Therapeutic instrument

Abstract

To selectively heat an affected part of a patient.SOLUTION: A therapeutic instrument includes an electromagnetic field generation unit that generates an electromagnetic field, and a transmission line that electrically connects the electromagnetic field generation unit and a high-frequency power supply that generates a high-frequency voltage to be applied to the electromagnetic field generation unit. The electromagnetic field generation unit includes a first electrode and a second electrode electrically connected to the high-frequency power supply through the transmission line, and a first coil for electrically connecting the first electrode and the transmission line. The first coil is electrically connected between the first electrode and the transmission line. One of the first electrode and the second electrode is disposed so as to surround the other electrode in a plane view.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to therapeutic devices. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for treating an affected area of ​​a patient by irradiating the affected area with microwaves to heat the affected area. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-45169 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] There is a demand for a technology that can selectively heat an affected area in order to more reliably treat the affected area while minimizing the effects on other body parts of the patient. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a treatment device. The treatment device includes an electromagnetic field generating unit that generates an electromagnetic field, and a transmission line that electrically connects the electromagnetic field generating unit to a high-frequency power supply that generates a high-frequency voltage to be applied to the electromagnetic field generating unit. The electromagnetic field generating unit has a first electrode and a second electrode electrically connected to the high-frequency power supply via the transmission line, and a first coil electrically connecting the first electrode to the transmission line. The first coil is electrically connected between the first electrode and the transmission line, and one of the first electrode and the second electrode is arranged to surround the other electrode in a plan view.

[0006] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a treatment device comprising: an electromagnetic field generating unit that generates an electromagnetic field; and a transmission line that electrically connects the electromagnetic field generating unit to a high-frequency power supply that generates a high-frequency voltage to be applied to the electromagnetic field generating unit. The electromagnetic field generating unit has a first electrode and a second electrode electrically connected to the high-frequency power supply via the transmission line, and a coil electrically connecting the first electrode to the transmission line. The shortest distance between the first electrode and the second electrode is equal to or less than one-tenth of the wavelength of the output electromagnetic field, and the first coil is electrically connected between the first electrode and the transmission line. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a treatment device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of how the treatment device according to the first embodiment is used. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a first electrode and a second electrode. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a circuit formed by an electromagnetic field generating unit and an affected area. [Figure 5] 5 is a schematic graph showing the relationship between the circumference and the heating efficiency. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of an electromagnetic field generating unit in a second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a first electrode and a second electrode in a second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a first explanatory diagram of the first simulation. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a second explanatory diagram of the first simulation. [Figure 10] FIG. 3 is a third explanatory diagram of the first simulation. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a fourth explanatory diagram of the first simulation. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a treatment device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a control unit in a fourth embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating the circuitry of a treatment device according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a control unit in a fifth embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of an electromagnetic field generating section in a sixth embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 11 is a first explanatory diagram of the second simulation. [Figure 18] FIG. 2 is a second explanatory diagram of the second simulation. [Figure 19] FIG. 3 is a third explanatory diagram of the second simulation. [Figure 20] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of an electromagnetic field generating section in a seventh embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a first electrode and a second electrode in the eighth embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the results of a third simulation. [Figure 23] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a first electrode in the ninth embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the results of a fourth simulation. [Figure 25] FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a first electrode in a tenth embodiment. [Figure 26] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the results of the fifth simulation. [Figure 27] FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a first electrode in the eleventh embodiment. [Figure 28] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the results of a sixth simulation. [Figure 29] FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a first electrode in the twelfth embodiment. [Figure 30] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the results of the seventh simulation. [Figure 31] FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a first electrode in the thirteenth embodiment. [Figure 32] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the results of the eighth simulation. [Figure 33] FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a first electrode in the fourteenth embodiment. [Figure 34] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the results of the ninth simulation. [Figure 35] FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a first electrode in the fifteenth embodiment. [Figure 36] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the results of the tenth simulation. [Figure 37] FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a first electrode in the sixteenth embodiment. [Figure 38] FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing the results of the eleventh simulation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] A. First embodiment: FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a treatment device 100 in a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of how the treatment device 100 is used. As shown in FIG. 2, the treatment device 100 is used to treat an affected area AP of a patient PT. Specifically, the treatment device 100 generates an electromagnetic field from an electromagnetic field generating unit 50 (described later) and irradiates the affected area AP with the electromagnetic field to heat the affected area AP, thereby treating the affected area AP. The affected area AP is a part of the body of the patient PT where a tumor such as cancer has developed. In this embodiment, the affected area AP is a cancer developed in the wall WL of the esophagus EP.

[0009] As shown in Fig. 2, in this embodiment, the tubular portion 101 of the treatment device 100, which includes the electromagnetic field generating unit 50, is configured to be insertable into at least one of the body and digestive tract of the patient PT. The tubular portion 101 has a front end and a rear end, and is inserted into at least one of the body and digestive tract of the patient PT from the front end side of the tubular portion 101. In Fig. 2, the tubular portion 101 is inserted into the esophagus EP of the patient PT via the oral cavity MT of the patient PT. Note that the tubular portion 101 may also be inserted into the digestive tract of the patient PT via the anus of the patient PT, for example.

[0010] 1 and 2, the treatment device 100 includes an electromagnetic field generating unit 50 and a transmission line 130. Furthermore, the treatment device 100 in this embodiment includes a tubular portion 101, an illumination unit 155, a voltage generating unit 110, an endoscope 150, a display device 160, and a control unit 200.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1 , the control unit 200 is configured by a computer including a processor 201, a storage device 202, an input / output interface 203, and an internal bus 204. The storage device 202 includes RAM and ROM. The processor 201, the storage device 202, and the input / output interface 203 are connected via the internal bus 204 to enable bidirectional communication. The input / output interface 203 is connected to the voltage generating unit 110, the endoscope 150, and the display device 160 via wired or wireless communication. The processor 201 executes a computer program PG pre-stored in the storage device 202 to realize various functions, such as a function to control the voltage generating unit 110, a function to control the endoscope 150, and a function to control the display device 160.

[0012] The electromagnetic field generating unit 50 generates an electromagnetic field. The electromagnetic field generating unit 50 includes a first electrode 51, a first coil 60, and a second electrode 70. The first coil 60 is also simply referred to as a coil. Details of each part of the electromagnetic field generating unit 50 will be described later.

[0013] The voltage generating unit 110 generates a high-frequency voltage to be applied to the electromagnetic field generating unit 50. The voltage generating unit 110 is electrically connected to the electromagnetic field generating unit 50 via a transmission line 130. More specifically, the voltage generating unit 110 is electrically connected to the first electrode 51 and the second electrode 70 via the transmission line 130. The voltage generating unit 110 applies a high-frequency voltage at a predetermined drive frequency f0 to the electromagnetic field generating unit 50 via the transmission line 130. By applying the high-frequency voltage to the electromagnetic field generating unit 50 in this manner, an electromagnetic field having a frequency f0 and a wavelength λ corresponding to the drive frequency f0 is generated from the first electrode 51 and the second electrode 70 of the electromagnetic field generating unit 50, as described below. In this disclosure, "high frequency" refers to a frequency of 1 MHz or higher. More specifically, in this embodiment, 2.45 GHz, which is one of the Industrial Scientific and Medical (ISM) bands, is used as the drive frequency f0. Since the dielectric loss tangent of water is maximum around 20 GHz, for example, by applying a high frequency voltage of 2.45 GHz or 5.8 GHz in the ISM band to the electromagnetic field generating unit 50, the affected area AP can be heated more efficiently.

[0014] In this embodiment, the voltage generating unit 110 is configured as a high-frequency power supply including a high-frequency voltage generating circuit that generates a high-frequency voltage, and includes a crystal oscillator, a PLL (Phase Locked Loop) circuit, and a power amplifier, all of which are not shown. In other embodiments, the voltage generating unit 110 may be configured as an inverter including a switching circuit having a switching element such as a transistor.

[0015] When a high-frequency voltage is applied, one of the potentials applied to the first electrode 51 and the second electrode 70 may be a reference potential. The reference potential is a constant potential that serves as a reference for the high-frequency voltage, such as ground potential. The reference potential is a constant potential that serves as a reference for the high-frequency voltage, such as ground potential. In this case, the high-frequency voltage is applied to the other of the first electrode 51 and the second electrode 70. In the present disclosure, the electrode to which the reference potential is applied is also referred to as a "reference potential electrode." In the present disclosure, the electrode to which the high-frequency voltage is applied is also referred to as a "high-frequency electrode." In the present embodiment, the first electrode 51 is the high-frequency electrode, and the second electrode 70 is the reference potential electrode.

[0016] The transmission line 130 electrically connects the electromagnetic field generating unit 50 and the high-frequency power supply. As described above, in this embodiment, the transmission line 130 electrically connects the first electrode 51 and the second electrode 70 to the voltage generating unit 110. Specifically, the transmission line 130 is configured by a coaxial cable and has an inner conductor 131 and an outer conductor 132. In this embodiment, the inner conductor 131 electrically connects the first electrode 51 to the voltage generating unit 110, and the outer conductor 132 electrically connects the second electrode 70 to the voltage generating unit 110.

[0017] The tubular portion 101 has a tubular shape as a whole. In the present disclosure, "tubular" includes a hollow tubular shape and a solid tubular shape. The tubular portion 101 has a first tubular portion 102 and a second tubular portion 107. The first tubular portion 102 is disposed near the tip of the tubular portion 101. In this embodiment, the first tubular portion 102 is made of a conductor such as a metal, alloy, or conductive oxide. Furthermore, the first tubular portion 102 is made of a hollow cylindrical tube. As will be described later, the tubular portion 101 in this embodiment constitutes at least a part of the electromagnetic field generating unit 50.

[0018] An opening 72 is provided in the side wall 103 of the first tubular portion 102, penetrating the side wall 103 in the radial direction of the first tubular portion 102. The side wall 103 is a wall portion that forms the side surface of the cylinder of the first tubular portion 102. In this embodiment, the opening 72 has an oval opening shape.

[0019] In this embodiment, the first tubular portion 102 has a first cover portion 104 and a second cover portion 105. The first cover portion 104 and the second cover portion 105 are disk-shaped. The first cover portion 104 is disposed on the tip side of the first tubular portion 102 so as to close the opening on the tip side of the first tubular portion 102. The second cover portion 105 is disposed on the rear end side of the first tubular portion 102 so as to close the opening on the rear end side of the first tubular portion 102.

[0020] The second tubular portion 107 is disposed on the rear end side of the first tubular portion 102. The second tubular portion 107 is made of a flexible, transparent tube.

[0021] The illumination unit 155 is configured to be able to emit visible light. The illumination unit 155 is configured by, for example, a lamp. The illumination unit 155 is used to illuminate the affected area AP and its vicinity. In this embodiment, the illumination unit 155 is arranged adjacent to the first tubular portion 102 in the first direction D1. The first direction D1 is the axial direction of the first tubular portion 102 and includes both one direction along the same axis and the opposite direction. In this embodiment, the positive direction of the first direction D1 is the direction from the rear end side toward the tip side of the first tubular portion 102. In other words, the positive direction of the first direction D1 corresponds to the insertion direction of the first tubular portion 102. More specifically, the illumination unit 155 is arranged on the tip side of the first tubular portion 102. Furthermore, the illumination unit 155 constitutes the tip portion of the tubular portion 101.

