Radio frequency, electromagnetic radiation device having orbital mount

Abstract

A method and apparatus for treating tumors, both benign and malignant, involving radio frequency heating of the tumor within the body of the animal host, the method comprising precisely locating and monitoring the tumor to be treated and so positioning radio frequency apparatus that sufficient energy is absorbed therefrom by the tumor for a period of time and with intensity sufficient to cause necrosis of said tumor, but without substantially affecting the tissues surrounding said tumor. The preferred apparatus is adapted for connecting the radio frequency treatment equipment to the output of a body scanner or the like such that the exact position and configuration of the tumor can be plotted in terms of rectangular coordinates and the radio frequency equipment can then be directed or focused precisely on the tumor location. Moreover, to avoid excessive heating or thermal damage to the surrounding tissue, the applicator plates or discs are moved in an orbital manner such that the tumor always lies on the axis between the applicator plates, and the radio frequency energy is concentrated therein. However, by dint of the orbital movement of the applicators, the energy is not continuously being applied to a confined area, i.e., to immediately surrounding tissue but is rather applied over a comparatively large surface area so as not to affect the surrounding tissue adversely.