The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Feb. 20, 1996
Filed:
Apr. 15, 1994
Terry Button, East Patchogue, NY (US);
Susan Barbour, Westbury, NY (US);
Justine D Cermignani, Fort Salonga, NY (US);
Eric Crugnale, Port Jefferson, NY (US);
Robert E McGill, Dix Hills, NY (US);
Glenn Spacht, Lloyd Neck, NY (US);
Northrop Grumman Corporation, Los Angeles, CA (US);
Abstract
A hyperthermia treatment apparatus includes an annular radio frequency (RF) antenna array with bolus that is compatible with a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine. Antenna elements polarized parallel to the axis of the cylinder are used for forming a Specific Absorption Ratio (SAR) map as well as for directing the energy to accomplish hyperthermia. The array may be dynamically controlled to focus energy at any specified region within the cylinder. The array is positioned inside an MRI machine and is tuned to the machine's hydrogen resonant frequency. For treatment planning, the array is employed to form an SAR map via RF current density imaging. Using this map, array phase, amplitude, and temporal weighting are optimized until the SAR maxima is congruent with the treatment volume. For treatment, RF radiation is applied to the subject to induce heating of the treatment volume using these optimal array parameters. Temperature is periodically determined via noninvasive MRI methods (i.e., diffusion imaging, T.sub.1 map, etc.) in order to obtain an image that includes isotherms from which the pattern of heating can be observed. Feedback is provided such that adjustment may be made to compensate for bioheat transfer.