METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TREATING BREAST LESIONS USING MICROWAVES

摘要

A method and apparatus for selectively heating cancerous or benign conditions of the breast is achieved by irradiation of the breast tissue with adaptive phased array focused microwave energy. The microwave energy is focused in the breast, by compressing the breast and either inserting a single electric-field probe in the central portion of the breast, or placing two noninvasive electric-field probes on opposite sides of the breast skin. Feedback signals from the electric field probe(s) adjust the microwave phase that is delivered to waveguide applicators positioned on opposite sides of the compressed breast tissue. Temperature feedback sensors measure skin temperatures during treatment to adjust the microwave power delivered to the waveguide applicators to avoid overheating the skin. The microwave energy delivered to the waveguide applicators is monitored in real time during treatment, and the treatment is completed when a desired total microwave energy dose has been administered.