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| United States Patent Application |
20050251233
|
| Kind Code
|
A1
|
|
Kanzius, John
|
November 10, 2005
|
System and method for RF-induced hyperthermia
Abstract
An embodiment of a non-invasive RF system for inducing hyperthermia in a
target area, and a corresponding non-invasive RF method for inducing
hyperthermia in a target area are provided. The system includes an RF
transmitter and transmission head, and RF receiver and reception head
wherein the transmission and reception heads are arranged proximate a
target area so that an RF signal between the heads induces hyperthermia
in the target area. The method includes arranging the transmission head
and reception head proximate and on either side of a target area and
transmitting an RF signal through the target area.
| Inventors: |
Kanzius, John; (Erie, PA)
|
| Correspondence Address:
|
CALFEE HALTER & GRISWOLD, LLP
800 SUPERIOR AVENUE
SUITE 1400
CLEVELAND
OH
44114
US
|
| Family ID:
|
35456635
|
| Appl. No.:
|
10/969477
|
| Filed:
|
October 20, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
| | | | |
|---|
|
| Application Number | Filing Date | Patent Number |
|---|
| | 60569348 | May 7, 2004 | |
|
|
| Current U.S. Class: |
607/101 |
| Current CPC Class: |
A61N 1/406 20130101; A61B 18/12 20130101 |
| Class at Publication: |
607/101 |
| International Class: |
A61F 002/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A non-invasive RF transceiver system for inducing hyperthermia in at
least a portion of a target area, comprising: (a) an RF transmitter
having an RF generator in circuit communication with a transmission head,
the RF generator generating an RF signal at a frequency for transmission
via the transmission head; and (b) an RF receiver having a resonant
circuit in circuit communication with a reception head, the resonant
circuit being tuned to cause at least a portion of the reception head to
be resonant at the frequency of the RF signal transmitted via the
transmission head so as to receive the RF signal transmitted via the
transmission head; and (c) wherein the transmission and reception heads
are arranged proximate to and on either side of the target area so that
the RF signal transmitted via the transmission head to the reception head
passes through and warms at least a portion of the target area with
neither of the heads being in direct contact with the portion of the
target area being warmed.
2. The non-invasive RF system for inducing hyperthermia in at least a
portion of the target area according to claim 1 wherein the transmission
head to the reception head each comprise a plate of electrically
conductive material.
3. The non-invasive RF system for inducing hyperthermia in at least a
portion of the target area according to claim 1 wherein the resonant
circuit is tuned to the frequency of the RF signal generated by the RF
generator.
4. The non-invasive RF system for inducing hyperthermia in at least a
portion of the target area according to claim 1 wherein the transmission
and reception heads are insulated from the target area with sheets of
electrically insulating material.
5. The non-invasive RF system for inducing hyperthermia in at least a
portion of the target area according to claim 1 wherein the reception
head is positioned relative to a specific target portion of the target
area in order to concentrate the RF signal through the specific target
portion of the target area to warm at least the specific target portion
of the target area.
6. The non-invasive RF system for inducing hyperthermia in at least a
portion of the target area according to claim 5 wherein the specific
target portion of the target area has been injected with an RF absorption
enhancer to increase the warming of the specific target portion of the
target area by the RF signal.
7. The non-invasive RF system for inducing hyperthermia in at least a
portion of the target area according to claim 5 wherein the specific
target portion of the target area has been injected with an aqueous
solution to increase the warming of the specific target portion of the
target area by the RF signal.
8. The non-invasive RF system for inducing hyperthermia in at least a
portion of the target area according to claim 5 wherein the specific
target portion of the target area has been injected with a saline
solution to increase the warming of the specific target portion of the
target area by the RF signal.
9. The non-invasive RF system for inducing hyperthermia in at least a
portion of the target area according to claim 5 wherein the specific
target portion of the target area has been injected with an aqueous
suspension of particles of an electrically conductive material to
increase the warming of the specific target portion of the target area by
the RF signal.
10. The non-invasive RF system for inducing hyperthermia in at least a
portion of the target area according to claim 9 wherein the electrically
conductive material comprises at least one metal.
11. The non-invasive RF system for inducing hyperthermia in at least a
portion of the target area according to claim 5 wherein the specific
target portion of the target area has been injected with an aqueous
suspension of iron-containing particles to increase the warming of the
specific target portion of the target area by the RF signal.
12. The non-invasive RF system for inducing hyperthermia in at least a
portion of the target area according to claim 1 wherein the reception
head is smaller in cross section than the transmission head and
positioned relative to a specific target portion of the target area in
order to concentrate the RF signal through the specific target portion of
the target area to warm at least the specific target portion of the
target area.
13. The non-invasive RF system for inducing hyperthermia in at least a
portion of the target area according to claim 12 wherein the reception
head is approximately the same shape in cross section as the specific
target portion of the target area.
