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Device for hyperthermia treatment

  • US 5,571,153 A
  • Filed: 03/25/1996
  • Issued: 11/05/1996
  • Est. Priority Date: 09/20/1991
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A device for carrying out hyperthermia in a body cavity or duct having a narrow access path, the device comprising:

  • an elongate distal section insertable into a body cavity or duct, the elongate distal section including a centrally located, heat-releasing element, which is either surrounded by an elongate housing or is itself constituted by an elongate housing;

    means for supplying energy to the heat-releasing element;

    an elastic enclosure surrounding said elongate housing in a fluid-tight manner;

    wherein the elongate housing has an axially operating inlet passage at a proximal part of the housing adapted to communicate with a source of fluid and an outlet port opening to the elastic enclosure for supplying a heat-transmitting fluid under pressure from the housing to the elastic enclosure for expansion of the elastic enclosure to accommodate and to exert a controlled pressure on walls of a cavity or duct in which the elongate housing is adapted to be inserted and which is adapted to surround the elongate housing; and

    means for circulating the fluid in a circuit between the housing and the elastic enclosure, wherein the housing has an inlet port to receive fluid from the elastic enclosure and the heat-releasing element is disposed between the inlet port and the outlet port;

    at least one first back valve arranged in the inlet port to allow fluid into the housing from the elastic enclosure, the at least one back valve having a flow resistance in an open position that is lower than a flow resistance through the housing, wherein said means for circulating the fluid in a circuit provides a reciprocating movement of a small quantity of fluid enclosed in the inlet passage after expansion of the elastic enclosure, wherein fluid moves through the inlet into the housing to absorb heat from the heat-releasing element and from the outlet port into the elastic enclosure to release absorbed heat; and

    wherein the heat-releasing element is of an inherently self-regulating type and is selected from the group comprising a PCT semi-conductor material having a Curie temperature or Trip point, and a ferromagnetic material having a Curie point in combination with said means for the supply of energy being based on magnetic induction.

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