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Abstract

A method for the treatment of the prostate gland which heats the tissues which would otherwise be surgically removed with a trans-urethral resection of the prostate. This method is accomplished by combining a radiating energy device integrated with a urinary drainage Foley type catheter, which is modified to provide cooling along the urethra surfaces. The radiating device also serves as a means to measure the tissue radiated thermal energy for the control or monitoring of temperature of the prostate tissues being heated. A urethral inserted applicator for prostate hyperthermia includes a multi-tube, balloon type catheter. The catheter includes a fluid dry tube for an energy radiator antenna applicator which also serves as a radiometric temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the prostate tissue, and an open fluid receiving tube. An electromagnetic energy generator supplies electromagnetic energy to the applicator. A comparator is connected to the temperature output of the radiometer, and a temperature reference potentiometer for comparing the actual tissue temperature level with a desired temperature level and outputting control signals to the electromagnetic generator for controlling the output to the applicator. The microwave operated applicator is preferably an elongated coil having the tip end connected to the center conductor of a coaxial cable and the opposite end connected to the outer conductor of the coaxial cable. A sheet or sheath of insulation material covers the microwave coil antenna for insulating the coil from the tissue and the thickness of the sheet may be varied to provide uniform tissue heating along the length of the coil. The ultrasound operated applicator is preferably one or more ultrasound crystal cylinders to radiate energy into the tissue and convert tissue thermal ultrasonic energy into electrical energy for measurement by a radiometer, The balloon of the catheter engages the body's bladder to position the applicator properly during the treatment.

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