14. A method of inducing hyperthermia in at least a portion of the target
area of a patient's body part, comprising the steps of: (a) providing an
RF transmitter having an RF generator in circuit communication with a
transmission head, the RF generator capable of generating an RF signal at
a frequency for transmission via the transmission head; (b) providing an
RF receiver having a resonant circuit in circuit communication with a
reception head, the resonant circuit being tuned to cause at least a
portion of the reception head to be resonant at the frequency of the RF
signal transmitted via the transmission head so as to receive the RF
signal transmitted via the transmission head; (c) arranging the
transmission and reception heads proximate to and on either side of the
body part containing the target area in such a manner that the RF signal
transmitted via the transmission head to the reception head passes
through and warms at least a portion of the target area with neither of
the heads being in direct contact with the portion of the target area
being warmed; (d) insulating the transmission and reception heads from
the body part; (e) transmitting the RF signal at the frequency via the
transmission head to the reception head, thereby warming the portion of
the target area of the body part.
15. The method of inducing hyperthermia in at least a portion of the
target area of a patient's body part according to claim 14 wherein step
(b), providing a resonant circuit in circuit communication with a
reception head, comprises selecting the reception head from a plurality
of heads of different sizes and placing the selected head in circuit
communication with the resonant circuit.
16. The method of inducing hyperthermia in at least a portion of the
target area of a patient's body part according to claim 14 wherein step
(c), arranging the transmission and reception heads proximate to and on
either side of the body part, comprises positioning the reception head
relative to a specific target portion of the target area in order to
concentrate the RF signal through the specific target portion of the
target area to warm at least the specific target portion of the target
area.
17. The method of inducing hyperthermia in at least a portion of the
target area of a patient's body part according to claim 16 wherein step
(b), providing a resonant circuit in circuit communication with a
reception head, comprises selecting the reception head from a plurality
of heads and placing the selected reception head in circuit communication
with the resonant circuit, and wherein the selected reception head is
selected in accordance with the shape and size of the specific target
portion of the target area.
18. The method of inducing hyperthermia in at least a portion of the
target area of a patient's body part according to claim 14 wherein step
(d), insulating the transmission and reception heads from the body part,
comprises leaving an air gap between the transmission head and the skin
of the body part and leaving an air gap between the reception head and
the skin of the body part.
19. The method of inducing hyperthermia in at least a portion of the
target area of a patient's body part according to claim 14 wherein step
(d), insulating the transmission and reception heads from the body part,
comprises inserting electrically insulating material between the
transmission head and the body part and inserting a sheet of electrically
insulating material between the reception head and the body part.
20. The method of inducing hyperthermia in at least a portion of the
target area of a patient's body part according to claim 16 wherein, prior
to performing step (e), transmitting the RF signal at the frequency via
the transmission head to the reception head, further performing the step
of injecting the specific target portion of the target area with an RF
absorption enhancer to increase the warming of the specific target
portion of the target area by the RF signal.
21. The method of inducing hyperthermia in at least a portion of the
target area of a patient's body part according to claim 16 wherein, prior
to performing step (e), transmitting the RF signal at the frequency via
the transmission head to the reception head, further performing the step
of injecting the specific target portion of the target area with an
aqueous solution to increase the warming of the specific target portion
of the target area by the RF signal.
22. The method of inducing hyperthermia in at least a portion of the
target area of a patient's body part according to claim 16 wherein, prior
to performing step (e), transmitting the RF signal at the frequency via
the transmission head to the reception head, further performing the step
of injecting the specific target portion of the target area with a saline
solution to increase the warming of the specific target portion of the
target area by the RF signal.
23. The method of inducing hyperthermia in at least a portion of the
target area of a patient's body part according to claim 16 wherein, prior
to performing step (e), transmitting the RF signal at the frequency via
the transmission head to the reception head, further performing the step
of injecting the specific target portion of the target area with an
aqueous suspension of particles of an electrically conductive material to
increase the warming of the specific target portion of the target area by
the RF signal.
24. The method of inducing hyperthermia in at least a portion of the
target area of a patient's body part according to claim 23 wherein the
electrically conductive material comprises at least one metal.
25. The method of inducing hyperthermia in at least a portion of the
target area of a patient's body part according to claim 16 wherein, prior
to performing step (e), transmitting the RF signal at the frequency via
the transmission head to the reception head, further performing the step
of injecting the specific target portion of the target area with an
aqueous suspension of iron-containing particles to increase the warming
of the specific target portion of the target area by the RF signal.
26. The method of inducing hyperthermia in at least a portion of the
target area of a patient's body part according to claim 16 wherein, prior
to performing step (e), transmitting the RF signal at the frequency via
the transmission head to the reception head, further performing the step
of injecting the specific target portion of the target area with
particles that increase the warming of the specific target portion of the
target area by the RF signal.
