Electrochemical treatment of malignant tumors
First Claim
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1. Apparatus for subjecting a tumor or other neoplasm in situ to electrochemical treatment to destroy the tumor, said apparatus comprising:
- A. a working electrode and a counterelectrode, the electrodes being adapted to be attached at spaced positions to the tumor or its vicinity;
B. means for applying a voltage across the electrodes to cause a current to flow through the tumor producing an electrochemical reaction yielding multiple reaction products at least one of which is a cytotoxic agent capable of destroying the neoplasm; and
C. means to regulate the voltage applied to said electrodes to maintain it at a value which optimizes the yield of said cytotoxic agent.
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Abstract
A technique and apparatus therefor adapted to treat in situ a malignant tumor, use being made of a working electrode and a counterelectrode implanted in the tumor at spaced positions. Applied across the electrodes is a voltage causing a direct current to flow through the tumor producing an electrochemical reaction yielding multiple reaction products, some of which are cytotoxic agents destructive of cancer cells. Coupled to the electrodes is a control unit which acts to regulate the voltage applied thereto so as to optimize the yield of those cytotoxic agents having the greatest efficacy.
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Citations
11 Claims
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1. Apparatus for subjecting a tumor or other neoplasm in situ to electrochemical treatment to destroy the tumor, said apparatus comprising:
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A. a working electrode and a counterelectrode, the electrodes being adapted to be attached at spaced positions to the tumor or its vicinity; B. means for applying a voltage across the electrodes to cause a current to flow through the tumor producing an electrochemical reaction yielding multiple reaction products at least one of which is a cytotoxic agent capable of destroying the neoplasm; and C. means to regulate the voltage applied to said electrodes to maintain it at a value which optimizes the yield of said cytotoxic agent. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method for destroying a tumor or other neoplasm comprising the steps of:
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A. applying a voltage to electrodes attached to the tumor or adjacent thereto to cause a current to flow through the tumor to produce an electrochemical reaction yielding multiple reaction products, at least one of which is a cytotoxic agent that is capable of destroying the neoplasm; and B. regulating said voltage to maintain it at a value which optimizes the yield of said cytotoxic agent. - View Dependent Claims (11)
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Specification