Patent ID: 6537306
Filing Date: 2003-03-25
Classification: A61B,A61F,A61N

Abstract:
An apparatus for applying thermal therapy to a prostate gland, comprising:a support tube having a longitudinal central passageway defined by a wall and further including a radial aperture in the wall of said support tube; a power lead threaded through said longitudinal central passageway of said support tube and also threaded through said radial aperture; an ultrasound crystal having a generally cylindrical shape disposed over at least a portion of said support tube and having an electrode portion coupled from said ultrasound crystal to said power lead, said ultrasound crvstal energized to generate ultrasound energy to provide the thermal therapy for the prostate by power applied through said power lead to said ultrasound crystal, and said ultrasound crystal, and said ultrasound crystal including a first portion for generating ultrasound energy and a second portion physically coupled to said first portion and rendered incapable of producing any substantial ultrasound energy using generally longitudinal cuts in said electrode portion; and an outer covering disposed over said support tube, said outer covering comprising a shrink wrap material.