3D microwave system and methods

A therapeutic microwave system comprises a support unit having two or more separable segments; a microwave power assembly positioned between two separated segments of the support unit and including two or more microwave power supply devices; position adjustment componentry; and a central processing unit. The system may further include a temperature sensor for monitoring a treated subject's exhaled air temperature in real time and adjusting microwave irradiation accordingly, and a cooling device for controlling the patient's brain temperature during treatment.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY FUNDED RESEARCH

Not applicable.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a microwave system and methods of treatment that are effective in the treatment of a variety of medical disorders.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In various situations it may become desirable to warm or heat a body portion of a subject on a relatively rapid, but controlled basis, in order to achieve a predetermined level of warming. While various methods and approaches have been available for such purposes, they have tended to be slow, ineffective or not readily controllable as to the degree of warming or heating achieved. It has also been difficult to control the positional application and effects to selected areas, relative to other body portions. Certain other mediums, such as x-rays, are difficult to contain and potentially injurious to operators and patients. Also, many potential approaches and mediums capable of providing body heating are not amenable to heating of a subject's entire or substantially entire body on a readily controllable basis.

The microwave body heating system disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,922,013 uses two or more focused waves of microwave energy. A fan wave or transversely scanned wave is directed to a narrow transverse section of a subject's body. The transversely scanned or fan wave is moved longitudinally down the body in a controlled sequential incremental manner. Scanning times, patterns and radiated power levels are controlled in predetermined or monitored formats to achieve desired levels of heating of an entire body or localized area. Microwave frequency energy is provided by two or more magnetron type devices in a variably positionable microwave power assembly, which is longitudinally scanned under control of a robotic motor. The complete disclosure of U.S. Pat. No. 5,922,013 is hereby incorporated by reference.

Modem microwave systems for therapeutic use are based on a magnetron element for generation of microwave energy. A magnetron is a high-powered vacuum tube that generates coherent microwaves. A magnetron works by providing a plurality of resonating cavities arrayed around a central cavity that act to induce a resonant field within the central cavity, which can be directed into a waveguide for delivery and use. By default, the waveform that emits from a magnetron is approximately sinusoidal. Investigators have experimented with a variety of frequencies to kill microorganisms. Work by Dr. Royal Raymond Rife and others showed that audio frequencies with a square wave could be therapeutically effective.

Notwithstanding the therapeutic advancements described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,922,013, the need continues to exist for systems and methods of treatment that optimally apply microwave therapies in a non-injurious manner. This need proves particularly acute in the treatment of illnesses such as tuberculosis and lung cancer, where treated lung cells are temperature-sensitive and can prove to be particularly susceptible to microwave heating.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, the invention provides a system that heats body portions using controlled microwave energy. The system comprises a support unit that may be comprised of two or more separable segments and that is adapted to support a subject or subject body portion. A microwave power assembly is adapted for the receipt of the subject or subject body portion and may be positioned between two separated segments of the support unit. The microwave power assembly is adapted to move translationally in an axial direction relative to the sectioned support unit (e.g., by affixation to upright, track-mounted supports) and comprises two or more microwave power supply devices that are moveably mounted to a support frame (e.g., an annular support frame) and that are adapted to move radially, circumferentially, and/or translationally, either independently or in tandem with one another. Each of the microwave power supply devices is capable of emitting a focused directional wave of microwave frequency energy at a controllable power level.

Position adjustment elements such as a robotic arm are provided to electromechanically position the microwave power assembly and the two or more microwave power supply devices. As described further hereinafter, in certain embodiments, the two or more microwave power supply devices comprise antennas that can move radially, circumferentially, or translationally, either independently or in tandem (jointly) with one another.

A central processor unit in electronic communication with the position adjustment elements and the two or more microwave power supply devices controls the positioning of the microwave power assembly and the two or more microwave power supply devices, and also controls at least one of the power levels, the wave focus, the wavelength, phase, wave direction, and waveform of each of the waves of microwave frequency energy emitted by the two or more microwave power supply devices.

In another preferred embodiment, the two or more microwave power supply devices generate square wave microwaves.

In another preferred embodiment, the aforementioned systems of the invention comprise means for detecting the temperature of air exhaled by the subject and adjusting irradiation based on exhaled air temperature. The means for detecting the temperature of air exhaled by the subject can include means for anesthetizing the subject.

