System and method employing indwelling RF catheter for systemic patient warming by application of dielectric heating
US6529775B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 16, 2001 |
| Grant date | Mar 4, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 3, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2007/126
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An indwelling RF catheter achieves warming of patients by dielectric heating of blood or other bodily fluids. In one example, the catheter is deployed in a suitable blood vessel, such as the inferior vena cava. The catheter design includes an emitter structure electrically coupled to an RF generator, which provides a source of RF power. The emitter structure, distally located upon the catheter, administers electromagnetic radiation to the blood within the patient, thereby creating heat due to the dielectric qualities of blood. As blood heated by the indwelling RF catheter courses through the patient's body, the patient's body is systemically warmed, raising the body core temperature.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.