Methods and systems for treating breast tissue
US6391026B1 · kind B1 · utility
368Cited by
8References
55Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 16, 1999 |
| Grant date | May 21, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 16, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N5/062
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Methods, systems, and kits for treating breast tissue rely on transferring energy to or from cells lining an individual breast duct. Energy can be introduced into the breast duct, e.g., by filling the duct with an electrically conductive medium and applying radiofrequency energy to the medium. Other energy forms could also be used, such as light, ultrasound, radiation, microwave energy, heat, cold, direct current, and the like. By treating individual breast ducts, cancerous and pre-cancerous conditions originating in the duct can be effectively treated.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.