27. The method of inducing hyperthermia in at least a portion of the
target area of a patient's body part according to claim 16 wherein, prior
to performing step (e), transmitting the RF signal at the frequency via
the transmission head to the reception head, further performing the step
of injecting the patient with antibodies bound to an RF absorption
enhancer, wherein the antibodies bind to at least one type of cells
within the specific target portion of the target area, to thereby
increase the warming of the type of cells within the specific target
portion of the target area by the RF signal.
28. A method of inducing hyperthermia in at least a specific target
portion of the target area of a patient's body part, comprising the steps
of: (a) providing an RF transmitter having an RF generator in circuit
communication with a transmission head, the RF generator capable of
generating an RF signal at a frequency for transmission via the
transmission head; (b) providing an RF receiver having a resonant circuit
in circuit communication with a reception head, the resonant circuit
being tuned to cause at least a portion of the reception head to be
resonant at the frequency of the RF signal transmitted via the
transmission head so as to receive the RF signal transmitted via the
transmission head, the reception head being selected from a plurality of
heads having a shape and size selected in accordance with the shape and
size of the specific target portion of the target area and placed in
circuit communication with the resonant circuit; (c) arranging the
transmission and reception heads proximate to and on either side of the
body part containing the specific target portion of the target area in
such a manner that the RF signal transmitted via the transmission head to
the reception head passes through and warms at least the specific target
portion of the target area with neither of the heads being in contact
with the body part, the reception head being positioned relative to the
specific target portion of the target area in order to concentrate the RF
signal through the specific target portion of the target area to warm at
least the specific target portion of the target area; (d) insulating the
transmission and reception heads from the body part; (e) providing
antibodies bound to an RF absorption enhancer, wherein the antibodies
bind to at least one type of cells within the specific target portion of
the target area, to thereby increase the warming of the type of cells
within the specific target portion of the target area by the RF signal;
(f) injecting the antibodies bound to the RF absorption enhancer into the
patient; (g) waiting for the antibodies bound to the RF absorption
enhancer to bind to some of the at least one type of cells within the
specific target portion of the target area; and (h) transmitting the RF
signal at the frequency via the transmission head to the reception head,
thereby warming the specific target portion of the target area of the
body part.
29. A method of inducing hyperthermia in at least target cells of a
patient, comprising the steps of: (a) providing an RF transmitter having
an RF generator in circuit communication with a transmission head, the RF
generator capable of generating an RF signal at a frequency for
transmission via the transmission head; (b) providing an RF receiver
having a resonant circuit in circuit communication with a reception head,
the resonant circuit being tuned to cause at least a portion of the
reception head to be resonant at the frequency of the RF signal
transmitted via the transmission head so as to receive the RF signal
transmitted via the transmission head; (c) providing antibodies bound to
an RF absorption enhancer, wherein the antibodies bind to the target
cells to thereby increase the warming of the target cells by interaction
between the RF signal and the RF absorption enhancer; (d) injecting the
antibodies bound to the RF absorption enhancer into the patient; (e)
waiting for the antibodies bound to the RF absorption enhancer to bind to
some of the target cells; and (f) arranging the transmission and
reception heads proximate to and on either side of at least one body part
of the patient containing the target cells in such a manner that the RF
signal transmitted via the transmission head to the reception head passes
through and warms at least the target cells with neither of the heads
being in direct contact with the body part; (g) insulating the
transmission and reception heads from the body part; and (h) transmitting
the RF signal at the frequency via the transmission head to the reception
head, thereby warming the target cells.
30. A method of inducing hyperthermia in at least target cells of a
patient, comprising the steps of: (a) extracting at least the target
cells from the patient; (b) providing an RF transmitter having an RF
generator in circuit communication with a transmission head, the RF
generator capable of generating an RF signal at a frequency for
transmission via the transmission head; (c) providing an RF receiver
having a resonant circuit in circuit communication with a reception head,
the resonant circuit being tuned to cause at least a portion of the
reception head to be resonant at the frequency of the RF signal
transmitted via the transmission head so as to receive the RF signal
transmitted via the transmission head; (d) providing antibodies bound to
an RF absorption enhancer, wherein the antibodies bind to the target
cells to thereby increase the warming of the target cells by interaction
between the RF signal and the RF absorption enhancer; (e) exposing the
target cells to the antibodies bound to the RF absorption enhancer; (f)
waiting for the antibodies bound to the RF absorption enhancer to bind to
some of the target cells; and (g) arranging the transmission and
reception heads proximate to and on either side of a vessel containing at
least the target cells in such a manner that the RF signal transmitted
via the transmission head to the reception head passes through and warms
at least the target cells; and (h) transmitting the RF signal at the
frequency via the transmission head to the reception head, thereby
warming the target cells.
