URETHRAL INSERTED APPLICATOR FOR PROSTATE HYPERTHERMIA

摘要

2095517 9207622 PCTABS00013 A urethral insertable applicator for prostate hyperthermia includes an energy applicator (14) in association with a multi-tube, balloon-type catheter (18). The energy applicator (14) may be a microwave applicator or an ultrasound applicator, either of which, when inserted in the prostate, will cause heating of the prostate tissue surrounding the applicator. The applicator (14), with a radiometer (11), may serve as a means to measure temperature by measuring the thermal energy radiated from the prostate tissue. Provision may be made for circulating a cooling fluid through a cooling chamber (73) between the applicator (14) and the tissue to be heated. The difference in temperature of the inlet and outlet cooling fluid may also be used to indicate prostate tissue temperature. A measure of the temperature of the prostate tissue being heated is used to control application of energy to the applicator.