Abstract: The alignment and positioning of an external device relative to an internal device is indicated on a display and/or by an acoustical signal. In the disclosed application, the external device transcutaneously transmits electromagnetic energy to an internal receiver to provide electrical power for an implanted medical device. To ensure optimal coupling between the external transmitter and the internal receiver, two permanent magnets are disposed at spaced-apart positions on the internal receiver. The magnetic field strength of the permanent magnets is sensed by a pair of correspondingly spaced-apart Hall effect sensor on the external transmitter. As the external transmitter is moved about over the internal receiver, the signals produced by the Hall effect sensors drive a display of light emitting diodes (LEDs) that indicates when the maximum magnetic field strength is achieved, i.e.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for propagating microwave energy into heart tissues to produce a desired temperature profile therein at tissue depths sufficient for thermally ablating arrhythmogenic cardiac tissue to treat ventricular tachycardia and other arrhythmias while preventing excessive heating of surrounding tissues, organs, and blood. A wide bandwidth double-disk antenna (700) is effective for this purpose over a bandwidth of about six gigahertz. A computer simulation provides initial screening capabilities for an antenna such as antenna, frequency, power level, and power application duration. The simulation also allows optimization of techniques for specific patients or conditions. In operation, microwave energy between about 1 Gigahertz and 12 Gigahertz is applied to monopole microwave radiator (600) having a surface wave limiter (606).

Abstract: A device for maintaining a passage through the prostate gland (13) after treatment of a catheter (10) inserted through the urethra into the prostate gland, the catheter (10) being provided with means (11) for heating the prostate gland. A sleeve (12) is received over the catheter (10) so as to follow the catheter (10) during insertion into a desired position within the prostate gland, and the sleeve (12) is formed to remain in the desired position when the catheter is removed from the prostate gland, thereby maintaining a passage having a predetermined lower inner diameter through the prostate gland when tissue in the prostate gland swells.

Abstract: Medical systems and instruments which utilize microwave energy to provide heat treatment and diagnostic imaging of tissue are provided. One medical instrument has a collinear array having antennas configured to transmit electromagnetic energy so that the transmitted energy, in aggregate, is directed toward a desired area of the tissue. Another microwave medical system includes a catheter having an inflatable balloon in fluid communication with an inflation source, and an antenna having a radiating element positioned within the inflatable balloon to transmit electromagnetic energy toward the desired area of tissue. Still another medical instrument includes an antenna having receiving elements for receiving electromagnetic energy radiated from an electromagnetic source, rectifying devices, each having a first end electrically connected to a corresponding one of the receiving elements; and a transmission line electrically connected to a second end of each of the rectifying devices.

Abstract: A microwave energy delivery system for microwave thermal therapy includes an antenna and a transmission line connected to the antenna. A microwave generating source includes a generator connected to the transmission line and a dual directional coupler for detecting forward power delivered to the antenna and reverse power reflected from the antenna with low uncertainty.

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 laser and/or other healthy tissue, organs, and blood. The heating period for raising the temperature a potentially desired amount, about 20.degree. 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: A catheter shaft carries a coaxial cable, the terminal end of which contains a dipole antenna with opposing first and second helical elements. The first and second helical elements originate from a common connection to an outer conductor of the coaxial cable. The first and second helical elements are formed by winding flat wire around an outer insulator of the coaxial cable near a terminal end of the coaxial cable. A variable, controllable impedance is connected between an inner conductor of the coaxial cable and a point on the second helical element where the resistive component of the antenna's impedance matches the characteristic impedance of the coaxial cable. The impedance match minimizes reflective losses of the antenna, thereby maximizing power transferred to the antenna. The antenna has an effective electrical length which is equal to one-half the wavelength of the radiation emitted, independent of the physical length of the antenna.

Abstract: A catheter which may be configured as a loop during an ablation procedure, and a method of use for such a catheter, are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for medical treatment using an ablation catheter system that includes a catheter with a transmission line disposed within a flexible tubular member and a transducer that is located at a central portion of the catheter that is proximal to a distal tip portion of the catheter involves introducing the catheter into a first vessel of the body of a patient and past the heart of the patient such that the distal tip portion of the catheter at least partially passes out of the body through a second vessel while the central portion of the catheter is positioned within a cardiac chamber.

