Patent ID: 6216703
Filing Date: 2001-04-17
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A method of treating a prostate for benign prostatic hyperplasia or prostatitis in a patient having a urethra, comprising elevating the temperature of the prostate to a destination temperature and for a time sufficient to achieve a therapeutic effect on the prostate, the energy being applied with a catheter system comprisinga non-cooled catheter for insertion into the urethra,a heat applicator attached to the catheter. and a connector for connecting the applicator to an energy source, the method comprisinga first heating step of warming tissue proximal to the applicator up to an initial temperature, the initial temperature being in the range of about 42.degree. C. to about 46.degree. C.,followed by a second heating step, the second heating step comprising gradually increasing the temperature of the tissue proximal to the applicator to the destination temperature in the range of from 49.degree. C. to about 57.degree. C. such that the mean rate of increase in temperature is from about 0.5 minute/.degree. C. to about 15 minute/.degree. C.