Method and apparatus for generating localized hyperthermia
First Claim
1. Apparatus for generating controlled hyperthermia in a selected hyperthermia zone in a target region of tissue in a body, the apparatus comprising:
- ultrasound generating means for generating ultrasound;
propagation means, in acoustical communication with said ultrasound generating means, for directing the ultrasound into said target region; and
frequency control means for selecting a plurality of frequencies of said ultrasound, from a range of about 20 MHz to 500 MHz, such that said plurality of frequencies constructively interfere within said tissue to deposit acoustic energy at a selected location within said target region.
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Abstract
Ultrasound generating methods and apparatus are disclosed for producing controlled, localized hyperthermia in a selected heating zone of human tissue, utilizing at least one ultrasound transducer, preferably driven by sinusoidal excitation signals in a continuous wave or quasi-continuous wave mode to generate ultrasound. The temperature in the heated zone can be controlled by selecting the power, duration and frequency of the ultrasound. The penetration of the ultrasound, and thus the depth and volume of the target zone, can be controlled by selecting the excitation frequencies so to confine the absorption of the ultrasound beam in the target tissue. The invention is particularly useful in inducing controlled collagen shrinkage in corneal tissue to effective thermokeratoplasty (heat induced modification of the shape of the cornea).
476 Citations
16 Claims
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1. Apparatus for generating controlled hyperthermia in a selected hyperthermia zone in a target region of tissue in a body, the apparatus comprising:
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ultrasound generating means for generating ultrasound; propagation means, in acoustical communication with said ultrasound generating means, for directing the ultrasound into said target region; and frequency control means for selecting a plurality of frequencies of said ultrasound, from a range of about 20 MHz to 500 MHz, such that said plurality of frequencies constructively interfere within said tissue to deposit acoustic energy at a selected location within said target region. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A method for generating controlled hyperthermia in a target region of corneal tissue, the method comprising the steps of:
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generating a series of waves of ultrasound having a plurality of frequencies within the range of about 20 MHz to about 500 MHz; propagating said ultrasound into said target region of cornea tissue; and controlling the frequency components of said ultrasound to deposit acoustical energy such that said components constructively interfere in said tissue within said target region. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A method of performing corneal thermokeratoplasty, the method of comprising the steps of:
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generating a series of waves of ultrasound ranging from about 20 MHz to about 500 MHz; propagating said ultrasound toward a cornea; focusing said ultrasound within the collagen region of said cornea; and varying the frequency of said ultrasound to provide a plurality of frequencies and thereby generate a constructive interference hyperthermia zone within the collagen region at a selected location whereby, the collagenous tissue shrinks in a controlled manner in said hyperthermia zone, thereby modifying the shape of the cornea.
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Specification