Patent ID: 6768925
Filing Date: 2004-07-27
Classification: A61N

Abstract:
A method for protecting the breast skin and chest wall region during treatment of cancerous or benign conditions of the breast by selective irradiation of the breast tissue with focused microwave energy using breast compression paddles and microwave applicators, comprising the steps of:a) positioning a microwave absorber pad on the top surface of each energy applicator to absorb microwave radiation to avoid overheating the breast skin and chest wall region; b) positioning a microwave absorber pad on the top surface of each breast compression paddle to absorb microwave radiation to avoid overheating the breast skin and chest wall region; c) attaching a metallic shield over the top portion of the microwave applicator aperture to block microwave radiation to avoid overheating the breast skin and chest wall region; d) attaching a metallic shield covering the top portion of each breast compression paddle on the surface facing the microwave applicator to block microwave radiation to avoid overheating the breast skin and chest wall region; e) directing air or cooled air by means of fans or tubes into an air gap region near the top of the breast compression paddles to avoid overheating the breast skin and chest wall region; f) directing air or cooled air by means of fans or tubes toward the sides of the breast skin and nipple to avoid overheating the sides of the breast skin and nipple; and g) inserting a catheter containing a fiber optic temperature probe and an E-field focusing probe to focus the microwave radiation prior to thermotherapy into a skin entry site where the E-field focusing probe can be removed prior to treatment to avoid overheating the skin entry site.