Patent ID: 6016452
Filing Date: 2000-01-18
Classification: A61B,A61N

Abstract:
A system for the radiofrequency hyperthermia treatment of prostatic tissue, which comprises:a transurethral applicator including:a housing;an elongated portion extending from the housing and dimensioned to be introduced within the urethral passage of a patient;at least three radiofrequency bipolar electrodes supported within the elongated portion and being deployable to penetrate a urethra wall defining the urethral passage and enter prostatic tissue to define a predetermined electrode arrangement therein;a deployment mechanism associated with the housing for deploying the at least three bipolar electrodes, the deployment mechanism including a first actuator connected to a first bipolar electrode and selectively movable to selectively deploy the first bipolar electrode and a second actuator connected to a second and a third bipolar electrode and selectively movable to selectively deploy the second and the third bipolar electrodes to control positioning of the second and third bipolar electrode relative to the first bipolar electrode; anda radiofrequency source connected to the three bipolar electrodes for supplying radiofrequency energy such that the predetermined electrode arrangement generates a three dimensional thermal energy pattern within the prostatic tissue.