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: An apparatus to treat a uterus includes a deployable member configured to be positioned in a uterine cavity in at least a partially deployed state to define a microwave chamber in an interior of the deployable member, and removed from the uterine cavity in a non-deployed state. The deployable member is at least partially microwave energy absorbable and formed of a fluid permeable material to house and controllably release a fluidic medium from the microwave chamber when the deployable member is positioned in the uterine cavity in the at least partially deployed state. A microwave emitter is positioned in the microwave chamber, the microwave emitter is configured to be coupled to a microwave energy source and deliver microwave energy to the fluidic medium, wherein the fluidic medium transfers thermal energy from the microwave emitter to a uterine structure.

Abstract: A probe for cardiac diagnosis and/or treatment has a catheter tube. The distal end of the catheter tube carries first and second electrode elements. The probe includes a mechanism for steering the first electrode element relative to the second electrode element so that the user can move the first electrode element into and out of contact with endocardial tissue without disturbing the contact of the second electrode element with endocardial tissue, even through the two electrode elements are carried on a common catheter tube. The distal end can carry a three dimensional structure having an open interior area. One of electrode elements can be steered through the open interior area of the structure. Electrode elements on the exterior of the structure can be used for surface mapping, while the electrode element inside the structure is steered to ablate tissue.

Abstract: A tunable microwave ablation catheter system is disclosed which matches the impedance of its power supply with the transmission line to minimize reflected power and optimize energy delivery to targeted tissues. The tuner itself may be located in the power supply, the transmission line or the antenna. Tuner mechanisms at these locations can change the antenna configuration, move material relative to the antenna or alter the waveguide. A controller monitors the catheter system operation. A method of medical treatment is disclosed where the impedances of the components of the systems are adjusted during use to compensate for impedance variations.

Abstract: A system for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia within intraprostatic tissue surrounding a urethra is disclosed. The system includes an intraurethral catheter having an intraurethral catheter shaft. An antenna is located within the catheter shaft for delivering heat to the intraprostatic tissue surrounding the urethra. Coolant fluid is circulated through a chamber located between the catheter shaft and the urethral wall.

Abstract: An intraurethral, Foley-type catheter shaft contains a microwave antenna capable of generating a cylindrically symmetrical thermal pattern, within which temperatures are capable of exceeding 45.degree. C. The antenna, which is positioned within the shaft, is surrounded by means within the shaft for absorbing thermal energy conducted by the tissue and asymmetrically absorbing electromagnetic energy emitted by the antenna--a greater amount of electromagnetic energy being absorbed on one side of the shafts. This asymmetrical absorption alters the thermal pattern generated by the microwave antenna, making it cylindrically asymmetrical, which effectively focuses microwave thermal therapy toward undesirous benign tumorous tissue growth of a prostate anterior and lateral to the urethra, and away from healthy tissue posterior to the urethra.

Abstract: An intraurethral, Foley-type catheter shaft contains a microwave antenna capable of generating a cylindrically symmetrical thermal pattern, within which temperatures are capable of exceeding 45.degree. C. The antenna, which is positioned within the shaft, is surrounded by means within the shaft for absorbing thermal energy conducted by the tissue and asymmetrically absorbing electromagnetic energy emitted by the antenna--a greater amount of electromagnetic energy being absorbed on one side of the shaft. This asymmetrical absorption alters the thermal pattern generated by the microwave antenna, making it cylindrically asymmetrical, which effectively focuses microwave thermal therapy toward undesirous benign tumorous tissue growth of a prostate anterior and lateral to the urethra, and away from healthy tissue posterior to the urethra.

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: Method and apparatus are provided for propagating microwave energy into heart tissues to produce a desired temperature profile therein at tissue depths sufficient for thermally ablating arrhythmogenic cardiac tissue to treat ventricular tachycardia and other arrhythmias while preventing excessive heating of surrounding tissues, organs, and blood. A wide bandwidth double-disk antenna (700) is effective for this purpose over a bandwidth of about six gigahertz. A computer simulation provides initial screening capabilities for an antenna such as antenna, frequency, power level, and power application duration. The simulation also allows optimization of techniques for specific patients or conditions. In operation, microwave energy between about 1 Gigahertz and 12 Gigahertz is applied to monopole microwave radiator (600) having a surface wave limiter (606).

