초록 ▼

A system and method are disclosed for providing precisely controlled heating (and cooling in come case) of a small region of body tissue to effectuate the removal of tumors and deposits. such as atheromatous plaque, without causing damage to healthy surrounding tissue, e.g. arterial walls. Such prec

A system and method are disclosed for providing precisely controlled heating (and cooling in come case) of a small region of body tissue to effectuate the removal of tumors and deposits. such as atheromatous plaque, without causing damage to healthy surrounding tissue, e.g. arterial walls. Such precisely controlled heating is produced through thermoelectric and resistive heating, and thermoelectric control of a heated probe tip. The system includes a probe tip with N-doped and P-doped legs of semincoductor material, a catheter to which the probe tip is attached for insertion into a patient\s body, and a system control mechanism. The probe may be used for reduction and/or removal of atheromatous obstruction in arteries or veins. It may also be used for destruction of diseased tissue and/or tumors in various parts of the body, such as the brain or the bladder. The probe may be configured for either tip heating or for side heating.

대표청구항 ▼

An apparatus for applying highly controlled, localized heating or cooling to precise points in a patient to treat the patient comprising: a P-doped thermocouple leg including first and second end portions and an N-doped thermocouple leg including first and second end portions, said legs being connec

An apparatus for applying highly controlled, localized heating or cooling to precise points in a patient to treat the patient comprising: a P-doped thermocouple leg including first and second end portions and an N-doped thermocouple leg including first and second end portions, said legs being connected at said first end portions to form a probe tip junction and not being connected at said second end portions, said legs being oriented to be opposite each other; a metal sleeve surrounding said unconnected second end portions of said thermocouple legs; a layer of thermally conductive, electrically insulative material separating said thermocouple legs from said metal sleeve; means for delivering said pair of thermocouple legs into a patient\s body; and means for passing a current through said pair of legs to heat or cool said probe tip junction.