[0022] The endoscope 150 is used to capture images of the affected area AP and its vicinity. In this embodiment, the endoscope 150 has an imaging unit 151 and a wiring unit 152. The imaging unit 151 is configured by a camera. The wiring unit 152 is configured by, for example, a flexible wiring member. The wiring unit 152 electrically connects the imaging unit 151 to other devices such as the display device 160 and the control unit 200. An image captured by the imaging unit 151 can be displayed on the display device 160. At least a portion of the wiring unit 152 and the imaging unit 151 are disposed inside the transparent second tubular portion 107. In this embodiment, the imaging unit 151 is disposed inside the second tubular portion 107, on the rear end side of the first tubular portion 102. With this configuration, in this embodiment, the user can use the endoscope 150 to capture an image of the affected area AP illuminated by the illumination unit 155, and can treat the affected area AP using the electromagnetic field generating unit 50 while visually checking in real time the image of the affected area AP captured by the endoscope 150 on the display device 160. Note that in other embodiments, the endoscope 150 may be configured as, for example, a fiberscope or a borescope.

[0023] The first electrode 51 and the second electrode 70 are conductors and are formed, for example, from a metal, an alloy, a conductive oxide, or the like. The first electrode 51 and the second electrode 70 may be formed from the same material or from different materials. The first electrode 51 and the second electrode 70 may be supported by a support portion formed from a material with low dielectric tangent or conductivity, for example, to maintain their posture and strength. The support portion is preferably formed from, for example, various glass materials or resin materials such as polyether ether ketone and polytetrafluoroethylene. The support portion may also be formed, for example, from a ceramic material such as alumina.

[0024] One of the first electrode 51 and the second electrode 70 is arranged to surround the other electrode in a plan view. In the present embodiment, the second electrode 70 is arranged to surround the first electrode 51 in a plan view when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction. The "predetermined direction" refers to a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the portion of the tubular portion 101 in which the electromagnetic field generating unit 50 is provided. The "predetermined direction" corresponds to the axial direction of the tubular portion 101 when the tubular portion 101 is extended in a straight line. In the present embodiment, the first direction D1 described above corresponds to the predetermined direction. In the present disclosure, "perpendicular" includes a range of 90°±10°.

[0025] Specifically, in this embodiment, the second electrode 70 is arranged to surround the first electrode 51 in a plan view when viewed in the second direction D2. The second direction D2 is a direction perpendicular to the first direction D1. The second direction D2 includes both a direction on one side along the same axis and the opposite direction. In this embodiment, the second direction D2 is the radial direction of the first tubular portion 102. In this embodiment, the positive direction of the second direction D2 is the direction from the inside to the outside of the first tubular portion 102 in the second direction D2. Note that, as shown in FIG. 2 , in this embodiment, the treatment device 100 is used in a state in which the first electrode 51 and the second electrode 70 are arranged to face the affected area AP in the second direction D2. "The first electrode 51 and the second electrode 70 face the affected area AP" more specifically means that the first electrode 51, the second electrode 70, and a gap GP (described later) face the affected area AP. Furthermore, "the first electrode 51 and the second electrode 70 facing the affected area AP" can also be referred to as "the electromagnetic field generating unit 50 facing the affected area AP."

[0026] In addition, in this embodiment, the second electrode 70 is disposed so as to continuously surround the first electrode 51 in a plan view when viewed in the second direction D2. Hereinafter, of the first electrode 51 and the second electrode 70, the electrode surrounding one of the electrodes will also be referred to as an outer electrode. In addition, of the first electrode 51 and the second electrode 70, the electrode surrounded by the outer electrode will also be referred to as an inner electrode. That is, in this embodiment, the first electrode 51 is the inner electrode, and the second electrode 70 is the outer electrode.

[0027] Note that, when it is stated that "the second electrode 70 is arranged so as to surround the first electrode 51 when viewed in the second direction D2," it is sufficient that the second electrode 70 is arranged so as to surround at least half of the periphery of the first electrode 51 as a whole when viewed in the second direction D2. The second electrode 70 does not need to surround the entire periphery of the first electrode 51 without any gaps. Therefore, in other embodiments, for example, the first electrode 51 may be surrounded by the second electrode 70 having a so-called C-shape or U-shape when viewed in the second direction D2. Furthermore, for example, the second electrode 70 may have a shape that surrounds the first electrode 51 as a whole while being intermittently broken when viewed in the second direction D2. In this case, the second electrode 70 is configured so that the same potential is applied to each portion of the second electrode 70 when an AC voltage is applied to the first electrode 51 and the second electrode 70.

[0028] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , in this embodiment, the second electrode 70 is configured by the side wall 103, first cover portion 104, and second cover portion 105 of the first tubular portion 102. Therefore, the second electrode 70 has the opening 72. Furthermore, the first electrode 51 is disposed within the opening 72 in a plan view when viewed in the second direction D2. As a result, an annular gap GP is formed between the first electrode 51 and the second electrode 70. Furthermore, the first electrode 51 is covered by the first tubular portion 102, i.e., the second electrode 70, from the negative side of the second direction D2. In other words, the first electrode 51 is covered by a conductor from the negative side of the second direction D2.

[0029] In this embodiment, a gap cover 190 is disposed in the gap GP. The gap cover 190 blocks at least a portion of the gap GP in the second direction D2. The gap cover 190 prevents foreign matter from moving through the gap GP. The foreign matter here refers to, for example, a portion of human tissue or a body fluid such as gastric juice. More specifically, in this embodiment, the gap cover 190 prevents foreign matter from entering from the outside to the inside of the first tubular portion 102 through the gap GP. As with the support portion described above, the gap cover 190 is preferably formed from, for example, various glass materials or resin materials such as polyether ether ketone or polytetrafluoroethylene.

[0030] The gap cover 190 in this embodiment has a shape corresponding to the gap GP. The gap cover 190 is located between the first electrode 51 and the second electrode 70 and fills the gap GP so as to continuously connect the first electrode 51 and the second electrode 70. As a result, the gap cover 190 in this embodiment also functions as the support portion. Note that in other embodiments, the gap cover 190 may be configured, for example, to cover the gap GP from the positive side or the negative side of the second direction D2. The gap cover 190 may also be configured in the shape of a sheet or a flat plate. The gap cover 190 may also be configured in the shape of a tube that covers the first tubular portion 102 from the outside. The gap cover 190 does not necessarily have to also function as a support portion.

[0031] The first electrode 51 in this embodiment has an elliptical shape in a plan view when viewed in the second direction D2. More specifically, the first electrode 51 has an elliptical shape having a longitudinal direction along the first direction D1 and a lateral direction along the third direction D3. The third direction D3 is a direction perpendicular to the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. In this embodiment, the third direction D3 is the circumferential direction of the side surface of the first tubular portion 102. The third direction D3 includes both a direction toward one side along the same axis and an opposite direction. Similarly to the first electrode 51, the opening 72 of the second electrode 70 has an elliptical shape in a plan view when viewed in the second direction D2, having a longitudinal direction along the second direction D2 and a lateral direction along the third direction D3. As a result, the first electrode 51 and the opening 72 in this embodiment have shapes with relatively few sharp corners.

[0032] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the first electrode 51 and the second electrode 70. In FIG. 3, the first electrode 51 and the second electrode 70 are hatched to facilitate understanding of the technology. FIG. 3 shows the first electrode 51 and the second electrode 70 in a plan view when viewed in the negative direction of the second direction D2. The first electrode 51 and the second electrode 70 are arranged so that the shortest distance DS1 between the first electrode 51 and the second electrode 70 is equal to or less than one-tenth of the wavelength λ. The first electrode 51 and the second electrode 70 are also configured so that the perimeter CL of the gap GP is equal to or less than one-tenth of the wavelength λ. The perimeter CL represents the length of a circular line connecting the midpoints between the outer periphery of the inner electrode and the inner periphery of the outer electrode in a plan view when viewed in the first direction D1.

[0033] 1 and 2. In this embodiment, the first electrode 51 is electrically connected to the voltage generating unit 110 via an electric wire 55, the first coil 60, and an inner conductor 131 of the transmission line 130. The electric wire 55 may be omitted. The second electrode 70 is electrically connected to the voltage generating unit 110 via an outer conductor 132 of the transmission line 130.

[0034] In this embodiment, one end of the first coil 60 is electrically connected in series to the first electrode 51 via the electric wire 55, and the other end of the first coil 60 is electrically connected in series to the voltage generating unit 110 via the transmission line 130. That is, the first coil 60 is electrically connected between the first electrode 51 and the transmission line 130. In this embodiment, the first coil 60 is configured as a solenoid coil. Furthermore, the first coil 60 is configured as an air-core coil without a core material. As a result, for example, the parasitic resistance of the first coil 60 can be further reduced compared to an embodiment in which the first coil 60 is configured as a coil with a core material.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , in this embodiment, the electric wire 55 and the first coil 60 are disposed within the first tubular portion 102. That is, the electric wire 55 and the first coil 60 are disposed within a tubular case made of a conductor. The electric wire 55 and the first coil 60 are disposed on the negative side of the second direction D2 with respect to the first electrode 51. A portion of the internal conductor 131 is disposed within the first tubular portion 102 via a hole 106 provided in the second cover portion 105 of the first tubular portion 102, and is electrically connected to the first coil 60 within the first tubular portion 102. On the other hand, the external conductor 132 is electrically connected to the second electrode 70 on the outside of the first tubular portion 102. More specifically, in this embodiment, the external conductor 132 is joined to the periphery of the hole 106 on the upper surface of the second lid portion 105 so as to cover the hole 106 from the negative side of the first direction D1, thereby being electrically connected to the second electrode 70. Furthermore, the external conductor 132 is directly connected to the second electrode 70 by soldering or the like, without using any other conductor. In other embodiments, the external conductor 132 may be indirectly connected to the second electrode 70, for example, via another conductor.

[0036] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a circuit formed by the electromagnetic field generating unit 50 and the affected area AP. As shown in FIG. 4, the high-frequency circuit formed by the electromagnetic field generating unit 50 and the affected area AP can be approximated as an LC series circuit with inductance Lc and capacitance Ca. The inductance Lc shown in FIG. 4 represents the inductance of the first coil 60. The resistance Rc represents the parasitic resistance of the first coil 60. The capacitance Ca represents the capacitance between the first electrode 51 and the second electrode 70. The capacitance Ca mainly includes the fringe capacitance between the first electrode 51 and the second electrode 70. The resistance Rb represents the heating resistance of the affected area AP. In other words, the affected area AP constitutes part of the resonant circuit of the electromagnetic field generating unit 50. The Q value of the resonant circuit in the electromagnetic field generating unit 50 increases as the capacitance Ca decreases and as the inductance Lc increases. The higher the Q value of the resonant circuit in the electromagnetic field generating unit 50, the higher the heating efficiency of the affected area AP by the electromagnetic field generating unit 50.

[0037] The various conditions of the first coil 60, such as the shape, length, cross-sectional area, number of turns, and material, are preferably selected so as to achieve impedance matching between the electromagnetic field generating unit 50 and the voltage generating unit 110 in the circuit shown in Fig. 4. Furthermore, the various conditions of the first coil 60 are preferably selected according to the drive frequency f0.

