Directional microwave applicator and methods

US7410485B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration · US

Inventors

• Patrick W. Fink · Charlotte, US
• Greg Y. Lin · Houston, US
• Andrew W. Chu · Houston, US
• Justin A. Dobbins · Houston, US
• G. Dickey Arndt · Friendswood, US
• Phong H. Ngo · Friendswood, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 14, 2005
• Grant date: Aug 12, 2008
• Expiry date: Oct 16, 2026

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B2018/183
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A miniature microwave antenna is disclosed which may be utilized for biomedical applications such as, for example, radiation induced hyperthermia through catheter systems. One feature of the antenna is that it possesses azimuthal directionality despite its small size. This directionality permits targeting of certain tissues while limiting thermal exposure of adjacent tissue. One embodiment has an outer diameter of about 0.095″ (2.4 mm) but the design permits for smaller diameters.