1371 results about "Thermal therapy" patented technology

Systems and methods are disclosed to control the temperature of an RF hyperthermia system with minimum overshoot and to improve safety by, among other things, detecting a defective temperature sensor. Temperature overshoot may be minimized by compensating for the short-term temperature difference between the area being treated and the applicator delivering the RF energy. The RF energy may heat the tissue and then the tissue may transfer heat to the applicator sensor. The system may also adapt to various applicator sizes and shapes by modifying control loop coefficients based on initial probe response.

An instrument and method for applying thermal energy to targeted tissue. An instrument and method for tissue thermotherapy. In one embodiment, a method includes providing a vapor source comprising a pump configured for providing a flow of liquid media from a liquid media source into a vaporization chamber having a heating mechanism, actuating the pump to provide the liquid into the vaporization chamber, applying energy from the heating mechanism to convert a substantially water liquid media into a minimum water vapor level for causing an intended effect in tissue. For examples such levels can comprise at least 60% water vapor, at least 70% water vapor, at least 80% water vapor or at least 90% water vapor for causing an intended effect in tissue.

Disclosed herein are methods and systems for producing hemostasis, tissue closure, or vessel closure by inserting a thermal delivery probe into a passageway and emitting thermal energy from the probe to produce the hemostasis or tissue closure. These methods and systems may be used following a percutaneous medical procedure that creates a passageway in tissue of patient, such as is caused by introduction of an access device into the patient. The thermal delivery probe may have one or more ultrasound transducers positioned in an elongated shaft.

An instrument and method for tissue thermotherapy including an inductive heating means to generate a vapor phase media that is used for interstitial, intraluminal, intracavity or topical tissue treatment. In one method, the vapor phase media is propagated from a probe outlet to provide a controlled vapor-to-liquid phase change in an interface with tissue to thereby apply ablative thermal energy delivery.

An instrument and method for tissue thermotherapy including an inductive heating means to generate a vapor phase media that is used for interstitial, intraluminal, intracavity or topical tissue treatment. In one method, the vapor phase media is propagated from a probe outlet to provide a controlled vapor-to-liquid phase change in an interface with tissue to thereby apply ablative thermal energy delivery.

A method and device for inducing anaesthesia in mammals by the application of RF energy to create hyperthermia derived neural anaesthesia. An RF generator drives a plurality of electrodes placed in tissue surrounding the target nerve fibre to desiccate the desired length of nerve fibre to be desiccated in a single deployment. The device allows high-speed selection / de-selection of bipolar electrode pairs or sets under continuous RF excitation. Activation of electrode pairs is adapted in response to sensed current density and temperature (by electrodes not in the current discharge activation phase) in order to create lesions of complex and well defined shape necessary for the production of hyperthermia derived neural anaesthesia.

An embodiment of a non-invasive RF system for inducing hyperthermia in a target area, and a corresponding non-invasive RF method for inducing hyperthermia in a target area are provided. The system includes an RF transmitter and transmission head, and RF receiver and reception head wherein the transmission and reception heads are arranged proximate a target area so that an RF signal between the heads induces hyperthermia in the target area. The method includes arranging the transmission head and reception head proximate and on either side of a target area and transmitting an RF signal through the target area.

An apparatus for treatment of tissue within a body requiring thermotherapy includes a catheter to be inserted into a bodily conduit, an energy-emitting source disposed within the catheter, a compression balloon surrounding the energy-emitting source where the compression balloon has an inflated diameter that is greater than that of the bodily conduit in a relaxed state and an outside surface of the balloon is coated with one of gene modifiers and drug or medication, and means for activating the energy-emitting source to radiate energy to heat the drug-coated compression balloon and tissue to be treated whereby the heated drug-coated compression balloon effectively delivers the one of the gene modifiers and drug or medication to a target area of the diseased tissue. In addition, methods for using the above apparatus to treat diseased tissue are disclosed.