[0038] When a high-frequency voltage having a drive frequency f0 is applied to the electromagnetic field generating unit 50, an electromagnetic field having a wavelength λ corresponding to the drive frequency f0 is generated from the first electrode 51 and the second electrode 70. The intensity of this electromagnetic field is very strong near the first electrode 51 and the second electrode 70, but very weak farther away. In this disclosure, the electromagnetic field generated near the first electrode 51 and the second electrode 70 by the application of the high-frequency voltage is also referred to as the "near electromagnetic field." The "near" of the first electrode 51 and the second electrode 70 refers to a range where the distance from the first electrode 51 and the second electrode 70 is less than 1 / 2π of the wavelength of the generated electromagnetic field. A range farther away than the "near" is also referred to as the "far" range. In this disclosure, the electromagnetic field generated far from the first electrode 51 and the second electrode 70 by the application of the high-frequency voltage is also referred to as the "far electromagnetic field." The far electromagnetic field corresponds to the electromagnetic field used in communication using a general communication antenna, etc.

[0039] The far electromagnetic field penetrates the affected area AP and is radiated far away without being absorbed by the affected area AP. The far electromagnetic field that is not absorbed in this way does not contribute to heating and causes energy loss in the treatment device 100. In contrast, in the case of a near electromagnetic field, even if the near electromagnetic field is not absorbed by the affected area AP, the near electromagnetic field that is not absorbed in this way corresponds to reactive power and is unlikely to cause energy loss. As a result, by using the near electromagnetic field to heat the affected area AP, the affected area AP can be heated with extremely high efficiency. In particular, by using the near electromagnetic field, it is possible to effectively heat a relatively shallow affected area AP, such as cancer cells occurring in the wall WL of the esophagus EP or cancer cells occurring on the surface of the patient PT's skin.

[0040] In this embodiment, the second electrode 70 is disposed so as to surround the first electrode 51 in a plan view when viewed in the second direction D2. Furthermore, the shortest distance DS1 between the first electrode 51 and the second electrode 70 is equal to or less than one-tenth of the wavelength λ. Both of these configurations contribute to attenuating the density of the electromagnetic field generated from the first electrode 51 and the second electrode 70 in the vicinity of the first electrode 51 and the second electrode 70. As a result, radiation of the far electromagnetic field from the first electrode 51 and the second electrode 70 can be suppressed.

[0041] FIG. 5 is a schematic graph showing the relationship between the perimeter CL and heating efficiency. FIG. 5 shows the results of a simulation of the change in attenuation rate when the perimeter CL of the electromagnetic field generating unit 50 is changed. In FIG. 5, the horizontal axis represents the perimeter CL, and the vertical axis represents the attenuation rate. The attenuation rate represents the ratio of energy loss in the electromagnetic field generating unit 50 to the power input to the electromagnetic field generating unit 50. As described above, the energy loss in the electromagnetic field generating unit 50 is caused by the far electromagnetic field irradiated from the electromagnetic field generating unit 50. As shown in FIG. 5, when the perimeter CL is half the wavelength λ, the attenuation rate is approximately 20%. When the perimeter CL is one-fifth the wavelength λ, the attenuation rate is approximately 5%. When the perimeter CL is one-tenth the wavelength λ, the attenuation rate is approximately 2%. For more efficient heating of the affected area AP, the perimeter CL is preferably one-half or less, more preferably one-fifth or less, and even more preferably one-tenth or less. Furthermore, for example, even if the circumference CL is equal to λ, it is possible to heat the affected area AP by arranging the first electrode 51, the second electrode 70, and the gap GP facing the affected area AP and bringing the affected area AP into close contact with the first electrode 51 and the second electrode 70, thereby utilizing the near electromagnetic field.

[0042] Furthermore, when an AC voltage is applied to the electromagnetic field generating unit 50, a high voltage is generated at one end of the first coil 60. This increases the intensity of the electric field generated from the first electrode 51 and the second electrode 70. The first coil 60 is preferably positioned so that the distance between one end of the first coil 60 and the first electrode 51 is as small as possible. If the distance between one end of the first coil 60 and the first electrode 51 is large, the high voltage generated at one end of the first coil 60 may generate an electromagnetic field between the first coil 60 and the first electrode 51 or between the electric wire 55 and the second electrode 70 that does not contribute to heating the affected area AP, thereby reducing the effect of increasing the intensity of the electromagnetic field generated from the first electrode 51 and the second electrode 70. In contrast, by reducing the distance between the one end of the first coil 60 and the first electrode 51, the generation of such an electromagnetic field that does not contribute to heating the affected area AP can be suppressed, thereby effectively increasing the intensity of the electromagnetic field generated from the first electrode 51 and the second electrode 70. In other embodiments, the first electrode 51 may be formed in a meandering shape, so that the first electrode 51 performs the same function as the first coil 60.

[0043] According to the treatment device 100 of the present embodiment described above, the diseased area AP can be selectively heated by the electromagnetic field generated near the first electrode 51 and the second electrode 70. More specifically, the first electrode 51 is surrounded by the second electrode 70 in a plan view when viewed in the second direction D2, and the shortest distance between the first electrode 51 and the second electrode 70 is one-tenth of the wavelength λ or less. Therefore, the near electromagnetic field irradiated from the electromagnetic field generator 50 can selectively heat the body part of the patient PT that faces the first electrode 51 and the second electrode 70. Therefore, for example, when cancer is treated using the treatment device 100, the cancer can be effectively treated while suppressing the influence of cancer cells on surrounding tissues, compared to radiation therapy. Furthermore, compared to radiation therapy, for example, it is easier to repeatedly treat the same diseased area AP using the treatment device 100. Furthermore, since the first coil 60 is electrically connected between the first electrode 51 and the transmission line 130, a stronger electromagnetic field can be applied to the affected area AP, and tumors such as cancer cells in the affected area AP can be easily killed by heat. Therefore, cancer recurrence can be more effectively prevented compared to treating cancer by heating at a relatively low temperature, such as so-called hyperthermia. In this way, in this embodiment, the affected area AP can be more reliably treated while suppressing effects on body parts other than the affected area AP.

[0044] In this embodiment, a reference potential is applied to the second electrode 70, and a high-frequency voltage is applied to the first electrode 51. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which a high-frequency voltage is applied to the second electrode 70, it is possible to prevent the electromagnetic field from being irradiated onto the area outside the second electrode 70 when viewed in the second direction D2. As a result, it is possible to heat the affected area AP more selectively.

[0045] In this embodiment, the first electrode 51 is connected to the inner conductor 131 of a coaxial cable serving as the transmission line 130, and the second electrode 70 is connected to the outer conductor 132 of the coaxial cable. This allows the electromagnetic field generating unit 50 to have a structure similar to that of a coaxial cable. As a result, for example, the electromagnetic field generating unit 50 can be manufactured more easily.

[0046] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the internal conductor 131 is disposed within the first tubular portion 102 via a hole 106 provided in the second cover portion 105, and the external conductor 132 is connected to the periphery of the hole 106 so as to cover the hole 106 from the negative side of the first direction D1. As a result, it is possible to prevent an unnecessary electromagnetic field from being generated outside the first tubular portion 102, i.e., outside the case, due to the hole 106. It is also possible to prevent foreign matter from entering the first tubular portion 102, i.e., the case, via the hole 106.

[0047] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the circumferential length CL of the gap GP is equal to or less than one-tenth of the wavelength λ, so that the affected area AP can be heated more efficiently.

[0048] Furthermore, in this embodiment, at least a portion of the gap GP is covered by the gap cover 190. This makes it possible to prevent foreign matter from moving through the gap GP. In particular, in this embodiment, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from entering the first tubular portion 102, i.e., the case, and to prevent the first coil 60, the electric wire 55, and the internal conductor 131 in the case from being soiled by foreign matter.

[0049] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first electrode 51 is surrounded by the second electrode 70 in a plan view when the tubular portion 101 is viewed in the second direction D2. Therefore, tumors occurring in the internal walls of the patient PT or in the walls of the digestive tract can be effectively heated. More specifically, for example, with the tubular portion 101 disposed in the esophagus EP along the first direction D1, the first electrode 51 and the second electrode 70 can be opposed to the wall WL of the esophagus EP in the second direction D2, thereby effectively heating cancer cells occurring in the wall WL of the esophagus EP.

[0050] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first electrode 51, which has an oval outer diameter in a plan view when viewed in the second direction D2, is disposed inside the oval opening 72. Therefore, compared to when the openings 72 of the first electrode 51 and the second electrode 70 have angular shapes, for example, it is possible to suppress concentration of the electromagnetic field at specific parts of the electromagnetic field generating unit 50, such as the end of the first electrode 51 or the end of the opening 72.

[0051] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first electrode 51 is covered with a conductor from the negative side of the second direction D2. This prevents the electromagnetic field generating unit 50 from facing the affected area AP on the negative side of the second direction D2. As a result, as shown in FIG. 2, the near electromagnetic field EF is mainly irradiated from the electromagnetic field generating unit 50 toward the negative side of the second direction D2. That is, irradiation of the near electromagnetic field from the electromagnetic field generating unit 50 toward the negative side of the second direction D2 is prevented. Therefore, for example, when the treatment device 100 is used inside the body or digestive tract of a patient PT, it is possible to prevent unintentional heating of a body part on the opposite side of the electromagnetic field generating unit 50 from the affected area AP.

[0052] B. Second embodiment: Fig. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of an electromagnetic field generator 50b in the second embodiment. Fig. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a first electrode 51b and a second electrode 70b in the second embodiment. In this embodiment, the configuration of each part of the electromagnetic field generator 50b is different from that in the first embodiment. Points of the treatment device 100 in this embodiment that are not particularly described are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0053] 6 and 7 show arrows indicating mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z directions. The X and Y directions are parallel to the horizontal plane, and the Z direction is a direction that points vertically upward. The arrows indicating the X, Y, and Z directions are also shown in other figures as appropriate so that the illustrated directions correspond to those in FIGS. 6 and 7. In the following description, when specifying the direction, the direction indicated by the arrow in each figure is indicated by "+" and the opposite direction is indicated by "-", and positive and negative signs are used in combination to indicate the direction. Hereinafter, the +Z direction will also be referred to as "up" and the -Z direction as "down."

[0054] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the electromagnetic field generating unit 50b has a cover unit 90. In Figure 7, the cover unit 90 is shown by a dashed line to facilitate understanding of the technology. The cover unit 90 is made of a conductor. Details of the cover unit 90 will be described later.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 7 , the first electrode 51b and the second electrode 70b have a flat plate shape that is flat in the X and Y directions. When viewed in the Z direction, the first electrode 51b and the second electrode 70b have a rectangular shape with the X direction as the longitudinal direction and the Y direction as the transverse direction. The second electrode 70b is arranged to surround the periphery of the first electrode 51b in a plan view when viewed along the Z direction. More specifically, the first electrode 51b is arranged within a rectangular opening 72b provided in the second electrode 70b. The opening 72b penetrates the second electrode 70b in the Z direction at the center of the second electrode 70b in the X and Y directions. In this embodiment, the perimeter of the gap GPb between the first electrode 51b and the second electrode 70b and the shortest distance between the first electrode 51b and the second electrode 70b are set to satisfy the same conditions as in the first embodiment.