Abstract: An apparatus and method of delivering drugs from multiple sites on a patients body is provided. A controller is used at each site, and these controllers communicate with each other to coordinate drug delivery from the multiple sites. In a preferred embodiment, the drugs are delivered using iontophoresis.

Abstract: An antenna assembly has an energy propagating region that is encapsulated in a material having a high dielectric constant for minimizing the loss of energy while having a high thermal conductivity for dissipating conductive heat patterns about the energy propagating region.

Abstract: A method of applying microwave energy to cardiac tissue uses a catheter adapted for insertion into a cardiac chamber and which includes a microwave antenna, a cooling lumen structure, and an inflatable cooling balloon. Necrosing levels of microwave energy are delivered from the microwave antenna to diseased cardiac tissue spaced from the catheter. Tissues immediately surrounding the catheter are cooled and microwave energy emitted by the antenna is selectively absorbed by the cooling lumen structure surrounding the antenna. The cooling balloon of the catheter is positioned adjacent the antenna and partially surrounds the cooling lumen structure on one side of the catheter to provide additional cooling capability and additional microwave energy absorption on the side of the catheter opposite the diseased cardiac tissue to prevent unwanted heating of blood within the cardiac chamber.

Abstract: A method for treating an individual with diseased prostatic tissue, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia, includes inserting a catheter into a urethra to position a microwave antenna located within the catheter adjacent a prostatic region of the urethra. A microwave antenna is then driven within a power range for applying microwave energy substantially continuously to prostatic tissue to heat the prostatic tissue surrounding the microwave antenna at a temperature and for a time period sufficient to cause necrosis of the prostatic tissue.

Abstract: An ablation catheter 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. A shape memory wire is positioned at a distal portion of the catheter adjacent the transducer to facilitate straightening the catheter tip after use. In one preferred embodiment, the shape memory wire may a flat wire which is formed from copper beryllium, a steel alloy, or nickel titanium. In another embodiment, the transmission line of the catheter is a coaxial cable, and the transducer is a helical antenna coil that is adapted to radiate electromagnetic energy in the microwave frequency range. In yet another embodiment, the shape memory wire is positioned within the antenna coil. Methods for manufacturing and using such ablation catheters are also described.

Abstract: A variety of improved antenna arrangements for ablation catheters and methods for constructing catheter with these antenna arrangements are described. In various apparatus aspects of the invention, the catheter includes an elongated flexible tubular member adapted to be inserted into a vessel in the body of a patient. A transmission line suitable for transmitting electromagnetic energy is received within the tubular member. An antenna is coupled to the transmission line for generating an electric field sufficiently strong to cause tissue ablation. In one embodiment, the antenna takes the form of an antenna coil that is oriented such that its longitudinal axis extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the flexible tubular member. In another embodiment, a plurality of such laterally oriented antenna coils are provided at longitudinally spaced locations relative to the catheter axis. In other embodiments, the antenna coil is spirally wound.

Abstract: An intraurethral catheter includes an microwave antenna and a cooling lumen structure substantially surrounding the antenna. A cooling balloon partially surrounds the cooling lumens on one side of the catheter adjacent the microwave antenna. The cooling balloon improves wall contact between the catheter and a wall of the urethra to improve cooling of the urethra. The cooling balloon communicates with the cooling lumen structure to permit circulation of cooling fluid through the cooling balloon.

Abstract: A variety of improved ablation catheters and methods for using such catheters are described. In one embodiment, the catheter includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced split electrode bands that are provided near the distal end of the catheter to monitor electrophysiological signals in the patient. The electrode bands each include a plurality of electrically isolated electrode segments. The number of electrode segments in each band may be widely varied, as may the number of electrode bands. In another embodiment, the catheter has a transducer that is movable longitudinally relative to the flexible tubular member. In one embodiment, the transducer is carried at the distal end of the transmission line and the transmission line is slideably received within the flexible tubular member such that the transducer can be positioned longitudinally relative to the electrode bands. In still another embodiment, the electrodes are ion implanted on the flexible tubular member.

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: An intraurethral, Foley-type catheter shaft contains a microwave antenna capable of generating a cylindrically symmetrical thermal pattern, within which temperatures are capable of exceeding 45.degree. C. The antenna, which is positioned within the shaft, is surrounded by means within the shaft for absorbing thermal energy conducted by the tissue and asymmetrically absorbing electromagnetic energy emitted by the antenna--a greater amount of electromagnetic energy being absorbed on one side of the shaft. This asymmetrical absorption alters the thermal pattern generated by the microwave antenna, making it cylindrically asymmetrical, which effectively focuses microwave thermal therapy toward undesirous benign tumorous tissue growth of a prostate anterior and lateral to the urethra, and away from healthy tissue posterior to the urethra.

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 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.

Abstract: A multiple antenna ablation apparatus includes an electromagnetic energy source, a trocar including a distal end, and a hollow lumen extending along a longitudinal axis of the trocar, and a multiple antenna ablation device with three or more antennas. The antennas are initially positioned in the trocar lumen as the trocar is introduced through tissue. At a selected tissue site the antennas are deployable from the trocar lumen in a lateral direction relative to the longitudinal axis. Each of the deployed antennas has an electromagnetic energy delivery surface of sufficient size to, (i) create a volumetric ablation between the deployed antennas, and (ii) the volumetric ablation is achieved without impeding out any of the deployed antennas when 10 to 50 watts of electromagnetic energy is delivered from the electromagnetic energy source to the multiple antenna ablation device. At least one cable couples the multiple antenna ablation device to the electromagnetic energy source.

Abstract: A coaxial cable assembly has an associated steering mechanism for maneuvering the assembly within the body.

Abstract: In a method for removing a myoma, an antenna electrode is placed into a patient so that the antenna electrode is in contact with the patient's uterus. A cutting electrode is also inserted into the patient and placed into contact with uterine tissues about a myoma. The antenna electrode and the cutting electrode are energized with radio frequency energy so that the cutting electrode cuts through the uterine tissues.

Abstract: A tunable microwave ablation catheter system is disclosed which matches the impedance of its power supply with the transmission line to minimize reflected power and optimize energy delivery to targeted tissues. The tuner itself may be located in the power supply, the transmission line or the antenna. Tuner mechanisms at these locations can change the antenna configuration, move material relative to the antenna, or alter the waveguide. A controller monitors the catheter system operation. A method of medical treatment is disclosed where the impedances of the components of the systems are adjusted during use to compensate for impedance variations.

Abstract: A helical antenna, which is matched to the desired microwave frequency of 915 MHz, comprises a helix having a linear length which is in the range of 74 to 112 mm or a non-zero integer multiple thereof, and which delivers microwave energy in an optimal heating pattern with little reflected power.

Abstract: An ablation apparatus has a multiple antenna device of adjustable length including an adjustable length primary antenna and an adjustable length secondary antenna. The primary antenna has a longitudinal axis, and the secondary antenna is deployed in a direction lateral to the longitudinal axis. The secondary antenna is constructed to be structurally less rigid than the primary antenna. The adjustable lengths of the primary and secondary antennas permits a desired geometric ablation of a selected tissue mass. An adjustable insulation sleeve is positioned on an exterior of one of the primary or secondary antennas. An energy source is connected to the multiple antenna device. A variety of energy sources can be used including RF, microwave and laser.

Abstract: A method for performing thermotherapy treatment of patient prostate tissue, comprising the steps of inserting a thermotherapy probe in a urethral passageway, the probe having a fluid volume containing portion and an energy source inserted therein for generating radiation to heat the patient prostate tissue by the tissue absorbing the radiation; generating a pressurized fluid flow in the probe within the fluid volume containing portion and cooling the energy source by enveloping at least a portion of the energy source to direct the pressurized fluid flow to come into direct contact with and circulate around and over all energy radiating portions of the energy source simultaneously with energy radiation by the energy source, thereby preventing thereby preventing thermal damage to the energy source; and providing an inflatable nondistensible structure as part of the probe inserted into the urethral passageway and inflating the nondistensible structure with the pressurized fluid flow to cool tissue contacting the

Abstract: A system for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia within intraprostatic tissue surrounding a urethra is disclosed. The system includes an intraurethral catheter having an intraurethral catheter shaft. An antenna is located within the catheter shaft for delivering heat to the intraprostatic tissue surrounding the urethra. Coolant fluid is circulated through a chamber located between the catheter shaft and the urethral wall.

Abstract: A thermatological device comprising an applicator and a main body. The applicator has a microwave-applying section, a first temperature sensor and a second temperature sensor. The main body contains a control unit. The microwave-applying section applies microwaves to an affected part, thereby treating the part. The first temperature sensor detects the temperature of the affected part being treated. The, the second temperature sensor detects a part located adjacent to the affected part. The control unit controls the microwave-applying section to render the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor equal to a preset target temperature. The control unit causes the microwave-applying section to stop or reduce the emission of microwaves when the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor reaches a preset burn temperature.

Abstract: A method for treating an individual with benign prostate hyperplasia is disclosed. The method includes inserting a catheter into a urethra so as to position an energy emitting element located within the catheter adjacent a prostatic region of the urethra. A fluid is circulated within the catheter until the fluid stabilizes at a prechilled temperature. An energy emitting element is then energized sufficient to heat prostatic tissue surrounding the energy emitting element.

Abstract: A medical catheter steering construction is described that is particularly well suited for steering ablation catheters that utilize coaxial transmission lines. An elongated coaxial transmission line is received within a lumen in the flexible tubular member. An antenna is coupled to the center conductor of the coaxial transmission line. A shield termination is secured to the shield portion of the coaxial transmission line. A steering wire that extends through the tubular member to permit a user to steer the catheter during insertion is attached to the shield termination. With this arrangement, when the catheter is inserted into the vessel of a patient, the tip of the catheter may be steered by pulling on the steering wire. In one embodiment of the invention, a distal portion of the tubular member has a stiffness that is significantly less than the stiffness of the majority of the tubular member to facilitate bending during steering. Suitable methods for making such catheters are also described.

Abstract: A system for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia within intraprostatic tissue surrounding a urethra is disclosed. The system includes an intraurethral catheter having an intraurethral catheter shaft. An antenna is located within the catheter shaft for delivering heat to the intraprostatic tissue surrounding the urethra. Coolant fluid is circulated through a chamber located between the catheter shaft and the urethral wall.

Abstract: A non-contact type of deep-diathermy apparatus comprises a microwave source (1), a microwave radiator (2), a microwave focusing device (3), a temperature-measuring device (4) and a computer based control and display device (5). An output port of the microwave radiator (2) is spaced apart from a surface of a diathermized position of a medium to be diathermized by a predetermined distance. The microwave focusing device (3) is placed in front of the output port of the radiator (2) and attached to the output port of the radiator (2) for focusing the microwave from the radiator (2) on a point within the predetermined distance. This apparatus can be used to kill cancer cells or reduce their vitality in deep parts of the medium and will not cause the surface of the medium to be burnt.

Abstract: An intraurethral, Foley-type catheter shaft contains a microwave antenna capable of generating a cylindrically symmetrical thermal pattern, within which temperatures are capable of exceeding 45.degree. C. The antenna, which is positioned within the shaft, is surrounded by means within the shaft for absorbing thermal energy conducted by the tissue and asymmetrically absorbing electromagnetic energy emitted by the antenna--a greater amount of electromagnetic energy being absorbed on one side of the shaft. This asymmetrical absorption alters the thermal pattern generated by the microwave antenna, making it cylindrically asymmetrical, which effectively focuses microwave thermal therapy toward undesirous benign tumorous tissue growth of a prostate anterior and lateral to the urethra, and away from healthy tissue posterior to the urethra.

Abstract: An RF hyperthermia applicator for inducing a temperature rise in a human female breast for treating carcinomas includes a waveguide applicator having an aperture and a phased-array of monopole electric field radiators coupled to a source of electric field energy for producing electric field radiation output from the waveguide through the aperture. Compression means is used for compressing a human breast to a predetermined thickness. The waveguide is positioned adjacent to the compression means such that the breast is positioned adjacent to the aperture and thereby receives electric field radiation from the waveguide. In another embodiment, at least two waveguide applicators are positioned on opposite sides of the compression means so that the compressed breast is positioned between the opposed apertures of the waveguides. An electric field probe is placed into a target within the breast to assist in focusing the electric field energy into the target.

Abstract: A microwave radiator formed at least partially of a radioactive substance and adapted to simultaneously deliver microwave energy and nuclear radiation to living tissue. The radiator is incorporated into an interstitial or intracavitary probe. The radiator is a helical electrical conductor, formed of a radioactive substance such as iridium.sup.192, and electrically connecting a central electrical conductor to a coaxial electrically-conducting jacket. Alternatively, a microwave antenna is formed as part of a probe with a cavity adapted to receive sources of ionizing radiation. Preferably, the cavity is part of a channel through a conduit carrying the probe, the channel being connected to a device for delivering ionizing radiation sources to the probe after positioning at the target tissue and after a heating regime. The device is able to remove the ionizing sources while leaving the microwave source in place for an additional heating regime. Other therapeutic regimes are facilitated by the combination.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining accurately, both during and after insertion, the full length position of catheters (including implanted ports), tubes and placement guidewires within biological tissue is disclosed including a transmitter/detector unit having an alternating current (AC) radio-frequency (RF) transmitter with antenna and a radio signal transmitter in the form of a continuous or segmented fine wire receiving antenna situated along the full length of the catheter, guidewire, and implanted port assemblies. The guidewire apparatus also includes a tip antenna. These antennae are connected by a removable clip to a wide-band RF detector circuit, situated within the transmitter/detector unit. The RF transmitter/detector circuit provides a voltage output that is a direct function of the relative spatial proximity of the transmitting antenna. This proximity is displayed visually to the operator using a sequential linear LED array whose sensitivity is controlled by a gain control knob.

Abstract: A urethral probe having a front part and a rear part, and a microwave antenna connected to an external device for generating microwaves. The microwave antenna has its primary active heating part arranged in the urethral probe to be directed onto the prostatic tissues located at least at the level of the bladder neck in the working position.The urethral probe constitutes an essential element of a device for the therapeutic treatment of tissues by thermotherapy, more particularly tissues of the bladder neck of the bladder of a human being.

Abstract: An RF treatment apparatus provides multi-modality treatment for tumors and other desired tissue masses, and includes an RF indifferent electrode and an RF active electrode. The RF indifferent electrode has a compacted, non-deployed state, and an expanded deployed state. In the deployed state, the RF indifferent electrode forms a helical structure with four or less coils that surround an exterior of the tumor. The indifferent electrode becomes a microwave antenna when it is coupled to a microwave source. RF ablation energy is delivered to the tumor by the RF active electrode after it has been introduced into the tumor. Both electrodes are coupled to an RF energy source. The indifferent electrode is coupled to a microwave source. Either or both of the electrodes is hollow and include fluid distribution ports for the purpose of providing a chemotherapeutic agent to the tumor site. Ablation energy is supplied to the tumor by the active electrode.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of treating primarily functional disturbances like dyskinesias, vegetative dystonies, dishormonoses, parethes and reversible organic damages of human organism, e.g., gastric or duodenal ulcer, osteochondropathies, similar osteo-articular diseases, tissue damages, including wounds made with cold or firearms, etc., by means of acting on biologically active (acupuncture) points (BAPs) with low power (nonthermal) electromagnetic radiation of extremely high (EHF) frequency. A first subset of BAPs are defined on the basis of a preliminary diagnosis of the set of biologically active points (BATs) which are potentially able to result in therapeutical effects. At least on BAP from the first subset is subjected to millimeter electromagnetic radiation with a gradual alteration of its frequency and power density (10.sup.-20 W/Hz-cm.sup.2 to 10.sup.-10 W/Hz-cm.sup.2) to provide a steady responsive reaction in the damaged areas.

Abstract: A hyperthermia treatment apparatus includes an annular radio frequency (RF) antenna array with bolus that is compatible with a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine. Antenna elements polarized parallel to the axis of the cylinder are used for forming a Specific Absorption Ratio (SAR) map as well as for directing the energy to accomplish hyperthermia. The array may be dynamically controlled to focus energy at any specified region within the cylinder. The array is positioned inside an MRI machine and is tuned to the machine's hydrogen resonant frequency. For treatment planning, the array is employed to form an SAR map via RF current density imaging. Using this map, array phase, amplitude, and temporal weighting are optimized until the SAR maxima is congruent with the treatment volume. For treatment, RF radiation is applied to the subject to induce heating of the treatment volume using these optimal array parameters. Temperature is periodically determined via noninvasive MRI methods (i.e.