In still another preferred embodiment, the invention provides a noninvasive mechanism for measuring the temperature of the lungs in real time. In general, this embodiment involves measuring the temperature of outflowing, exhaled air and deriving internal lung temperature as a function of this and other measurements.

In other embodiments, the invention provides methods of treatment that use the aforementioned system.

By facilitating optimum subject orientation and placement during treatment, improving microwave targeting, and enabling real-time monitoring of a subject's lung temperature during treatment, the invention improves on known microwave therapies and proves particularly useful in the treatment of disorders such as tuberculosis and lung cancer. Specifically, systems and methods of the invention achieve deeper microwave penetration through the skin of a treated subject. Skin burning is eliminated by moving the microwave power supply devices relative to the patient's skin surface, to avoid dwelling on any spot for an excessive period. Further, robotic systems of the invention enable continuous targeting of one internal portion of the body while changing the skin area that is subject to irradiation.

These and other aspects of the invention are explained further in the following detailed description of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following is a description of alternative preferred embodiments of the invention. These embodiments are illustrative only, and the invention, as defined by the claims, is by no means limited to particular examples shown. For example, certain preferred embodiments are described in relation to an implementation with specific fasteners, sensors and tubing, but it should be appreciated that the disclosure that follows was intended to enable those skilled in the art readily to apply the teachings set forth to other commonly available hardware and electronics. The specific features of any particular embodiment should not be understood as limiting the scope of what may be claimed.

As illustrated inFIG. 1, a subject1is disposed face-up on a support unit5which is comprised of a plurality of separable segments7and which is supported by legs60. The segments7are separated from one another and selectively removable and replaceable so as to provide a repositionable opening for receiving the bottom portion of translationally moveable microwave power assembly10at the desired axial (head-to-foot) position. A microwave power assembly10is disposed between two separated segments of support unit5. As noted above, Microwave power assembly10is axially translationally movable relative to support unit5, and repositionable with respect thereto by removing and replacing the appropriate segments7and translationally moving microwave power assembly10to the desired axial position. Microwave power assembly10is adapted for the receipt of subject1. Microwave power assembly10comprises an annular support frame or housing12and microwave power supply devices or sources20(e.g., magnetrons with antennas, not separately labeled), that are affixed to support rings15via respective movable couplings17and robotic arms25, and adapted to move, alternately independently and in tandem (jointly) with one another, radially and/or circumferentially relative to support frame or housing12, and translationally therewith. Thus, subject to the control of a central processor unit40(described further hereinafter), support rings15allow microwave power supply devices20to move independently of each other in a radial direction relative to support housing12, and as a unit with no relative movement between each other.

Each of the two or more microwave power supply devices20is capable of emitting a focused directional wave of microwave frequency energy at a controllable power level. Microwave power supply devices20can be repositioned by robotic arms25, e.g., they can be extended and retracted to change their radial positions from center (distance from the treatment point). The two or more microwave power supply devices20transmit cancelling/reinforcing wave patterns and allow microwave energy to be focused on a surface, line, point or volume.

Subject1is positioned so that his head is beyond the range of axial motion of the microwave power assembly10in order to avoid harmful head irradiation. The two or more microwave power supply devices20are mounted via couplings17on the head-facing side of the support rings15. That is so that when microwave power assembly10is positioned in its most head-ward position, support rings15will still be positioned well below the heads allowing clear access for a breathing port element (e.g., breathing mask)30. Radial movement via support rings15, and/or movement toward and away from the patient via robotic arms25, is applied during treatment to keep the point of application of microwave energy in motion relative to the patient's skin surface, to eliminate skin burning.

Microwave power assembly10is adapted to move translationally in an axial direction relative to support unit5by affixation to supports50(FIGS. 1 and 4) that engage and are adapted for translational movement along tracks55. Before microwave power assembly10moves translationally in an axial direction relative to support unit5, subject1must be shifted and appropriate segments7must be removed, repositioned and replaced.