[0056] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , the cover 90 includes a side wall 91 and an upper wall 92. The side wall 91 extends in the +Z direction from both ends of the second electrode 70b in the X direction and both ends of the second electrode 70b in the Y direction. As shown in FIG. 7 , the side wall 91 is disposed so as to continuously surround the first electrode 51 and the opening 72b when viewed in the Z direction. As shown in FIG. 6 , the upper wall 92 has a rectangular plate shape that is flat in the X and Y directions. As shown in FIG. 7 , the upper wall 92 is fixed to the upper end of the side wall 91 so as to cover the upper opening of the side wall 91. As a result, the first electrode 51b is covered by a conductor from the +Z direction side, similar to the first embodiment. The cover 90 may be formed of the same material as the first electrode 51b and the second electrode 70b, or may be formed of a different material.

[0057] In this embodiment, both the first electrode 51b and the second electrode 70b are disposed on a gap cover 190b. In this embodiment, the gap cover 190b is configured as a substrate that supports the first electrode 51b and the second electrode 70b. That is, the gap cover 190b functions as a support. More specifically, the gap cover 190b has a rectangular sheet or plate shape and is disposed so that its surface is parallel to the X and Y directions. The first electrode 51b and the second electrode 70b are disposed so that their lower surfaces contact the upper surface of the gap cover 190b. Therefore, in this embodiment, the lower surfaces of the first electrode 51b and the second electrode 70b are disposed on the same plane. When the treatment device 100 is in use, the gap cover 190b is disposed between the affected area AP and the first electrode 51b and the second electrode 70b.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 7 , in this embodiment, the first electrode 51b is electrically connected to the voltage generating unit 110 via an electric wire 55, a first coil 60, and an internal conductor 131 of the transmission line 130, similar to the first embodiment. The electric wire 55 and the first coil 60 are disposed within the cover 90. Therefore, the first coil 60 is disposed within a case made of a conductor, similar to the first embodiment. Furthermore, a portion of the internal conductor 131 is disposed within the cover 90 via a cover hole 93 provided in the center of the upper wall 92 in the X and Y directions. The second electrode 70b is electrically connected to the voltage generating unit 110 via the cover 90 and an external conductor 132 of the transmission line 130. The external conductor 132 is joined to the periphery of the cover hole 93 so as to cover the cover hole 93 from the +Z direction side, similar to the way the external conductor 132 covers the hole 106 in the first embodiment.

[0059] Fig. 8 is a first explanatory diagram of the first simulation. Fig. 9 is a second explanatory diagram of the first simulation. Fig. 10 is a third explanatory diagram of the first simulation. Fig. 11 is a fourth explanatory diagram of the first simulation. The first simulation refers to a simulation that simulates heating of the esophagus by the electromagnetic field generating unit 50b.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 8 , in the first simulation, the electromagnetic field generator 50b was placed in a hole HL simulating an esophagus. Specifically, the electromagnetic field generator 50b was placed in the hole HL so that the lower surface of the second electrode 70b faced the wall surface of the lower wall WP of the hole HL. That is, the electromagnetic field generator 50b was placed in the hole HL so that the first electrode 51b and the second electrode 70b faced the wall WP. The wall WP corresponded to the simulated wall of the esophagus. The hole HL was set as a through-hole penetrating a cube CB simulating human tissue in the X direction. The length, width, and height dimensions of the cube CB were each set to 100 mm. The opening shape of the hole HL was set to a circular shape. The opening diameter of the hole HL was set to a diameter of 20 mm. The X-direction dimension of the second electrode 70b was set to 27 mm, and the Y-direction dimension of the second electrode 70b was set to 8 mm. The electrical parameters of seawater were used as the various electrical parameters of the cube CB. The resonant frequency of the electromagnetic field generating unit 50b, i.e., the frequency f0 of the high-frequency voltage and electromagnetic field, was set to 1.55 GHz.

[0061] In Fig. 9, the region RG1 of the cube CB that was heated by the electromagnetic field irradiated from the electromagnetic field generating unit 50b in the first simulation is hatched. In Figs. 10 and 11, the temperature distribution in the region RG1 is shown in stages by hatching. More specifically, in Figs. 10 and 11, parts with higher temperatures are shown with darker hatching. Furthermore, in Figs. 10 and 11, the temperature distribution in the region RG1 is shown in four stages: temperatures T1, T2, T3, and T4, in descending order of temperature. Temperature T2 is 106°C, temperature T3 is 50°C, and temperature T4 is 36°C.

[0062] In the examples shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 , the electromagnetic field generator 50b is positioned facing the lower wall WP of the hole HL from the +Z direction, thereby primarily heating the −Z direction side of the electromagnetic field generator 50b in the cube CB. More specifically, a higher temperature region is generated in the wall WP directly below the center of the electromagnetic field generator 50b in the XY direction, spreading outward from that portion in the XY direction. This distribution of region RG1 is effective for heating cancer cells, for example, from the surface to the depths of the esophageal wall. When heating cancer cells, it is preferable to adjust the position, angle, and output of the electromagnetic field generator 50 so that the cancer cells are located in the regions of temperatures T1 and T2, body parts that should not be affected by heating, such as healthy organs, are located outside of temperature T4, and body parts that can be heated up to temperatures T3 and T4 are located in the regions of temperatures T3 and T4.

[0063] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 10 and 11, the +Z side of the first electrode 51b is covered by the cover portion 90, thereby suppressing heating of the +Z side of the first electrode 51b, i.e., the +Z side of the second electrode 70b.

[0064] The treatment device 100 in the second embodiment described above can also selectively heat the affected area AP by the electromagnetic field generated near the first electrode 51b and the second electrode 70b.

[0065] C. Third embodiment: 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a treatment device 100c in the third embodiment. In this embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the treatment device 100c includes a needle unit 170 instead of the illumination unit 155. The treatment device 100c in this embodiment is similar to the first embodiment except for the points not specifically described.

[0066] The needle unit 170 is configured to be able to enter the subepidermal region HM below the epidermis through the epidermis SK of the patient PT. Furthermore, the electromagnetic field generating unit 50 is configured to be able to enter the subepidermal region HM together with the needle unit 170 through the epidermis SK. More specifically, in this embodiment, the needle unit 170 is disposed on the distal end side of the first tubular unit 102, similar to the illumination unit 155 in the first embodiment, and constitutes the distal end of the tubular unit 101. The needle unit 170 is disposed so that its sharp tip faces the positive direction of the first direction D1. As a result, by piercing the distal end of the needle unit 170 into the epidermis SK, the needle unit 170 can enter the subepidermal region HM through the epidermis SK, and by further entering the needle unit 170 deeper into the subepidermal region HM, the electromagnetic field generating unit 50 can enter subepidermis together with the needle unit 170.

[0067] It should be noted that needle 170 in this embodiment is configured to be able to irradiate visible light and also functions as illumination unit 155. In other embodiments, needle 170 does not have to function as illumination unit 155.

[0068] According to the treatment device 100c in the third embodiment described above, the electromagnetic field generation unit 50 is configured to be able to enter the subepidermal region HM through the epidermis SK of the patient PT together with the needle portion 170. Therefore, the electromagnetic field generation unit 50 can be entered into the subepidermal region HM together with the needle portion 170, and a tumor occurring in the subepidermal region HM can be effectively heated.

[0069] D. Fourth embodiment: 13 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a control unit 200d in the fourth embodiment. In this embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the storage device 202 of the control unit 200d stores first data DT1. The treatment device 100 in this embodiment is similar to the first embodiment in the points that are not particularly described.

[0070] The first data DT1 is data representing a first optimum value. The first optimum value is an optimum value according to affected area information, which is information about the affected area AP. The first optimum value is also an optimum value related to at least one of the magnitude and frequency of the high-frequency voltage applied to the electromagnetic field generating unit 50. The first data DT1 in this embodiment includes each piece of affected area information and each first optimum value associated with the affected area information.

[0071] The affected area information includes, for example, at least one of site information indicating the site of the affected area AP and size information indicating the size of the affected area AP. The site information of the affected area AP is, for example, information indicating the body site where a tumor has developed. The size information of the affected area AP is, for example, information indicating the dimensions and volume of the tumor. The affected area information may be input to the control unit 200d by a user of the treatment device 100 via an input device (not shown), or may be generated based on the results of various tests such as a CT (Computed Tomography) test or an echo test.

[0072] The control unit 200d uses the first optimum value to control at least one of the magnitude and frequency of the applied voltage. The applied voltage represents a high-frequency voltage applied to the electromagnetic field generating unit 50. More specifically, in this embodiment, the processor 201 of the control unit 200d uses the first data DT1 to control at least one of the magnitude and frequency of the applied voltage.

[0073] For example, when the affected area information indicates a relatively large tumor, the control unit 200d controls the voltage generating unit 110 so that the magnitude of the applied voltage becomes larger. More specifically, in this case, the control unit 200d controls the voltage generating unit 110 so that the output power of the voltage generating unit 110 becomes higher. When controlling the magnitude of the applied voltage, the control unit 200d may control the ON / OFF of the output power in addition to or instead of increasing or decreasing the output power.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 4, the affected area AP constitutes part of the resonant circuit of the electromagnetic field generating unit 50. Therefore, the impedance of the resonant circuit may vary depending on the location and size of the affected area AP. If the output-side impedance varies and becomes mismatched with the power supply-side impedance, power is less likely to be supplied to the output side, resulting in a decrease in the heating efficiency of the affected area AP. For this reason, the control unit 200d improves the heating efficiency of the affected area AP by, for example, controlling the frequency of the applied voltage so that the output-side impedance and the power supply-side impedance match. Note that the control unit 200d may control the constants of the coils and capacitors in the resonant circuit in addition to or instead of the frequency of the applied voltage.

[0075] The control of the frequency of the high frequency source by the control unit 200d does not directly match the impedance on the output side with the impedance on the power supply side, but if the impedance matching is misaligned, the resonance frequency will also be shifted, so by changing the frequency accordingly, the heating efficiency of the ink thin film can be improved.

[0076] As described above, the control unit 200d may control the constant of the first coil 60. In this case, for example, in the resonant circuit, the first coil 60 may be used for impedance matching, and multiple first coils 60 each having a different inductance may be provided, and a switch may be provided for switching the first coil 60 to be used among the first coils 60. In this way, the control unit 200d may control the constant of the first coil 60 in accordance with the affected area information by controlling the switch in accordance with the affected area information.

[0077] Furthermore, as described above, the control unit 200d may control the constant of the capacitor in the resonant circuit. In this case, for example, a variable capacitance capacitor may be connected to the first electrode 51 and the second electrode 70. The variable capacitance sensor is connected, for example, between the voltage generating unit 110 and the first coil 60 in the resonant circuit. Then, the control unit 200d may control the capacitance of the variable capacitance capacitor in accordance with the affected area information.

[0078] According to the treatment device 100 of the fourth embodiment described above, the control unit 200d controls at least one of the magnitude and frequency of the applied voltage using the first optimum value according to the affected area information, so that the affected area AP can be heated more appropriately according to the affected area information.

[0079] In addition, in this embodiment, the control unit 200d controls at least one of the magnitude and frequency of the applied voltage using the first data DT1, so the processing load on the control unit 200d can be reduced compared to, for example, an embodiment in which the control unit 200d calculates the first optimal value according to the affected area information. Note that, in other embodiments, the control unit 200d may calculate the first optimal value according to, for example, the affected area information.

