DIPOLE MICROWAVE ANTENNA FOR ASYMMETRICAL THERMAL THERAPY

摘要

An intraurethral, Foley-type catheter shaft (32) contains a microwave antenna (74), which is surrounded by means (64A-64B, 66A-66B) within the shaft (32) for asymmetrically absorbing electromagnetic energy emitted by the antenna (74) - a greater amount of electromagnetic energy being absorbed on one side of the shaft (32). This asymmetrical absorption effectively focuses microwave thermal therapy toward undesirous benign tumorous tissue growth of a prostate anterior and lateral to the urethra, and protects healthy tissue posterior to the urethra. Means (64A-64B, 66A-66B) also absorbs thermal energy conducted by the periurethral tissue, which protects the urethra while the antenna (74) is energized.