Patent ID: 6640138
Filing Date: 2003-10-28
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
An energy radiation applicator apparatus for hyperthermic treatment of targeted tissue in a patient, comprising:a catheter for insertion into the patient; an antenna operatively carried by the catheter and an energy source sufficient for elevating the temperature of targeted tissue in proximity to the antenna to a preselected temperature and for maintaining the preselected temperature during treatment; a positioning mechanism operatively attached to the catheter, separate from the antenna, for positioning the antenna in desired proximity to the targeted tissue to be treated; a temperature sensor operatively attached to the catheter and in operative association with the antenna for measuring the temperature of the targeted tissue; and a locator for determining whether the antenna remains at the desired position, wherein the locator measures the relative movement between the catheter and the patient to determine whether the antenna has moved from the desired position, and wherein the locator is operatively attached to the energy source for deactivating the energy source when the antenna moves from the desired position.