[0080] E. Fifth embodiment: FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating the circuit of a treatment device 100e in the fifth embodiment. FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a control unit 200e in the fifth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 14, in this embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the treatment device 100e includes an impedance matching circuit 180. Also, as shown in FIG. 15, in this embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the storage device 202 of the control unit 200e stores second data DT2. Points of the treatment device 100 in this embodiment that are not particularly described are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 14, the impedance matching circuit 180 is provided between the voltage generating unit 110 and the electromagnetic field generating unit 50 in the resonant circuit of the electromagnetic field generating unit 50. The impedance matching circuit 180 includes a second coil 181 and capacitors 182 and 183. In FIG. 14, resistance Rg represents the internal resistance of the voltage generating unit 110. Inductance Lc2 represents the inductance of the second coil 181. Capacitances Cb1 and Cb2 represent the capacitances of the capacitors 182 and 183, respectively. In this embodiment, the impedance matching circuit 180 is configured as a π-shaped matching circuit. The ends of the two wires extending below the π shape are typically connected to GND. The impedance matching circuit 180 improves the efficiency of transmitting high-frequency voltage from the voltage generating unit 110 to the electromagnetic field generating unit 50 by controlling the impedance on the output side and the impedance on the power supply side of the resonant circuit.

[0082] The second data DT2 is data representing a second optimum value according to the affected area information. The second optimum value is an optimum value for at least one of the constant of the second coil 181 and the constant of the capacitor 182. In this embodiment, the second data DT2 includes each piece of affected area information and each second optimum value associated with the affected area information. The control unit 200e uses the second optimum value to control at least one of the constant of the second coil 181 and the constant of the capacitor 182. More specifically, in this embodiment, the processor 201 of the control unit 200e uses the second data DT2 to control at least one of the constant of the second coil 181 and the constant of the capacitor 182.

[0083] According to the treatment device 100e in the fifth embodiment described above, the control unit 200e controls at least one of the constant of the second coil 181 and the constant of the capacitor 182 in accordance with the second optimum value according to the affected area information. Therefore, the affected area AP can be heated more appropriately in accordance with the affected area information.

[0084] In addition, in this embodiment, the control unit 200e uses the second data DT2 to control at least one of the constant of the second coil 181 and the constant of the capacitor 182, so the processing load on the control unit 200e can be reduced compared to, for example, an embodiment in which the control unit 200e calculates the second optimal value according to the affected area information. Note that in other embodiments, the control unit 200e may calculate the second optimal value according to, for example, the affected area information.

[0085] F. Sixth embodiment: 16 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of an electromagnetic field generating unit 50f in the sixth embodiment. In this embodiment, the configuration of each part of the electromagnetic field generating unit 50f is different from that in the first embodiment. Of the treatment device 100 in this embodiment, the points that are not particularly described are the same as those in the second embodiment.

[0086] The electromagnetic field generator 50f has a first electrode 51b and a second electrode 70b similar to those in the second embodiment. The electromagnetic field generator 50f has a connecting member 95 instead of the cover 90 in the second embodiment. The connecting member 95 is formed of a conductor. The connecting member 95 has four pillars 96 and a plate-shaped portion 97. Each pillar 96 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. Each pillar 96 is erected in the +Z direction from the upper surface of the second electrode 70b so that its axial direction is along the Z direction. The plate-shaped portion 97 has a rectangular plate shape. The plate-shaped portion 97 is fixed to the upper end of each pillar 96 so that the pillars 96 are connected to each other via the plate-shaped portion 97. As a result, in this embodiment, the connecting member 95 is connected to the second electrode 70b at four points. The first coil 60 is disposed between each pillar 96 and between the plate-shaped portion 97 and the first electrode 51b. A portion of the internal conductor 131 of the transmission line 130 is disposed below the plate-shaped portion 97 via a through hole 98 provided in the center of the plate-shaped portion 97, and is connected to the first coil 60 on the underside of the plate-shaped portion 97. The external conductor 132 is joined to the periphery of the through hole 98 so as to cover the through hole 98 from the +Z direction side, substantially in the same way as the external conductor 132 covers the cover hole 93 in the second embodiment. As a result, power is supplied from the connection member 95 to the second electrode 70b at the connection points between each of the pillar portions 96 and the second electrode 70b, i.e., at the above four points.

[0087] FIG. 17 is a first explanatory diagram of the second simulation. FIG. 18 is a second explanatory diagram of the second simulation. FIG. 19 is a third explanatory diagram of the second simulation. The second simulation refers to a simulation simulating heating of skin from above the epidermis by the electromagnetic field generating unit 50f. The affected area AP in the second simulation is assumed to be, for example, skin cancer. In FIG. 17, similar to FIG. 9, the region RG2 heated by the electromagnetic field irradiated from the electromagnetic field generating unit 50f in the second simulation is hatched. In addition, in FIGS. 18 and 19, similar to FIGS. 10 and 11, the temperature distribution in the region RG2 is shown in four stages. Note that in FIGS. 17 to 19, components such as the first coil 60 are omitted as appropriate.

[0088] 16 to 19, in the second simulation, the electromagnetic field generating unit 50f was placed on the +Z direction side of a cube CB simulating human tissue. Specifically, the electromagnetic field generating unit 50f was placed so that the first electrode 51b and the second electrode 70b faced the top surface of the cube CB. The length, width, and height dimensions of the cube CB were set to 50 mm, 50 mm, and 20 mm, respectively. The other conditions were set the same as those in the first simulation.

[0089] 17 to 19, the electromagnetic field generating unit 50f was disposed so as to face the top surface of the cube CB from the +Z direction side, and therefore the -Z direction side of the electromagnetic field generating unit 50f was mainly heated. More specifically, a higher temperature region was generated from a portion of the cube CB located directly below the center in the XY directions of the electromagnetic field generating unit 50f, spreading to the periphery of that portion in the XY directions.

[0090] The treatment device 100 in the sixth embodiment described above can also selectively heat the affected area AP by the electromagnetic field generated near the first electrode 51b and the second electrode 70b.

[0091] Unlike the second embodiment, the present embodiment does not include a cover unit 90. Therefore, for example, if there are body parts of the patient PT on both the −Z direction side and the +Z direction side of the electromagnetic field generating unit 50f, both body parts can be heated by the electromagnetic field generating unit 50f. Even in this embodiment, for example, as shown in Figures 17 to 19, when the affected area AP is heated from the surface of the patient PT's skin by the electromagnetic field generating unit 50f, the affected area AP can be selectively heated while preventing heating of body parts other than the affected area AP.

[0092] When the first electrode 51b and the second electrode 70b are flat, it is preferable that the first electrode 51b and the second electrode 70b are arranged parallel to the affected area AP, as shown schematically in Figures 17 to 19. This allows the affected area AP to be heated more efficiently.

[0093] G. Seventh embodiment: 20 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of an electromagnetic field generating unit 50g in the seventh embodiment. In this embodiment, the configuration of each part of the electromagnetic field generating unit 50g is different from that in the first embodiment. Points of the treatment device 100 in this embodiment that are not particularly described are the same as those in the sixth embodiment.

[0094] In this embodiment, the first electrode 51g has a flat plate shape. More specifically, the first electrode 51g has a boat-like shape with the X direction as the longitudinal direction and the Y direction as the lateral direction. The lower surface of the first electrode 51g has a curved shape that is convex in the -Z direction. When viewed in the Z direction, the first electrode 51g has an oval shape that is elongated in the X direction. The second electrode 70g has a flat plate shape. More specifically, the second electrode 70g is flat in the X and Y directions and has an oval ring shape that is elongated in the X direction. When viewed in the Z direction, the second electrode 70g is arranged to surround the periphery of the first electrode 51g. More specifically, the first electrode 51g is arranged in an oval opening 72g provided in the second electrode 70g. The opening 72g penetrates the second electrode 70g in the Z direction at the center of the second electrode 70g in the X and Y directions. In this embodiment, the circumferential length of the gap GPg between the first electrode 51g and the second electrode 70g and the shortest distance between the first electrode 51g and the second electrode 70g are set to satisfy the same conditions as in the first embodiment.

[0095] A connecting member 95g of the electromagnetic field generating unit 50g is connected to the second electrode 70g at four points, substantially similar to the connecting member 95 in the second embodiment.

[0096] The treatment device 100 according to the seventh embodiment described above can also selectively heat the affected area AP by the electromagnetic field generated near the first electrode 51g and the second electrode 70g.

[0097] Furthermore, in this embodiment, because the first electrode 51g has a boat shape, the electromagnetic field generator 50 can be positioned so that the distance in the Z direction between the end of the first electrode 51g in the XY direction and the affected area AP is longer than the distance in the Z direction between the center of the first electrode 51g and the affected area AP. This can further prevent the electromagnetic field from concentrating on the end of the first electrode 51g, thereby preventing uneven heating of the affected area AP.

[0098] H. Eighth embodiment: Fig. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a first electrode 51h and a second electrode 70h in the eighth embodiment. In this embodiment, the configuration of the first electrode 51h and the second electrode 70h in the electromagnetic field generating unit 50h is different from that in the first embodiment. The treatment device 100 in this embodiment is similar to the sixth embodiment except for the points not specifically described. Note that in Fig. 21, components such as the first coil 60 of the electromagnetic field generating unit 50h are omitted as appropriate.

[0099] The first electrode 51h is plate-shaped and is arranged so that its plate surface extends along the X and Z directions. The first electrode 51h has a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction when viewed in the plate thickness direction, i.e., the Y direction. The longitudinal direction of the first electrode 51h is the X direction, and the lateral direction of the first electrode 51h is the Z direction. As a result, the first electrode 51h has a linear shape extending in the X direction when viewed in the Z direction. At both ends of the first electrode 51h in the X direction, the lower end of the first electrode 51h is positioned further toward the +Z direction as it moves from the center to the ends of the first electrode 51h in the X direction. As a result, the first electrode 51h has a boat-like shape that is convex toward the -Z direction when viewed in the Y direction.

[0100] The second electrode 70h is plate-shaped and is arranged so that its plate surface is aligned along the X and Y directions. The second electrode 70h has a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction when viewed in the plate thickness direction, i.e., the Z direction. The longitudinal direction of the second electrode 70h is the X direction, and the lateral direction of the second electrode 70h is the Y direction. The second electrode 70h has an oval opening 72h. The longitudinal direction of the opening 72h is the X direction, and the lateral direction of the opening 72h is the Y direction. In this embodiment, the perimeter of the gap GPh between the first electrode 51h and the second electrode 70h and the shortest distance between the first electrode 51h and the second electrode 70h are set to satisfy the same conditions as in the first embodiment.

[0101] FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing the results of the third simulation. The third simulation refers to a simulation of heating of a medium by an electromagnetic field generating unit 50h. More specifically, the third simulation simulated heating of a sheet-like medium with ink uniformly applied to its upper surface, in a state where the sheet-like medium was placed opposite a first electrode 51h and a second electrode 70h. In the third simulation, the orientation of the medium was set so that the upper surface of the medium was parallel to the X and Y directions. In the third simulation, the frequency f0 was set to 13.56 MHz.

[0102] FIG. 22 shows region Rs. Region Rs is a region of the top surface of the media that is located within the opening 72 when viewed in the Z direction. In FIG. 22, the distribution of heating energy in region Rs is indicated by eight hatching levels. More specifically, in FIG. 22, areas with greater heating energy are indicated by darker hatching. Also, in FIG. 22, the heating energy in region Rs is indicated by eight levels of energy E1, E2, E3, E4, E5, E6, E7, and E8, in descending order of energy. The magnitude of heating energy in region Rs correlates with the amount of heat generated and the temperature in region Rs. Note that the white region in region Rs in FIG. 22 indicates a region where the magnitude of heating energy is less than energy E8. Note that almost no heating energy is generated in the region outside region Rs on the top surface of the media. Also, in FIG. 22, the position of the first electrode 51h is schematically indicated by a dashed line.

