Bsd Medical Corporation

Thermatrx, Inc.

Ams Research Corporation

Theron N Schaefermeyer

Paul F Turner

Charles F Manker

Aaron P Perlmutter

Dixie T Sells

Amer M Tumeh

Trung V Nguyen

Philip A Terry

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

Therapeutic prostatic thermotherapy

An energy radiation applicator apparatus for hyperthermic treatment of targeted tissue in a patient is provided. The apparatus comprises a catheter for insertion into the patient, and an applicator operatively attached to the catheter and an energy source sufficient for elevating the temperature of targeted tissue in proximity to the applicator to a preselected temperature and for maintaining the preselected temperature during treatment. It may also comprise a positioning mechanism operatively attached to the catheter so that the applicator may be positioned at a desired position in proximity to the targeted tissue to be treated, a temperature sensor operatively attached to the catheter and in operative association with the applicator for measuring the temperature of the targeted tissue, and a locator for determining whether the applicator remains at the desired position. The locator is operatively attached to the energy source and deactivates the energy source when the conditions exist that permit the applicator to move from the desired position.

Apparatus and method for heat treatment of tissue

A method for the treatment of the prostate gland which heats the tissues which would otherwise be surgically removed with a trans-urethral resection of the prostate. This method is accomplished by combining a radiating energy device integrated with a urinary drainage Foley type catheter, which is modified to provide cooling along the urethra surfaces. The radiating device also serves as a means to measure the tissue radiated thermal energy for the control or monitoring of temperature of the prostate tissues being heated. A urethral inserted applicator for prostate hyperthermia includes a multi-tube, balloon type catheter. The catheter includes a fluid dry tube for an energy radiator antenna applicator which also serves as a radiometric temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the prostate tissue, and an open fluid receiving tube. An electromagnetic energy generator supplies electromagnetic energy to the applicator. A comparator is connected to the temperature output of the radiometer, and a temperature reference potentiometer for comparing the actual tissue temperature level with a desired temperature level and outputting control signals to the electromagnetic generator for controlling the output to the applicator. The microwave operated applicator is preferably an elongated coil having the tip end connected to the center conductor of a coaxial cable and the opposite end connected to the outer conductor of the coaxial cable. A sheet or sheath of insulation material covers the microwave coil antenna for insulating the coil from the tissue and the thickness of the sheet may be varied to provide uniform tissue heating along the length of the coil. The ultrasound operated applicator is preferably one or more ultrasound crystal cylinders to radiate energy into the tissue and convert tissue thermal ultrasonic energy into electrical energy for measurement by a radiometer, The balloon of the catheter engages the body's bladder to position the applicator properly during the treatment.

Urethral inserted applicator prostate hyperthermia

A urethral inserted applicator for prostate hyperthermia includes a multi-tube, balloon type catheter. The catheter includes first and second closed end fluid dry tubes, respectively, for a helical coil electrode type applicator, and an electromagnetic field compatible temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the prostate tissue, and an open fluid receiving tube enabling urine drainage from the bladder. A radiofrequency source supplies electromagnetic energy to the applicator. A control unit contains a comparator which is connected to the temperature sensor and a temperature reference device for comparing the actual tissue temperature level with a desired temperature level and output control signals to the radiofrequency generator for controlling the output to the applicator. The coil type applicator is an elongated coil connected to the center conductor of a coaxial cable. A second electrode is connected to the outer conductor of the connecting cable providing a ground current return of the heating current. A sheet or sheath of insulation material covers the coil electrode for insulating the coil from the tissue and the thickness of the sheet may be varied to provide uniform tissue heating along the length of the coil. The balloon of the catheter engages the body's bladder to position the applicator properly during the treatment.

Urethral inserted applicator for prostate hyperthermia

A urethral inserted applicator for prostate hyperthermia includes a multi-tube, balloon type catheter. The catheter includes first and second closed end fluid dry tubes, respectively, for a helical coil antenna type applicator, and a microwave type temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the prostate tissue, and an open fluid receiving tube. A microwave generator supplies electromagnetic energy to the applicator. A comparator is connected to the temperature sensor and a temperature reference potentiometer for comparing the actual tissue temperature level with a desired temperature level and outputting control signals to the microwave generator for controlling the output to the applicator. The coil type applicator is an elongated coil having a tip end connected to the center conductor of a coaxial cable and an opposite end connected to the outer conductor of the coaxial cable. A sheet or sheath of insulation material covers the coil antenna for insulating the coil from the tissue and the thickness of the sheet may be varied to provide uniform tissue heating along the length of the coil. The balloon of the catheter engages the body's bladder to position the applicator properly during the treatment.

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North Salt Lake, UT, United States of America

Theron N Schaefermeyer