Cover for electromagnetic treatment applicator

• US 6,967,281 B2
• Filed: 10/22/2003
• Issued: 11/22/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 09/17/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Regenesis Biomedical Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Regenesis Biomedical Incorporated
• Inventors: Loya, Arthur A., Bryant, Robert T., Ritz, Mary C., George, Frank R., Daly, Michael F.
• Primary Examiner(s): Ngo, Hung V.
• Application Number:
  US10/690,919
• Publication Number:
  US 20040119033A1
• Time in Patent Office: 762 Days
• Field of Search: 174/35.R, 174/35.GC, 361/816, 361/818, 361/800, 250/515.1, 250/519.1
• US Class Current: 174/368
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/16 Screening or neutralising undesirable influences from or using, atmospheric or terrestrial radiation or fields using atmospheric electricity or earth currents H05F3/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/326 for promoting growth of cells, e.g. bone cells
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/40 Applying electric fields by inductive or capacitive coupling microwave apparatus A61N5/00; Applying radio-frequency signals
• CPC Class Codes: G21H 1/00 Arrangements for obtaining electrical energy from radioactive sources, e.g. from radioactive isotopes , nuclear or atomic batteries

Abstract

A disposable cover for electromagnetic treatment applicators prevents undesired exposure to potentially harmful radiation. The cover is a pouch-like structure having a back surface (which faces opposite, or away from, the treatment area) constructed from shielding material, such as metallized polyethylene. At least a portion of the cover which faces the treatment area is constructed solely from non-shielding material. Securing means, such as adhesive strips, ZIP-LOCK®, or other interlocking edges, secure the applicator inside the cover and close off any leaks. The electromagnetic properties of the cover are integrated into the circuitry for the treatment applicator, such that the applicator is not functional in the absence of the cover. In use, an electromagnetic treatment applicator is inserted into the cover and positioned over the area to be treated, with the non-shielding, or “window”, portion of the cover overlying the treatment area. Once assembled, the applicator/cover combination forms a closely matched and tuned network for effecting a highly efficient RF output. When activated, the generated electromagnetic energy only exits the cover through the opening or “window”, thereby preventing exposure of the patient or caregiver to potentially harmful radiation.

Claims

1. A method for irradiating tissue with RF energy from a treatment applicator connected through a cord to a power generator, said method comprising the steps of:

a) placing the treatment applicator within a disposable cover through an opening of the cover to protect the treatment applicator from contamination and to protect a technician from RF radiation emitted from the treatment applicator;

b) closing the opening of the cover to enclose the treatment applicator therewithin;

c) transmitting RF energy from the treatment applicator through a first area of the cover adjacent the tissue to be treated; and

d) inhibiting transmission of RF energy through a remaining second area of the cover.

2. The method as set forth in claim 1 wherein the cover includes a top side generally coincident with the second area and a bottom side generally coincident with the first area and wherein said step of transmitting is adapted to be carried out through the bottom side.

3. The method as set forth in claim 1 wherein the cover includes a top side and a bottom side and wherein said step of inhibiting is adapted to be carried out through the top side.

4. The method as set forth in claim 3 wherein said step of transmitting is adapted to be carried out through the bottom side.

5. The method as set forth in claim 1 including the steps of:

a) removing the treatment applicator from within the cover; and

b) placing the cover into a disposal receptacle after said step of removing is carried out.

6. The method as set forth in claim 1 wherein the cover includes a top side and a bottom side and including the step of detachably attaching an edge of the top side forming a part of the opening with an edge of the bottom side forming a part of the opening to enclose the treatment applicator within the cover.

7. The method as set forth in claim 6 including the step of encircling the cord extending from the treatment applicator through the opening with material of the cover.