Method and apparatus for generating localized hyperthermia
US5230334A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 22, 1992 |
| Grant date | Jul 27, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 22, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2009/00872
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Ultrasound generating methods and apparatus are disclosed for producing controlled, localized hyperthermia in a selected heating zone of human tissue, utilizing at least one ultrasound transducer, preferably driven by sinusoidal excitation signals in a continuous wave or quasi-continuous wave mode to generate ultrasound. The temperature in the heated zone can be controlled by selecting the power, duration and frequency of the ultrasound. The penetration of the ultrasound, and thus the depth and volume of the target zone, can be controlled by selecting the excitation frequencies so to confine the absorption of the ultrasound beam in the target tissue. The invention is particularly useful in inducing controlled collagen shrinkage in corneal tissue to effective thermokeratoplasty (heat induced modification of the shape of the cornea).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.