This invention relates to the working end of a medical instrument that applies energy to tissue. In one embodiment, the instrument has a microfluidic tissue-engaging surface fabricated by soft lithography means together with optional superlattice cooling means that allows for very precise control of energy application, for example in neurosurgery applications. The tissue-engaging surface can eject a high-heat content vapor into the engaged tissue for treating tissue, while the superlattice cooling structure can prevent collateral thermal damage. Also, the superlattice cooling structure can be used to localize heat at a selected depth in tissue and prevent surface ablation. Also, the superlattice cooling structure can be used to prevent tissue sticking to a thermal energy delivery surface. In another embodiment, the tissue-engaging surface can be used in a jaw structure for sealing tissue together with hydrojet means for transecting the tissue.

The present invention relates to a device for simultaneously treating a tumor or cancerous growth with both hyperthermia and X-ray radiation using brachytherapy. The device includes a needle-like introducer serving as a microwave antenna. Microwaves are emitted from the introducer to increase the temperature of cancerous body tissue. The introducer is an inner conductor of a coaxial cable. The introducer contains a hollow core which houses an X-ray emitter. The X-ray emitter is connected to a high voltage miniature cable which extends from the X-ray emitter to a high voltage power source. The X-ray emitter emits ionizing radiation to irradiate cancerous tissue. A cooling system is included to control the temperature of the introducer. Temperature sensors placed around the periphery of the tumor monitor the temperature of the treated tissue.

The present invention provides methods for non-invasive localized delivery of biologically active molecules, comprising packaging a molecule(s) of interest inside a thermosensitive particle, administering said particles to a subject, and inducing localized release of said molecules from said particles using a focused heat source. The thermosensitive particles may be thermosensitive polymer nanoparticles or thermosensitive liposomes. The particles may be delivered to a subject by any technique, including infusion. The molecules may be released from the particles using any method which induces localized hyperthermia, including focused ultrasound.

An oxygenation and temperature thermal therapy and oxygenation treatment pad with a plurality of air chambers is disclosed for treatment of skin wound tissues. The air chambers are filled and released by a valve assembly that may be separate from or integrated within the blanket. The thermal therapy and oxygenation treatment pad includes a fluid bladder for delivering hot and / or cold therapy to a patient in conjunction with oxygenation. The temperature therapy blanket may also include an air bladder for providing compression. Oxygenation is provided subsequent to initial heating in order to promote oxygen absorption by the wound tissues prior to the cooling thereof which facilitates pulling oxygen into the wound tissues. This Abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an Abstract that allows a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain subject matter of the technical disclosure. This Abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

The combination of contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and MR-guided subcutaneous core biopsy can be used as a robust approach for the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. MRI provides the means to accurately position and monitor interventional procedures such as biopsy, removal of tissue or other transcanular procedures. MRI may also be used in this invention to position and monitor the progress of breast conserving therapies (BCT), such as laser photo-ablation, cryoablation and localized hyperthermia. The general practice of this invention is to provide a remotely controlled apparatus for MR-guided interventional procedures in the breast. The apparatus allows the practice of a method that provides flexibility in conditioning the breast, i.e. orientation and degree of compression, and in setting the trajectory of the intervention. To that end, a robust conditioning / positioning device, fitted with the appropriate degrees of freedom, enhances the efficacy and efficiency of breast interventions by providing the flexibility in planning and executing an appropriate procedure strategy that better suits interventional procedures, either those in current use or yet to be developed. The novelty and potential commercial success of the device originates from its high maneuverability to set and perform the procedure strategy and its adaptability to accommodate an array of interventional probes. Remote control of this device can allow planning the operation and performing the relevant tasks in a short period, for example, within the contrast window provided by a single injection of a contrast agent, and this feature can be operator-independent.

A microwave hyperthermia apparatus that can be inserted into the body which includes a hollow central tube for the insertion of radioactive therapy sources. The use of a coaxial transmission line impedance transformation along the insertable portion of the coaxial cable enables a reduction in the characteristic impedance by increasing the outer diameter of the inner coaxial conductor so that the center conductor can be a metal tube. If the ratio of the outer coaxial conductor diameter vs. the inner coaxial conductor is decreased, the characteristic impedance of the transmission line is lowered. This enables the inner conductor diameter to increase sufficiently to make the central hollow opening large enough to receive standard radioactive sources therein. This provides for a good impedance match that improves microwave energy efficiency while at the same time permitting a large hollow center opening. The combination of the microwave antenna device and brachytherapy sources provides for enhanced effectiveness when the two treatments are delivered simultaneously or in close time proximity to each other.

