Patent ID: 7136699
Filing Date: 2006-11-14
Classification: A61N

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for selectively destroying dividing cells in living tissue, the dividing cells having polarizable or polar intracellular members, the apparatus comprising: a first insulated electrode having a first conductor and a first insulating layer, wherein the first insulated electrode is configured for placement against the living tissue with the first insulating layer disposed between the first conductor and the living tissue so as to insulate the first conductor from the living tissue; a second insulated electrode having a second conductor and a second insulating layer, wherein the second insulated electrode is configured for placement against the living tissue with the second insulating layer disposed between the second conductor and the living tissue so as to insulate the second conductor from the living tissue; and an electric field source for applying an alternating electric potential across the first and second conductors, wherein the amplitude and frequency of the electric field source and the capacitance of the insulating layers are such that, when the electrodes are placed against the living tissue and the alternating electric potential is applied across the first and second conductors, an electric field is induced in the living tissue, the induced electric field having characteristics such that passage of the electric field through the dividing cells in late anaphase or telophase transforms the electric field into & non-homogenous electric field that produces an increased density electric field in a region of a cleavage furrow of the dividing cells, the non-homogeneous electric field produced within the dividing cells being of sufficient intensity to move the polarizable intracellular members toward the cleavage.