A central processor unit40is supported on a table65, is in electronic communication with microwave power supply devices or sources20and robotic arms25and couplings17, is adapted to control the positioning of microwave power assembly10and the two or more microwave power supply devices20by repositioning of robotic arms25, and is arranged to control at least one of the power level, the wave focus, the wavelength, frequency, phase, wave direction, and waveform of each of said waves of microwave frequency energy emitted by microwave power supply devices20. Central processor unit40includes a memory unit, a keyboard unit, and a display unit, together with such additional computer components and programming as may suitably be provided by skilled persons.

As explained more fully below in the descriptions ofFIGS. 6 and 7, the breathing port element (e.g., breathing mask)30can include means for detecting the temperature of air exhaled by subject1. The means for detecting the temperature of air exhaled by subject1are in electronic communication through line35with central processor unit40to correlate and control microwave emission based on the temperature of air exhaled by subject1.

Sprayers400and401inFIG. 1each generate a fine mist of coolant to effect a rapid and controlled cooling of the brain of a patient, as explained further hereinafter.

FIG. 2illustrates the same system embodiment as that shown inFIG. 1, except that subject1inFIG. 2is positioned on his side. Alternatively, subject1can remain on his back, and sources20can be rotated to the same effect.

FIG. 3is a plan view of the system depicted inFIG. 1.

FIG. 4is a side elevational view of microwave power assembly10depicted inFIG. 1.

FIG. 5is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the microwave power assembly10depicted inFIGS. 1,2, and4. InFIG. 5, two microwave antennas A (corresponding to microwave power supply devices20inFIGS. 1,2, and4) are attachable to a track ring B by a robotic linkage300(corresponding to robotic arm25inFIGS. 1,2, and4). Antennas A each have servo motors325that allow them to be moved, independently of each other, circumferentially along track ring B. Servomotors325are connected to track B by couplings17(not shown). Track ring B is rigidly mounted to a circumferentially aligned support ring C. Support rings15inFIGS. 1,2, and4are part of track ring B. Support ring C is mounted in a circumferentially movable manner relative to an annular support housing D, which corresponds to annular support frame or housing12inFIGS. 1-4. Annular support housing D is fixedly attached to two side upright support members305, which correspond to supports50inFIGS. 1,2, and4. When support ring C rotates relative to annular support housing D, track ring B moves with support ring C and rotates microwave antennas A in tandem. Thus, microwave antennas A can move circumferentially independently of each other (via translation along track ring B under the action of servomotors325) or in tandem (via rotation of support ring C relative to annular support housing D). In addition, robotic linkage300can further position antennas A, particularly radially (toward and away from the treated subject, and selectively at multiple angles to the subject).

Any plural number of microwave power supply devices (e.g., antennas A depicted inFIG. 5) can be used in systems of the invention. Positions of microwave power supply devices, wavelength control wave cancellation and reinforcement, and the optimization of such variables to affect targeting and range, can be controlled, e.g., as indicated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,922,013. The word “microwave” is nominally defined with reference to wavelengths from one to one hundred centimeters. Microwave power supply devices20(or A) typically used in the system of the invention include a transverse linear array of magnetron or other suitable components with appropriate local control circuitry.

On the basis of energy input requirements predetermined for given body weight, or sensing of energy absorption and body temperature, narrow incremental sections of the subject's body may be sequentially heated to a temperature adequate for a purpose such as killing infectious agents, such as bacteria or viruses, or undesired neoplasms such as tumors, in a continuous sequential process of one or more complete scans, thereby enabling cooling to take place promptly after desired heating is achieved, so as to eliminate permanent or temporary bodily injury. It will be appreciated, however, that in treatment of a fatal condition, some level of localized bodily damage or injury may be acceptable to the subject involved, in view of overall results which may be achievable.

In one embodiment, systems and methods of the invention use microwaves that are generated or delivered with a square waveform. A square waveform is generated by altering the dimensions and spacing of the cavities within a magnetron. Use of square waveform microwaves should enhance the treatment of infections and diseased cells. Use of square waveforms may improve therapeutic effect, reduce subject overheating, and minimize the need for patient cooling.

In other embodiments of the invention, a standard magnetron is used to generate microwaves, but the microwave waveform is modified. In still another embodiment of the invention, triangular waves and impulse “spikes” are used, either alone or in combination with square wave or sine waves.

