Patent ID: 6958075
Filing Date: 2005-10-25
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method of thermotherapy for treating tissue adjacent a bodily conduit comprising the steps of: inserting an electromagnetic energy-emitting source containing catheter into a bodily conduit so that an electromagnetic energy-emitting source is positioned in a region of the prostate in order to radiate energy that heats tissue to be treated adjacent the bodily conduit; circulating fluid warmed to over 30° C. into and through the catheter to warm bodily conduit walls adjacent the catheter, the bodily conduit walls being located between the electromagnetic energy-emitting containing catheter and the tissue to be heated; heating a portion of the tissue surrounding the bodily conduit to a temperature of approximately 43° C. for a time sufficient to destroy the heated portion of the tissue via the electromagnetic energy-emitting source, said warmed fluid being circulated during the heating step; and terminating the heating of the tissue upon completion of the time sufficient to destroy the heated portion of the tissue.