Patent ID: 8512328
Filing Date: 2013-08-20
Classification: A61B,A61N

Abstract:
1. A device for directing energy to a target volume of tissue, comprising: a helical antenna assembly that includes a helical antenna radiating section, wherein the helical antenna radiating section includes a helical antenna element; and a sleeve member disposed coaxially about the helical antenna element, wherein the helical antenna assembly is configured to operate in at least a first mode of operation where the helical antenna element radiates energy at a first wavelength for directing energy into a first portion of the target volume of tissue and a second mode of operation where the helical antenna element radiates energy at a second wavelength for directing energy into a second portion of the target volume of tissue, wherein the sleeve member is formed of a ferroelectric dielectric material having a variable dielectric constant, the ferroelectric dielectric material of the sleeve member configured to vary the wavelength of the energy radiated by the helical antenna element between the first and second modes of operation, and wherein the helical antenna assembly is configured to vary the dielectric constant of the sleeve member through the application of a DC voltage field to the ferroelectric dielectric material of the sleeve member.