Brain temperature during treatment must be maintained at safe levels. In this regard, the apparatus and methods described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,416,532, along with other appropriate techniques, can be used with systems and methods of the invention to ensure safe treatment. The complete disclosure of U.S. Pat. No. 6,416,532 is hereby incorporated by reference. The apparatus and methods described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,416,532 use direct impingement of a fine mist of coolant to effect a rapid and controlled cooling the brain of a patient. As illustrated inFIG. 1, sprayers400and401each generate a fine mist of coolant to achieve a rapid and controlled cooling the brain of a patient. This may be in accordance with the apparatus and methods described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,416,532. Such rapid and controlled cooling of the brain provides for maintaining the brain at a safe temperature, lower than 108° F. Rapid and controlled cooling of the brain can also be used to induce brain hypothermia, and unconsciousness, without medication. In a preferred embodiment, which departs from the teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 6,416,532, a fluid that exists in the gaseous state at or near room temperature, preferably liquid Nitrogen (but possibly also fluids such as carbon dioxide, alcohol, etc.), is used as a coolant and sprayed in a fine mist from sprayer400, as shown inFIG. 7. InFIG. 7, cooling fluid is delivered from a storage device (not shown) through conduit702to sprayer tip703, which emits a mist711of coolant fluid onto a target patch of skin705proximate the carotid artery on the neck704of patient720. To prevent frostbite, protective skin cream (as for example used in Antarctic exploration) may be applied to the skin in the cooling area. The use of liquid Nitrogen avoids the need for collection apparatus as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,416,532, because the liquid Nitrogen quickly evaporates. It also avoids the need for pumps, as the vapor pressure of the liquid Nitrogen is ample to drive sprayer400to generate the desired cooling mist.

In general, human cells start to die at around 110° F. Infectious cells and tumors can be killed at lower temperatures (e.g., cancer at 107° F. and tuberculosis at 108° F.). In treating disorders such as tuberculosis and lung tumors, it is therefore important to be able to monitor internal lung temperature, as in the embodiments of the invention described below.

As illustrated inFIG. 6, a thermocouple device200is positioned within a breathing port element (e.g., breathing mask)30, where the subject exhales. The exhaled air temperature is measured by a thermocouple device200and is transmitted in electronic encoded form to central processing unit40(FIG. 1), which in turn extrapolates an internal lung temperature and adjusts the power level of the microwave power supply devices (not shown) accordingly. The temperature of the exhalant will be lower by some amount than the internal lung temperature, and the latter can be calculated within an acceptable range based on the former. In addition, normalized calibration may be performed prior to treatment by measuring the temperature of exhalant when the patient is breathing ambient air, and/or measuring the stabilized temperature of exhalant when the patient is given air to breathe at known elevated temperatures. Anesthesia could also be administered by breathing port element (e.g., breathing mask)30if necessary.

Optionally, temperature and other measurements are digitally recorded against a time base, so as to maintain a time line of relevant measurements.

Other inputs for calibration and/or normalization could include ambient (or supplied) air temperature and/or humidity, Barometric pressure, air flow velocity, and the size, weight and/or lung capacity of the patent.

Optionally, a nose clip could be used to force mouth breathing during the measurement and medical procedure.

The internal lung temperature can be approximated by the measured temperature of exhaled air. This could be a measurement by temperature sensor120at any time, but preferably would be a measurement when the subject is exhaling, as indicated by direction sensor115(or alternate means, such as a chest strap).

Generally, actual internal lung temperature will be higher than the temperature measured at sensor120. At normal ambient temperatures (20-25° C.) the inhaled air will not in general heat up to the actual internal lung temperature. In addition, if the lungs are being heated, the exhaled air will have the opportunity to lose temperature on the way out of the breathing tract. Further cooling may take place in the measuring apparatus, as a result of surface conduction and mixing with non-exhaled air. The difference will be a function of at least the following: rate of breathing (slower tends toward higher exhalent temperatures); volume of breathing (deeper breathing tends toward higher exhalant temperatures); ambient temperature; humidity; barometric pressure; size; weight and/or lung capacity of the subject

The invention is not limited to human use and may be used with animals.

The effect of the factors given above may be refined by further experimentation, if necessary.

It is evident that the embodiments described herein accomplish the stated objects of the invention. While the presently preferred embodiments have been described in detail, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the principles of the invention are realizable by other devices, systems and methods without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, as defined in the following claims.