Apparatus (10) for treating skin tissue with microwave radiation (e.g. having a frequency of 1 GHz to 300 GHz) is disclosed in which an array of radiating elements (18), e.g. patch antennas are arranged on a flexible treating surface (16) for locating over and conforming with a region of skin tissue (24) to be treated. The radiating elements (18) receive microwave energy from a feed structure and are configured to emit outwardly a electromagnetic field which permits the region of skin to a substantially uniform penetration depth. Each radiating element (18) may have an independently controllable power supply to permit relative adjustment of the field across the treatment surface. Each radiating element may have a monitoring unit to allow adjust based on detected reflected power. Each independently controllable power supply may include a dynamic impedance matching unit.

A device for directly applying thermotherapeutic liquid to an area upon the surface of an afflicted patient, and methods of use thereof, are described. In particular a device for applying water-based liquid at a therapeutic temperature directly to an afflicted area in order to create a localized hyperthermia, is presented. The afflicted area may be either on the skin of the patient, or subcutaneous. The device is also effective for disinfection, irrigation, lavage, and the like, when employing a suitable solution. The liquid may also have a mild oxidizing effect, which, if greater upon afflicted than upon non-afflicted cells, would enhance the therapeutic effect in conjunction with the therapy herein described.

Disclosed are therapeutic methods for the treatment of disease material involving administration of a thermotherapeutic magnetic composition, which contains single-domain magnetic particles attached to a target-specific ligand, to a patient and application of an alternating magnetic field to inductively heat the thermotherapeutic magnetic composition. Also disclosed are methods of administering the thermotherapeutic magnetic material composition. The thermotherapeutic methods may be used where the predetermined target is associated with diseases, such as cancer, diseases of the immune system, and pathogen-borne diseases, and undesirable targets, such as toxins, reactions associated with organ transplants, hormone-related diseases, and non-cancerous diseased cells or tissue.

An apparatus for applying thermal therapy to a prostate gland, comprising a support tube having a longitudinal central passageway, a power lead channeled through the longitudinal central passageway and an ultrasound crystal disposed around at least part of the support tube. The ultrasound crystal is coupled to the power lead which provides the power to energize the ultrasound crystal and generate ultrasound energy providing thermal therapy to the prostate gland. The ultrasound crystal further includes inactivated portions for reducing ultrasound energy directed to the rectal wall of the patient. A sealant is disposed in contact with the ultrasound crystal allowing vibration necessary for efficient ultrasound energy radiation for the thermal therapy to the prostate gland.

A device for providing therapeutic treatment to a body part such as a joint to promote healing of the body part comprises a signal generator for generating a pulsed electromagnetic field based upon a selected treatment mode, a controller for storing the treatment mode and communicating the treatment mode to the signal generator, a heat source configured to provide thermal therapy to the body part, and monitoring means for monitoring the electromagnetic field generated by the electromagnetic stimulating means. The device may also include telemetry means in communication with the monitoring means for remotely accessing the controller to modify the treatment mode. The device can also be disposable.

A portable thermal therapeutic apparatus, adapted to transfer heat between a creature and the atmosphere by circulating heat transfer fluid within a conduit held in contact with the creature. The apparatus includes a housing with a support structure that is particularly adapted for portable use. A heat pump is disposed within the housing, and operates to transfer heat between a first portion and a manifold. A heat sink is thermally coupled to the first portion, and transfers heat between the first portion and the atmosphere. A pump is disposed within the housing and circulates the fluid through the manifold and the conduit. A power supply is disposed within the housing and drives the pump, thereby causing the fluid to circulate within the manifold and the conduit. The power supply is also provides direct current to the heat pump, thereby causing heat to flow from the manifold to the first portion.

A form-fitting elastic garment includes a plurality of pockets at locations corresponding to a plurality of muscle groups and / or tendons. The pockets are adapted to receive a thermal medium and hold the thermal medium tightly against a muscle group and / or tendons of a wearer. A thermal therapy kit includes a thermally insulated container storing a thermal medium and such a form fitting garment.

A thermotherapeutic pad for applying heat or cold to a body part. The pad has a material for releasing or absorbing heat and a thermally conductive envelope for containing the granular material. The pad also has a holder for removably holding a cold pack adjacent to the envelope. The thermotherapeutic pad may provide heat by heating the material and placing the envelope against the body part, and the thermotherapeutic pad may absorb heat by placing a cooled cold pack into the holder and placing the portion of the pad comprising the cold pack against the body part.