[0103] 22, in the third simulation, when viewed in the Z direction, a region with higher heating energy was generated near the outer periphery of the first electrode 51h, particularly near the outer periphery of both ends of the first electrode 51h in the X direction. Therefore, in this embodiment, by arranging the electromagnetic field generating unit 50h so that the affected area AP is located near the outer periphery of the first electrode 51h when viewed in the Z direction, the affected area AP can be heated more effectively.

[0104] The treatment device 100 according to the eighth embodiment described above can also selectively heat the affected area AP by the electromagnetic field generated in the vicinity of the first electrode 51h and the second electrode 70b.

[0105] In this embodiment, the first electrode 51h has a linear shape when viewed in the Z direction. As a result, the distance between the first electrode 51h and the second electrode 70h becomes larger, and the capacitance between the first electrode 51h and the second electrode 70h becomes smaller, thereby further improving the heating efficiency of the electromagnetic field generating unit 50h on the affected area AP.

[0106] I. Ninth embodiment: 23 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a first electrode 51i in the ninth embodiment. In this embodiment, the configuration of the first electrode 51i in the electromagnetic field generating unit 50i is different from that in the eighth embodiment. The treatment device 100 in this embodiment is similar to the eighth embodiment in the points that are not particularly described.

[0107] The first electrode 51i has a shaft portion 52 and branch portions 53A and 53B. The shaft portion 52 is disposed such that its axial direction is along the X direction. The branch portions 53A and 53B extend in the +Z direction from each end of the shaft portion 52 in the X direction, branching in a Y shape. More specifically, the branch portion 53A has a first portion 53a and a second portion 53b. The first portion 53a extends in the +X, +Y, and +Z directions from the end of the shaft portion 52 on the +X direction side. The second portion 53b extends in the +X, −Y, and +Z directions from the end of the shaft portion 52 on the +X direction side. The branch portion 53B has a third portion 53c and a fourth portion 53d. The third portion 53c extends in the −X, +Y, and +Z directions from the end of the shaft portion 52 on the −X direction side. The fourth portion 53d extends from the end of the shaft portion 52 on the −X direction side in the −X, −Y, and +Z directions.

[0108] Although not shown, the second electrode in this embodiment is configured in substantially the same manner as the second electrode 70b in the second embodiment. The first electrode 51i is disposed within the opening 72b of the second electrode 70b when viewed in the Z direction.

[0109] FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram showing the results of the fourth simulation. The fourth simulation is a simulation of heating of a medium by the electromagnetic field generating unit 50i. The various conditions in the fourth simulation were set to be the same as those in the third simulation. In the fourth simulation, the impedance in the resonant circuit of the electromagnetic field generating unit 50i was 19.0 Ω. The resonant frequency in the resonant circuit of the electromagnetic field generating unit 50i was 16.5 MHz.

[0110] Figure 24 shows the region Rs and the first electrode 51i in a manner similar to Figure 22. In Figure 24, the distribution of heating energy in the region Rs is shown in eight stages of energy E9, E10, E11, E12, E13, E14, and E15 in descending order of energy.

[0111] 24, in the fourth simulation, unlike the third simulation, when viewed in the Z direction, a region with higher heating energy was generated near the periphery of the center of first electrode 51i in the X direction. Also, in the fourth simulation, unlike the third simulation, the heating energy near the periphery of both ends of first electrode 51i in the X direction was smaller than the heating energy near the periphery of the center of first electrode 51h in the X direction. This result is due to the fact that branch portions 53A and 53B suppress the concentration of the electromagnetic field at each end of first electrode 51i in the X direction.

[0112] The treatment device 100 in the ninth embodiment described above can also selectively heat the affected area AP by the electromagnetic field generated in the vicinity of the first electrode 51i and the second electrode 70h.

[0113] J. Tenth embodiment: 25 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a first electrode 51j in the tenth embodiment. In this embodiment, the configuration of the first electrode 51j in the electromagnetic field generating unit 50j is different from that in the ninth embodiment. The treatment device 100 in this embodiment is similar to the ninth embodiment in terms of the points that are not particularly described.

[0114] The first electrode 51j has an overall rectangular outer shape when viewed in the X direction. The first electrode 51j has a first rod-shaped portion 511, a second rod-shaped portion 512, a third rod-shaped portion 513, and a fourth rod-shaped portion 514. The first rod-shaped portion 511 is disposed so that its axial direction is along the X direction. The second rod-shaped portion 512 is disposed so that its axial direction is along the X direction, i.e., parallel to the first rod-shaped portion 511. The first rod-shaped portion 511 and the second rod-shaped portion 512 are disposed side by side in the Y direction with a gap between them. The third rod-shaped portion 513 is disposed so that its axial direction is along the Y direction. The third rod-shaped portion 513 connects the end of the first rod-shaped portion 511 on the +X direction side and the end of the second rod-shaped portion 512 on the +X direction side in the Y direction. The fourth rod-shaped portion 514 is disposed so that its axial direction is along the Y direction, i.e., parallel to the third rod-shaped portion 513. The third rod-shaped portion 513 connects the −X direction end of the first rod-shaped portion 511 to the −X direction end of the second rod-shaped portion 512 in the Y direction. As a result, when viewed in the Z direction, spaces SP are formed between the rod-shaped portions of the first rod-shaped portion 511 to the fourth rod-shaped portion 514.

[0115] FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram showing the results of the fifth simulation. The fifth simulation is a simulation that simulates heating of a medium by the electromagnetic field generating unit 50j. The various conditions in the fifth simulation are the same as those in the fourth simulation. In the fifth simulation, the impedance in the resonant circuit of the electromagnetic field generating unit 50j was 37.7 Ω. The resonant frequency in the resonant circuit of the electromagnetic field generating unit 50j was 15.5 MHz. The heat generation amount W in the simulation is expressed by the following formula (1). W=V 2 / R …(1) In equation (1), the applied voltage V represents the voltage applied to the electromagnetic field generator. The impedance R represents the impedance in the resonant circuit. Therefore, the amount of heat generated in the fifth simulation was approximately twice that in the fourth simulation.

[0116] FIG. 26 shows the region Rs and the first electrode 51j in a manner similar to that shown in FIG. 24. In FIG. 26, the distribution of heating energy in the region Rs is shown in seven stages, as in FIG. 24. As shown in FIG. 26, in the fifth simulation, unlike the fourth simulation, when viewed in the Z direction, regions with higher heating energy were generated at both ends of the region Rs in the Y direction and both ends of the region Rs in the X direction. Furthermore, in the region Rs, a region with lower heating energy was generated in a region overlapping with the space SP. This result is due to the fact that the first electrode 51j has an overall rectangular shape when viewed in the Z direction, which suppresses the concentration of the electromagnetic field in the center of the first electrode 51j in the Y direction. In this embodiment, the electromagnetic field generator 50j is positioned so that the affected area AP is located at both ends of the region Rs in the Y direction and both ends in the X direction when viewed in the Z direction, and so that body parts, such as organs, that should not be affected by heating are positioned so as to overlap with the space SP, thereby enabling more effective heating of the affected area AP.

[0117] The treatment device 100 according to the tenth embodiment described above can also selectively heat the affected area AP by the electromagnetic field generated in the vicinity of the first electrode 51j and the second electrode 70b.

[0118] K. Eleventh embodiment: 27 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a first electrode 51k in the eleventh embodiment. In this embodiment, the configuration of the first electrode 51k in the electromagnetic field generating unit 50k is different from that in the ninth embodiment. The treatment device 100 in this embodiment is similar to the ninth embodiment in the points that are not particularly described.

[0119] The first electrode 51k has a first electrode portion 521 and a second electrode portion 522. The first electrode portion 521 has a shape similar to that of the first electrode 51i in the ninth embodiment. The second electrode portion 522 has a shape similar to that of the first electrode 51j in the tenth embodiment. In other words, the first electrode 51k has a shape corresponding to the combined shape of the first electrode 51i and the first electrode 51j.

[0120] The second electrode portion 522 is disposed on the +Z direction side of the first electrode portion 521. The third rod-shaped portion 513 of the second electrode portion 522 connects the upper end of the first portion 53a of the branch portion 53A to the upper end of the second portion 53b in the Y direction. Although not shown, the fourth rod-shaped portion 514, similar to the third rod-shaped portion 513, connects the upper end of the third portion 53c of the branch portion 53B to the upper end of the fourth portion 53d in the Y direction. The center of the first electrode portion 521 in the +X direction and the center of the second electrode portion 522 in the +X direction are connected by a triangular plate-shaped connecting portion 523. The connecting portion 523 is disposed so that its plate surface is aligned with the Y direction and the Z direction. The vertices of the connecting portion 523 are fixed to the shaft portion 52, the first rod-shaped portion 511, and the second rod-shaped portion 512, respectively. The connecting portion 523 is made of a conductor.

[0121] FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram showing the results of the sixth simulation. The sixth simulation refers to a simulation that simulates heating of a medium by the electromagnetic field generating unit 50k. The various conditions in the sixth simulation are the same as those in the fourth simulation. FIG. 28 shows the region Rs in the same way as FIG. 24. In FIG. 28, the distribution of heating energy in the region Rs is shown in seven stages, in the same way as FIG. 24.

[0122] 28, in the sixth simulation, the heating energy was distributed more uniformly in the region Rs than in the fourth and fifth simulations. This result is due to the fact that the first electrode 51k has a shape corresponding to the shape of the first electrode 51i and the first electrode 51j combined together. Therefore, by arranging the electromagnetic field generator 50k so that the affected area AP is located within the region Rs when viewed in the Z direction, and so that body parts that should not be affected by heating, such as organs, are located outside the region Rs, the affected area AP can be heated more effectively.

[0123] The treatment device 100 according to the eleventh embodiment described above can also selectively heat the affected area AP by the electromagnetic field generated in the vicinity of the first electrode 51k and the second electrode 70b.

[0124] L. Twelfth embodiment: Fig. 29 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a first electrode 51L in the twelfth embodiment. In this embodiment, the configurations of the first electrode 51L and the second electrode 70L in the electromagnetic field generating unit 50L are different from those in the eighth embodiment. The treatment device 100 in this embodiment is similar to the eighth embodiment except for the points not particularly described. Note that, in Fig. 29, similarly to Fig. 21, components such as the first coil 60 of the electromagnetic field generating unit 50L are omitted as appropriate.

[0125] The first electrode 51L has a disk shape. The first electrode 51L has a diameter d1L. The first electrode 51L is disposed so that its plate surface is aligned with the X and Y directions. The second electrode 70L has a flattened annular shape in the X and Y directions. The second electrode 70L is disposed so as to surround the periphery of the first electrode 51L when viewed in the Z direction. More specifically, the first electrode 51L is disposed within a circular opening 72L provided in the second electrode 70L. The opening 72L penetrates the second electrode 70L in the Z direction at the center of the second electrode 70L in the X and Y directions. In this embodiment, the perimeter of the gap GPL between the first electrode 51L and the second electrode 70L and the shortest distance between the first electrode 51L and the second electrode 70L are set to satisfy the same conditions as those in the first embodiment. The connecting member 95L is connected to the second electrode 70L at four points, substantially similar to the connecting member 95 in the second embodiment.

