초록 ▼

An intraurethral, Foley-type catheter shaft contains a microwave antenna capable of generating a cylindrically symmetrical thermal pattern, within which temperatures are capable of exceeding 45°C. The antenna, which is positioned within the shaft, is surrounded by means within the shaft for absorbin

An intraurethral, Foley-type catheter shaft contains a microwave antenna capable of generating a cylindrically symmetrical thermal pattern, within which temperatures are capable of exceeding 45°C. The antenna, which is positioned within the shaft, is surrounded by means within the shaft for absorbing thermal energy conducted by the tissue and asymmetrically absorbing electromagnetic energy emitted by the antenna－a greater amount of electromagnetic energy being absorbed on one side of the shaft. This asymmetrical absorption alters the thermal pattern generated by the microwave antenna, making it cylindrically asymmetrical, which effectively focuses microwave thermal therapy toward undesirous benign tumorous tissue growth of a prostate anterior and lateral to the urethra, and away from healthy tissue posterior to the urethra.

대표청구항 ▼

A catheter comprising: an elongate shaft having a first end, a second end, a first outer surface, a second outer surface, the shaft further comprising: a plurality of lumens which extend between the first end and the second end including: a first lumen which is oriented nearer the first outer surfac

A catheter comprising: an elongate shaft having a first end, a second end, a first outer surface, a second outer surface, the shaft further comprising: a plurality of lumens which extend between the first end and the second end including: a first lumen which is oriented nearer the first outer surface than the second outer surface; and a pair of second lumens and a pair of third lumens, the pair of second lumens and the pair of third lumens being configured to at least partially surround the first lumen, wherein the pair of second lumens has a transverse cross-sectional area which is less than that of the pair of third lumens, the pair of second lumens being unobstructed to permit the free passage of fluids therethrough.