Patent ID: 7519420
Filing Date: 2009-04-14
Classification: A61N

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for selectively destroying dividing cells that are in a localized area of living tissue, the dividing cells having polarizable intracellular members, the apparatus comprising: at least two insulated electrodes with each electrode having an associated conductor and a dielectric material, wherein each of the insulated electrodes (a) is configured for placement against the living tissue and (b) has the dielectric material positioned so as to insulate the conductor from the living tissue; and an AC voltage source that applies an alternating electric potential across the conductors such that an electric field is induced in the localized area, wherein the electric field in the dividing cells is transformed into a non-homogenous electric field that produces an increased density electric field in a region of the dividing cells, and wherein the non-homogeneous electric field produced within the dividing cells has amplitude and frequency characteristics such that long-term application of the electric field causes the destruction of cells as they divide, but wherein the electric field is sufficiently small so that during long-term application of the electric field, the destruction of the dividing cells is not caused by heat.