[0126] In this embodiment, the height H1L of the lower surface of the first electrode 51L and the height H2 of the lower surface of the second electrode 70L are equal to each other. Note that the heights H1L and H2 represent positions in the Z direction.

[0127] 30 is an explanatory diagram showing the results of the seventh simulation. The seventh simulation is a simulation that simulates heating of a medium by the electromagnetic field generating unit 50L. The various conditions in the seventh simulation are the same as those in the third simulation.

[0128] Fig. 30 shows region Rs in the same way as Fig. 24. In Fig. 30, the distribution of heating energy in region Rs is shown in seven stages of energy E16, E17, E18, E19, E20, E21, and E22 in descending order of energy. As shown in Fig. 30, in the seventh simulation, when viewed in the Z direction, a region with higher heating energy was generated near the outer periphery of first electrode 51L.

[0129] The treatment device 100 in the twelfth embodiment described above can also selectively heat the affected area AP by the electromagnetic field generated in the vicinity of the first electrode 51L and the second electrode 70L.

[0130] M. Thirteenth embodiment: 31 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a first electrode 51m in the thirteenth embodiment. In this embodiment, the configuration of the first electrode 51m in the electromagnetic field generating unit 50m is different from that in the twelfth embodiment. The treatment device 100 in this embodiment is similar to the twelfth embodiment in the points that are not particularly described.

[0131] The first electrode 51m has an overall circular outer shape. The first electrode 51m has an annular portion 531 and a cross portion 532. The annular portion 531 has a flattened annular shape in the X and Y directions. The outer diameter d1m of the annular portion 531 is larger than the diameter d1L of the first electrode 51L in the twelfth embodiment. The cross portion 532 has a cross shape that is flattened in the X and Y directions. The cross portion 532 is disposed within the annular portion 531 so as to connect the inner surfaces of the annular portion 531 at different positions. When viewed in the Z direction, a gap GPm is formed between the first electrode 51m and the second electrode 70L. The gap GPm is smaller than the gap GPL in the twelfth embodiment. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the height H1m of the lower surface of the first electrode 51m is greater than the height H2 of the lower surface of the second electrode 70. That is, the height H1m is higher than the height H1L in the twelfth embodiment.

[0132] 32 is an explanatory diagram showing the results of the eighth simulation. The eighth simulation is a simulation that simulates heating of the medium by the electromagnetic field generating unit 50m. The various conditions in the eighth simulation are the same as those in the seventh simulation.

[0133] FIG. 32 illustrates the region Rs, similarly to FIG. 30 . Similarly to FIG. 30 , FIG. 32 illustrates the distribution of heating energy in the region Rs in seven stages. As shown in FIG. 32 , unlike the seventh simulation, when viewed in the Z direction, the heating energy was more uniformly distributed in the region Rs outside the first electrode 51m, except near the outer edge of the region Rs, i.e., near the second electrode 70L. This result is due to the fact that, in the thirteenth embodiment, the diameter d1m is larger than the diameter d1L, compared to the twelfth embodiment, and therefore the region with greater heating energy is extended to a more outer portion of the region Rs. Meanwhile, in the twelfth embodiment, the diameter d1L is smaller than the diameter d1m, compared to the thirteenth embodiment, and therefore the distance between the first electrode 51L and the second electrode 70L is greater, and the capacitance between the first electrode 51L and the second electrode 70L is smaller, similarly to the eighth embodiment. As a result, in the twelfth embodiment, the efficiency of heating the affected area AP by the electromagnetic field generating section 50L can be further improved compared to the thirteenth embodiment.

[0134] The circular first electrode in the twelfth and thirteenth embodiments can be approximated by a point charge. As a result, when viewed in the Z direction, the magnitude of the electric field generated by the first electrode in the vicinity of the first electrode decreases in inverse proportion to the square of the distance from the first electrode. Furthermore, the second electrode 70L in the twelfth and thirteenth embodiments can be approximated by an electric field distributed in a two-dimensional doughnut-shaped region. As a result, when viewed in the Z direction, the magnitude of the electric field generated by the second electrode 70L in the vicinity of the second electrode decreases in inverse proportion to the distance from the second electrode. Here, because the second electrode 70L is equipotential, the electric field in a region relatively close to the second electrode 70L becomes zero, and as shown in FIGS. 30 and 32, the heating energy in the vicinity of the second electrode 70L becomes relatively small.

[0135] The treatment device 100 according to the thirteenth embodiment described above can also selectively heat the affected area AP by the electromagnetic field generated in the vicinity of the first electrode 51m and the second electrode 70L.

[0136] N. Fourteenth embodiment: 33 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a first electrode 51n in the fourteenth embodiment. In this embodiment, the configuration of the first electrode 51n in the electromagnetic field generating unit 50n is different from that in the twelfth embodiment. The treatment device 100 in this embodiment is similar to the twelfth embodiment in the points that are not particularly described.

[0137] The first electrode 51n has a third electrode portion 541 and a fourth electrode portion 542. The third electrode portion 541 has a shape similar to that of the first electrode 51L in the twelfth embodiment. The fourth electrode portion 542 has a shape similar to that of the first electrode 51m in the thirteenth embodiment. That is, the first electrode 51n has a shape corresponding to a combination of the first electrode 51L and the first electrode 51m. The lower surface of the center portion in the XY directions of the fourth electrode portion 542 is fixed to the upper surface of the third electrode portion 541.

[0138] 34 is an explanatory diagram showing the results of the ninth simulation. The ninth simulation is a simulation that simulates heating of a medium by the electromagnetic field generating unit 50n. The various conditions in the ninth simulation are the same as those in the seventh simulation.

[0139] FIG. 34 shows region Rs in the same manner as FIG. 30. In FIG. 34, the distribution of heating energy in region Rs is shown in seven stages, as in FIG. 24. As shown in FIG. 34, in the ninth simulation, the heating energy was distributed more uniformly in region Rs compared to the seventh and eighth simulations. This result is due to the fact that first electrode 51n has a shape corresponding to the combined shape of first electrode 51L and first electrode 51m.

[0140] The treatment device 100 according to the fourteenth embodiment described above can also selectively heat the affected area AP by the electromagnetic field generated near the first electrode 51n and the second electrode 70L.

[0141] O. Fifteenth embodiment: 35 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a first electrode 51o in the fifteenth embodiment. In this embodiment, the height H1o of the lower surface of the first electrode 51o in the electromagnetic field generating unit 50o is different from the height H1m in the thirteenth embodiment. Points of the treatment device 100 in this embodiment that are not particularly described are the same as those in the thirteenth embodiment.

[0142] The height H1o is the same as the height H2 of the second electrode 70L. That is, the height H1o is shorter than the height H1m. As a result, when the electromagnetic field generator 50o in the fifteenth embodiment is opposed to the affected area AP, the distance between the first electrode 51o and the affected area AP is shorter than the distance between the first electrode 51m and the affected area AP, compared to when the electromagnetic field generator 50m in the thirteenth embodiment is opposed to the affected area AP.

[0143] 36 is an explanatory diagram showing the results of the tenth simulation. The tenth simulation is a simulation that simulates heating of a medium by the electromagnetic field generating unit 50o. The various conditions in the tenth simulation are the same as those in the seventh simulation.

[0144] Figure 36 shows region Rs, similar to Figure 32. In Figure 36, the distribution of heating energy in region Rs is shown in seven stages, similar to Figure 32. In the tenth simulation, compared to the eighth simulation, the region with higher heating energy was distributed further inside region Rs, i.e., closer to first electrode 51o. This result is because the distance between first electrode 51o and the affected area AP is shorter than the distance between first electrode 51m and the affected area AP.

[0145] The treatment device 100 according to the fifteenth embodiment described above can also selectively heat the affected area AP by the electromagnetic field generated in the vicinity of the first electrode 51o and the second electrode 70L.

[0146] P. Sixteenth embodiment: 37 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a first electrode 51p in the sixteenth embodiment. In this embodiment, the height H1p of the lower surface of the first electrode 51p in the electromagnetic field generating unit 50p is different from the height H1m in the thirteenth embodiment and the height H1o in the fifteenth embodiment. Points of the treatment device 100 in this embodiment that are not particularly described are the same as those in the thirteenth embodiment.

[0147] The height H1o is greater than the heights H1o and H1m. As a result, when the electromagnetic field generator 50p in the sixteenth embodiment is opposed to the affected area AP, the distance between the first electrode 51p and the affected area AP is greater than the distance between the first electrode 51m and the affected area AP and the distance between the first electrode 51o and the affected area AP, compared to when the electromagnetic field generator 50m in the thirteenth embodiment or the electromagnetic field generator 50o in the fifteenth embodiment is opposed to the affected area AP.

[0148] 38 is an explanatory diagram showing the results of the 11th simulation. The 11th simulation is a simulation that simulates heating of a medium by the electromagnetic field generating unit 50p. The various conditions in the 11th simulation are the same as those in the seventh simulation.

[0149] Figure 38 shows region Rs, as in Figure 32. In Figure 38, the distribution of heating energy in region Rs is shown in seven stages, as in Figure 32. In the eleventh simulation, compared to the eighth and tenth simulations, the region with higher heating energy was distributed further out in region Rs, i.e., closer to second electrode 70L. This result is because the distance between first electrode 51p and the affected area AP is greater than the distance between first electrode 51m and the affected area AP and the distance between first electrode 51o and the affected area AP.

[0150] The treatment device 100 according to the sixteenth embodiment described above can also selectively heat the affected area AP by the electromagnetic field generated in the vicinity of the first electrode 51p and the second electrode 70L.

[0151] Q. Other embodiments: (Q-1) In each of the above embodiments, both the first condition that one of the first electrode 51 and the second electrode 70 is arranged to surround the other electrode in a planar view and the second condition that the shortest distance DS1 between the first electrode 51 and the second electrode 70 is equal to or less than one-tenth of the wavelength λ are satisfied. In contrast, the treatment device 100 may be configured so that only either the first condition or the second condition is satisfied. For example, of the first and second conditions, only the second condition may be satisfied, and the first electrode 51 and the second electrode 70 may be arranged so that they are aligned in the plane direction of the plane in a planar view.

[0152] (Q-2) In the above embodiments, a reference potential is applied to the second electrode 70, and a high-frequency voltage is applied to the first electrode 51. However, this is not necessarily the case. For example, a high-frequency voltage may be applied to the second electrode 70, and a reference potential may be applied to the first electrode 51, or a high-frequency voltage may be applied to both the first electrode 51 and the second electrode 70.

[0153] (Q-3) In each of the above embodiments, the first electrode 51 is connected to the inner conductor 131 of the coaxial cable serving as the transmission line 130, and the second electrode 70 is connected to the outer conductor 132 of the coaxial cable serving as the transmission line 130, but this does not have to be the case.

[0154] (Q-4) In each of the above embodiments, the circumferential length CL is equal to or less than one-tenth of the wavelength λ, but may be greater than one-tenth of the wavelength λ.

[0155] (Q-5) In each of the above embodiments, the treatment device 100 includes the tubular portion 101, but it may not include the tubular portion 101. Furthermore, in a configuration including the tubular portion 101 or in a configuration not including the tubular portion 101, the electromagnetic field generating unit 50 does not have to face the affected area AP in a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction, and may, for example, face the affected area AP along the predetermined direction. That is, for example, in a configuration including the tubular portion 101, the first electrode 51 may be surrounded by the second electrode 70 in a planar view when viewed in the predetermined direction, rather than in a planar view when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction.

