue.