A coil electrode apparatus for thermal therapy

Abstract

A single-coil RF electrode, along with an associated method of operation, has been developed for use in an RF applicator, RFA apparatus or RFA system for heating tumors, including large tumors with a single heating session. The RF electrode generally has a helical geometry, although many variations exist, and is provided with an excitation current having a frequency that is sufficient for magnetic induction and coupling of various electric and magnetic fields to produce an electric field within the volume surrounded by the coil for directly applying heat to the tissue therein.

Description

technical field [0001] Various embodiments are described herein that relate to coil electrodes that may be used to heat tissue. Background technique [0002] Most cancerous tumors in humans arise in the lungs, liver, and kidneys, and most tumors are solid. Lung cancer, especially non-small cell lung cancer, is the leading cause of cancer death in North America (Jemal et al. 2005, Mcloud 2002). Liver cancer or hepatocellular carcinoma is another leading cause of cancer death affecting one million people worldwide, with a 5-year survival rate as low as 10% (Chiba et al. 2005). Additionally, renal cell carcinoma (RCC), the most common form of kidney cancer, accounts for 31,000 new cancer diagnoses in the United States each year (Moore et al. 2005). Indeed, the incidence of renal neoplasia has increased as advances in diagnostic imaging have led to an increase in the detection of small renal lesions less than 3 cm in diameter. [0003] Most lung and liver cancer patients are ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Also, when multiple applicators are used simultaneously or when the tumor is highly vascular, it can be difficult to generate the uniform treatment field area throughout the large target volume required for local tumor control

Images