The present invention relates to minimally invasive surgery techniques. It provides a method for manufacturing an antenna for percutaneous acute hyperthermia microwave applications of the monopole or dipole co-axial type provided with trap, commonly called choke, for blocking the propagation of the backwards reflecting wave towards the generator. The miniaturization of the device allows a use minimally invasive for interstitial hyperthermia in medicine and surgery, in particular for oncology. The method of manufacturing the antenna provides a metal needle (1) for the introduction of the antenna (2,3,4) in the target tissue. On the external conductor (4) of the antenna (2) a metal collar 6 is connected in a predetermined position; a plastics sheath (5) is applied in order to cover the external conductor (2) in the portion between the feed (7) and the collar 6; the inner wall of the metal needle 1 wherein the antenna is inserted is then used for containing and guiding the collar 6 and the sheath 5; in particular, the collar 6 being in electrical contact with the inner wall of the metal needle 1. An antenna is thus obtained with choke of variable length and with miniaturized diameter. A thermocouple can be introduced through the choke that protrudes the directly in the “feed” zone.

A patient temperature control system and method are provided for automated temperature control according to a programmed protocol. In one aspect, at least one programmed protocol may be established for each of a plurality of patient thermal therapy phases. In turn, the temperature of a thermal exchange medium may be controlled, based at least in part, upon the programmed protocol, during each of the phases. In another aspect, a plurality of programmed protocols may be established, wherein a selected one of the protocols (e.g. selected by a user at a user interface) may be utilized for automated temperature control during patient thermal therapy. The protocol(s) may include a target patient temperature and / or a set duration for one or more of the phase of thermal therapy. Further, the protocol(s) may be user-definable and modifiable during therapy. In a multi-phase configuration, automatic termination and initiation of successive phases may be selectively established by a user, based on target patient temperature data and / or set duration data on a phase-specific basis.

A device for providing therapeutic treatment to a body part such as a knee joint to promote healing of the body part, including a signal generator for generating a pulsed electromagnetic field to electromagnetic stimulators based upon a selected treatment mode, a controller for storing the treatment mode and communicating the treatment mode to the signal generator and stimulators, a heat source configured to provide thermal therapy to the body part, and a monitoring element for monitoring the electromagnetic field generated by the electromagnetic stimulators. The device may also include a telemetry component in communication with the monitor for remotely accessing the controller to modify the treatment mode. The device can also be disposable.

Methods, systems, and computer program products for providing thermal therapies or internal thermal massage therapy for treating prostatitis by expanding and contracting a treatment balloon with inflation media and currently applying heat to a portion of the prostatic urethra.

Disclosed herein are methods and systems for producing hemostasis, tissue closure, or vessel closure by inserting a thermal delivery probe into a passageway and emitting thermal energy from the probe to produce the hemostasis or tissue closure. These methods and systems may be used following a percutaneous medical procedure that creates a passageway in tissue of patient, such as is caused by introduction of an access device into the patient. The thermal delivery probe may have one or more ultrasound transducers positioned in an elongated shaft.

An apparatus and method for treating an intervertebral disc having an inner nucleus pulpous and an outer annulus fibrous includes a thermal probe defining proximal and distal ends and having a guidable region adjacent the distal end thereof. The guidable region is characterized by having sufficient rigidity to advance within the annulus fibrous of the intervertebral disc in response to an axial force exerted on the proximal end of the thermal probe while having sufficient flexibility to substantially follow and conform to an azimuthal course defined by the natural striata of the annulus fibrous. The thermal probe is adapted for connection to a thermal energy source to provide thermal energy to the annulus fibrous to alleviate pain associated with the intervertebral disc.

A method is described for preventing breast cancer recurrence after surgical removal of a breast cancer mass. Specifically, the method is thermal treatment of breast tissue surrounding a cavity after lumpectomy for breast cancer. Delivery of a heated fluid is through a balloon catheter to the cavity generated after lumpectomy with the goal of ablating the surrounding tissue, including transformed cells that were not removed through surgery. A balloon and controller were designed for this application.