Importance

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Abstract

A system for irradiating living bodies, or portions thereof, using electromagnetic radiation (EMR). A source or generator provides electromagnetic energy at a selected frequency, within an operational band width, via a coaxial cable to an applicator for radiation into living tissue. The source, cable, and applicator each have a characteristic impedance approximately equal to the average impedance of the living tissue over a broad frequency band, thus enabling efficient operation of the apparatus without using auxiliary impedance matching devices. The applicator is of a waveguide transmission line type enabling efficient transmission and radiation of the electromagnetic energy and further incorporates means for cooling surface portions of the living tissue during radiation thereof. Selective dielectric loading of the applicator enables shaping of the radiated power to a preselected distribution. A feedback control system including temperature sensors placed onto and into the tissue enables the control of tissue surface and sub-surface temperatures within a preselected range by adjusting the power level of the generator.

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First Claim