Disposable protective cover for RF treatment apparatus
First Claim
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 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, enclosing the treatment applicator within the cover, transmitting RF energy from the treatment applicator through a first area of the cover adjacent the tissue to be treated, and inhibiting transmission of RF energy through a remaining second area of the cover.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
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 constructed from shielding material, such as metallized polyethylene, which back surface faces opposite, or away from, the treatment area. At least a portion of the cover which faces the treatment area is constructed solely from RF non-shielding material. Securing means, such as adhesive strips, or 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 portion or window 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 RF non shielding portion or window, thereby preventing exposure of the patient or caregiver to potentially harmful radiation.
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Citations
7 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 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, enclosing the treatment applicator within the cover, transmitting RF energy from the treatment applicator through a first area of the cover adjacent the tissue to be treated, and inhibiting transmission of RF energy through a remaining second area of the cover.
- 6. 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 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, enclosing the treatment applicator within the cover, transmitting RF energy y from the treatment applicator trough a first area of the cover adjacent the tissue to be treated, and inhibiting transmission of RF energy through a remaining second area of the cover, the first area including at least one strip of RF shielding material detachably attached to the first area and including the step of detaching at least a segment of a strip from the first area.
Specification