[0156] (Q-6) In each of the above embodiments, the endoscope 150 may not be provided. Also, the display device 160 may not be provided.

[0157] (Q-7) In each of the above embodiments, for example, a plurality of electromagnetic field generators 50 each having different electrode shapes and dimensions may be prepared, and each electromagnetic field generator 50 may be used depending on the size and shape of the tumor or the location of the tumor that has been determined in advance by another test. Such selective use of electromagnetic field generators 50, i.e., replacement of electromagnetic field generators 50, may be performed automatically by the control unit 200 using affected area information, for example.

[0158] (Q-8) In each of the above embodiments, the transmission line 130 may be configured as, for example, a part of the voltage generating unit 110. That is, the first coil 60 may be directly connected to the voltage generating unit 110 by being connected to the high-frequency power supply by the transmission line 130 configured as a part of the voltage generating unit 110. In this case, the tubular portion 101 may house, for example, at least a part of a power supply line for supplying power to the high-frequency power supply.

[0159] R. Other forms: The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be realized in various forms without departing from the spirit thereof. For example, the present disclosure can also be realized in the following forms. The technical features in the above embodiments corresponding to the technical features in each form described below can be appropriately replaced or combined to solve some or all of the problems of the present disclosure or to achieve some or all of the effects of the present disclosure. Furthermore, if a technical feature is not described as essential in this specification, it can be appropriately deleted.

[0160] (1) According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a treatment device comprising: an electromagnetic field generating unit that generates an electromagnetic field; and a transmission line that electrically connects the electromagnetic field generating unit to a high-frequency power supply that generates a high-frequency voltage to be applied to the electromagnetic field generating unit. The electromagnetic field generating unit has a first electrode and a second electrode electrically connected to the high-frequency power supply via the transmission line, and a first coil electrically connecting the first electrode to the transmission line. The first coil is electrically connected between the first electrode and the transmission line, and one of the first electrode and the second electrode is arranged to surround the other electrode in a plan view. According to this embodiment, the affected area can be selectively heated by the electromagnetic field generated in the vicinity of the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0161] (2) In the above embodiment, the second electrode may be disposed so as to surround the first electrode in the plan view, a reference potential may be applied to the second electrode, and the high-frequency voltage may be applied to the first electrode. According to this embodiment, the affected area can be heated more selectively.

[0162] (3) In the above embodiment, the second electrode may be disposed so as to continuously surround the first electrode in the plan view, the first electrode may be connected to an inner conductor of a coaxial cable serving as the transmission line, and the second electrode may be connected to an outer conductor of the coaxial cable. According to this embodiment, the electromagnetic field generating unit can be manufactured more easily.

[0163] (4) In the above embodiment, the circumference of the annular gap between the first electrode and the second electrode may be equal to or less than one-tenth the wavelength of the output electromagnetic field in the plan view. This embodiment allows for more efficient heating of the affected area.

[0164] (5) In the above embodiment, the device further includes a tubular portion configured to be insertable into at least one of the patient's body and the digestive tract, the tubular portion being provided with the electromagnetic field generator, and the planar view may be a planar view when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the portion of the tubular portion where the electromagnetic field generator is provided. According to this embodiment, it is possible to effectively heat a tumor occurring in the wall of the patient's body or the wall of the digestive tract.

[0165] (6) In the above embodiment, the device may further include a needle configured to be able to penetrate beneath the epidermis of the patient's skin through the epidermis, and the electromagnetic field generator may be configured to be able to penetrate beneath the epidermis together with the needle. According to this embodiment, the electromagnetic field generator is penetrated beneath the epidermis together with the needle, thereby effectively heating a tumor that has developed beneath the epidermis.

[0166] (7) The above embodiment may further include a control unit that controls at least one of the magnitude and frequency of the high-frequency voltage in accordance with information about the affected area of ​​the patient, and a storage device that stores a first optimum value related to at least one of the magnitude and frequency of the high-frequency voltage in accordance with the information about the affected area, and the control unit may control at least one of the magnitude and frequency of the high-frequency voltage in accordance with the first optimum value. According to this embodiment, the affected area can be more appropriately heated in accordance with the information about the affected area.

[0167] (8) In the above embodiment, the device may further include an impedance matching circuit connected between the first coil and the high-frequency power supply, the impedance matching circuit including a second coil and a capacitor, a control unit that controls at least one of a constant of the second coil and a constant of the capacitor in accordance with information about the affected area of ​​the patient, and a storage device that stores a second optimal value corresponding to the information about the affected area, the second optimal value being related to at least one of the constant of the second coil and the constant of the capacitor, wherein the first coil is connected in series to the first electrode, and the control unit controls at least one of the constant of the second coil and the constant of the capacitor using the second optimal value. This embodiment allows the affected area to be heated more appropriately in accordance with the information about the affected area.

[0168] (9) In the above embodiment, the first electrode and the second electrode may have a flat plate shape and be arranged parallel to the affected area of ​​the patient. According to this embodiment, the affected area can be heated more efficiently.

[0169] (10) In the above embodiment, the outer shape of the first electrode may be either circular or elliptical in the plan view, the second electrode may have an opening that is either circular or elliptical in the plan view, and the first electrode may be disposed within the opening in the plan view. According to this embodiment, compared to when the openings of the first electrode and the second electrode have angular shapes, it is possible to suppress concentration of the electromagnetic field at specific parts of the electromagnetic field generating unit, such as the edge of the first electrode or the edge of the opening.

[0170] (11) According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a treatment device comprising: an electromagnetic field generating unit that generates an electromagnetic field; and a transmission line that electrically connects the electromagnetic field generating unit to a high-frequency power supply that generates a high-frequency voltage to be applied to the electromagnetic field generating unit. The electromagnetic field generating unit has a first electrode and a second electrode electrically connected to the high-frequency power supply via the transmission line, and a coil electrically connecting the first electrode to the transmission line. The shortest distance between the first electrode and the second electrode is equal to or less than one-tenth of the wavelength of the output electromagnetic field, and the first coil is electrically connected between the first electrode and the transmission line. According to this embodiment, the affected area can be selectively heated by the electromagnetic field generated in the vicinity of the first electrode and the second electrode. [Explanation of symbols]

[0171] 50, 50b, 50f, 50g, 50h, 50i, 50j, 50k, 50L, 50m, 50n, 50o, 50p... electromagnetic field generating portion, 51, 51b, 51g, 51h, 51i, 51j, 51k, 51L, 51m, 51n, 51o, 51p... first electrode, 52... shaft portion, 53A, 53B... branch portion, 53a... first portion, 53b... second portion, 53c... third portion, 53d... fourth portion, 55... electric wire, 60...first coil, 70, 70b, 70g, 70h, 70L...second electrode, 72, 72b, 72g, 72h, 72L...opening, 90...cover portion, 91...side wall portion, 92...upper wall portion, 93...cover hole, 95, 95g, 95L...connecting member, 96...pillar portion, 97...plate-shaped portion, 98...through hole, 100, 100c, 100e...treatment device, 101...tubular portion, 102...first tubular portion, 103...side wall, 104...second 1. Lid portion, 105... second lid portion, 106... hole, 107... second tubular portion, 110... voltage generating portion, 130... transmission line, 131... inner conductor, 132... outer conductor, 150... endoscope, 151... imaging portion, 152... wiring portion, 155... lighting portion, 160... display device, 170... needle portion, 180... impedance matching circuit, 181... second coil, 182, 183... capacitor, 190, 190b... gap cover, 200, 200d, 200e...control unit, 201...processor, 202...storage device, 203...input / output interface, 204...internal bus, 511...first rod-shaped portion, 512...second rod-shaped portion, 513...third rod-shaped portion, 514...fourth rod-shaped portion, 521...first electrode portion, 522...second electrode portion, 523...connecting portion, 531...annular portion, 532...cross portion, 541...third electrode portion, 542...fourth electrode portion

Claims

1. an electromagnetic field generating unit that generates an electromagnetic field; a transmission line electrically connecting the electromagnetic field generating unit and a high-frequency power source that generates a high-frequency voltage to be applied to the electromagnetic field generating unit; the electromagnetic field generating unit includes a first electrode and a second electrode electrically connected to the high-frequency power supply via the transmission line, and a first coil electrically connecting the first electrode and the transmission line; the first coil is electrically connected between the first electrode and the transmission line; A treatment device, wherein one of the first electrode and the second electrode is arranged so as to surround the other electrode in a planar view.

2. 10. The treatment device of claim 1, the second electrode is disposed so as to surround the first electrode in the plan view, A treatment device in which a reference potential is applied to the second electrode and the high-frequency voltage is applied to the first electrode.

3. The treatment device according to claim 2, the second electrode is disposed so as to continuously surround the first electrode in the plan view, the first electrode is connected to an inner conductor of a coaxial cable serving as the transmission line; The second electrode is connected to the outer conductor of the coaxial cable.

4. 10. The treatment device of claim 1, A treatment device in which, in the planar view, the circumference of the annular gap between the first electrode and the second electrode is less than one-tenth of the wavelength of the output electromagnetic field.

5. 10. The treatment device of claim 1, a tubular portion configured to be insertable into at least one of the patient's body and the digestive tract, the tubular portion including the electromagnetic field generating unit; The planar view is a planar view when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the portion of the tubular portion in which the electromagnetic field generating portion is provided.

6. 10. The treatment device of claim 1, a needle portion configured to be able to penetrate through the epidermis of the patient's skin and into the space beneath the epidermis; The electromagnetic field generating unit is configured to be able to enter beneath the epidermis together with the needle unit through the epidermis.

7. 10. The treatment device of claim 1, a control unit that controls at least one of the magnitude and frequency of the high-frequency voltage in accordance with information about the affected area of ​​the patient; a storage device that stores a first optimum value according to information on the affected area, the first optimum value relating to at least one of the magnitude and frequency of the high-frequency voltage; The control unit controls at least one of the magnitude and the frequency of the high-frequency voltage using the first optimal value.

8. 10. The treatment device of claim 1, an impedance matching circuit connected between the first coil and the high frequency power supply, the impedance matching circuit including a second coil and a capacitor; a control unit that controls at least one of a constant of the second coil and a constant of the capacitor of the impedance matching circuit in accordance with information about the affected area of ​​the patient; a storage device that stores a second optimum value according to information on the affected area, the second optimum value relating to at least one of a constant of the second coil and a constant of the capacitor; the first coil is connected in series to the first electrode; The control unit uses the second optimal value to control at least one of the constant of the second coil and the constant of the capacitor.

9. 10. The treatment device of claim 1, A treatment device, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are flat and are arranged parallel to the affected area of ​​the patient.

10. 10. The treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the outer shape of the first electrode is either a circular shape or an elliptical shape in the plan view, the second electrode has an opening that is either circular or elliptical in plan view, The first electrode is disposed within the opening in the plan view.

11. an electromagnetic field generating unit that generates an electromagnetic field; a transmission line electrically connecting the electromagnetic field generating unit and a high-frequency power source that generates a high-frequency voltage to be applied to the electromagnetic field generating unit; the electromagnetic field generating unit includes a first electrode and a second electrode electrically connected to the high-frequency power supply via the transmission line, and a coil electrically connecting the first electrode and the transmission line; the shortest distance between the first electrode and the second electrode is equal to or less than one-tenth of the wavelength of the output electromagnetic field, The coil is electrically connected between the first electrode and the transmission line.

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