Surgery: light – thermal – and electrical application – Light – thermal – and electrical application – Thermal applicators
Patent
1995-10-24
1997-12-02
Bahr, Jennifer
Surgery: light, thermal, and electrical application
Light, thermal, and electrical application
Thermal applicators
606 31, 607 98, 607114, A61F 700
Patent
active
056930801
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an apparatus for effecting hyperthermia in a narrow body cavity or duct. The invention is especially applicable to the treatment of the endometrium of the uterus. The treatment resides in a combination of the supply of heat to said body cavity or duct and simultaneous application of a controlled pressure on surrounding tissue.
2. Background Art
In the treatment of certain disorders in narrow body cavities or ducts the supply of heat is frequently used, the treatment residing in so called hyperthermia. For use in such treatment several apparatuses have been described including a special catheter employing a balloon attached to the distal end of the catheter. In the treatment of for example menorrhagia the distal end of the catheter including the balloon is inserted into the uterus cavity via vagina and cervix, the balloon being them expanded using a pressure medium up to a suitable pressure. The catheter includes heat-releasing means, for example an electric resistance element, to which electric energy is supplied from the exterior via the catheter, the generated energy and the temperature being controlled in different ways (see for example PCT/US89/03916).
In copending application PCT/SE92/00645 there is described an apparatus for carrying out hyperthermia involving the use of a heat-releasing element which is of an inherently self-regulating type. Examples of such elements are elements based on materials of the PTC-type or ferromagnetic materials where the means for the supply of energy are based on magnetic induction. In accordance with said PCT-application the problem of creating sufficient power output while avoiding self-inhibition associated with a heating element of the self-controlling type has been solved by arranging the element in a surrounding elongate housing through which the heat-transmitting medium is forced through and around the element by efficient internal circulation. Such internal circulation around and through the heat-releasing element is generated by providing a reciprocating movement of a small quantity of the pressurized quantity of heat-medium.
For details concerning this background art reference is made to the above-identified patent application PCT/SE92/00645, the full disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
In apparatuses as those described above the balloon catheter is thus connected to sources for the supply of a liquid medium, electric energy and means for the control of the temperature and the supply of energy. In the apparatus according the above-mentioned PCT-application no means for temperature control are necessary but means for the generation of a reciprocating movement of a small quantity of the liquid medium will be required.
In the device according to the above PCT-application the liquid medium transferring heat to the area to be treated is in the form of a sterile liquid enclosed in a catheter, the distal part of which carries a distensible enclosure or balloon intended to be inserted in for example a uterus cavity. Due to this arrangement it is clear that not only the exterior parts of the catheter but also the interior thereof must be capable of cleaning and sterilization after use in view of the fact that leakage can result in infection of the enclosed liquid and thereby also the catheter parts. Even if a catheter is of a disposable type and is disposed of after use the means connected to the catheter, such as the means for generating pressure and internal circulation, will have to be cleaned and sterilized after every use since they have been in contact with the liquid medium. Such cleaning and sterilization is a very complicated and expensive procedure.
SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
The present invention has for an object to provide a system meeting the requirements as to sterility.
Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus where any risk of contamination from a preceding treatment is excluded.
Yet another object of the inventio
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Duc Jerome
Wallsten Hans I.
Bahr Jennifer
Carter Ryan
Wallsten Medical S.A.
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