31. The method of inducing hyperthermia in at least target cells of a
patient according to claim 30 wherein step (a), extracting at least the
target cells from the patient, comprises the steps of: (a) removing from
the patient material containing at least the target cells; (b) providing
antibodies bound to a magnetic material, wherein the antibodies bind to
the target cells; (c) exposing the target cells to the antibodies bound
to the magnetic material; (d) waiting for the antibodies bound to the
magnetic material to bind to some of the target cells; and (e) providing
a magnetic field to attract some of the target cells in such a manner to
attract and thereby separate the target cells.
32. The method of inducing hyperthermia in at least target cells of a
patient according to claim 31 wherein step (c), exposing the target cells
to the antibodies bound to the magnetic material, is performed after step
(a), removing from the patient material containing at least the target
cells.
33. The method of inducing hyperthermia in at least target cells of a
patient according to claim 31 wherein step (c), exposing the target cells
to the antibodies bound to the magnetic material, is performed before
step (a), removing from the patient material containing at least the
target cells.
34. A method of separating target cells of a patient, comprising the steps
of: (a) removing from the patient material containing at least the target
cells; (b) providing antibodies bound to a magnetic material, wherein the
antibodies bind to the target cells; (c) exposing the target cells to the
antibodies bound to the magnetic material; (d) waiting for the antibodies
bound to the magnetic material to bind to some of the target cells; and
(e) providing a magnetic field to attract some of the target cells in
such a manner to attract and thereby separate the target cells.
35. The method of separating target cells of a patient according to claim
31 wherein the target cells are in the patient's blood and further
comprising the step of placing the patient's blood in a vessel, and
further wherein step (e), providing a magnetic field to attract some of
the target cells in such a manner to attract and thereby separate the
target cells, comprises the step of generating a magnetic field aligned
with respect to the vessel to attract and thereby separate the target
cells from other blood components.
36. A method of inducing hyperthermia in at least a specific target
portion of the target area of a patient's body part, comprising the steps
of: (a) providing an RF transmitter having an RF generator in circuit
communication with a transmission head, the RF generator capable of
generating an RF signal at a frequency for transmission via the
transmission head; (b) providing an RF receiver having a resonant circuit
in circuit communication with a reception head, the resonant circuit
being tuned to cause at least a portion of the reception head to be
resonant at the frequency of the RF signal transmitted via the
transmission head so as to receive the RF signal transmitted via the
transmission head, the reception head comprising an electrical conductor
for insertion into the patient in or near the specific target portion of
the target area; (c) inserting the electrical conductor into the patient
in or near the specific target portion of the target area; (d) arranging
the transmission head proximate to the body part containing the specific
target portion of the target area in such a manner that the RF signal
transmitted via the transmission head to the reception head passes
through at least a portion of and warms at least a portion of the
specific target portion of the target area with the transmission head
being insulated from contact with the body part; (e) insulating the
transmission head from the body part; and (f) transmitting the RF signal
at the frequency via the transmission head to the reception head, thereby
warming at least a portion of the specific target portion of the target
area of the body part.
37. The method of inducing hyperthermia in at least a specific target
portion of the target area of a patient's body part according to claim
36, wherein prior to transmitting the RF signal, further comprising the
steps of: (a) providing antibodies bound to an RF absorption enhancer,
wherein the antibodies bind to at least one type of cells within the
specific target portion of the target area, to thereby increase the
warming of the type of cells within the specific target portion of the
target area by the RF signal; (b) injecting the antibodies bound to the
RF absorption enhancer into the patient; and (c) waiting for the
antibodies bound to the RF absorption enhancer to bind to some of the at
least one type of cells within the specific target portion of the target
area.
38. The method of inducing hyperthermia in at least a specific target
portion of the target area of a patient's body part according to claim
36, wherein prior to transmitting the RF signal, further comprising the
steps of: (a) providing antibodies bound to an electrical conductor,
wherein the antibodies bind to at least one type of cells within the
specific target portion of the target area, to thereby permit at least a
portion specific target portion of the target area to help function as
the reception head; (b) injecting the antibodies bound to the electrical
conductor into the patient; and (c) waiting for the antibodies bound to
the electrical conductor to bind to some of the at least one type of
cells within the specific target portion of the target area.
39. The non-invasive RF system for inducing hyperthermia according to
claim 1 wherein: (a) the RF generator and the transmission head are
configured and cooperate to permit the RF generator to generate and the
transmission head to transmit a first RF signal at a first frequency and
a second RF signal at a second frequency different than the first
frequency; and (b) the resonant circuit and the reception head are
configured and cooperate to permit the reception head to receive the
first RF signal at the first frequency and the second RF signal at the
second frequency.
40. The non-invasive RF system for inducing hyperthermia according to
claim 39 wherein the RF generator and the resonant circuit cooperate to
alternate between the first frequency and the second frequency.
41. The non-invasive RF system for inducing hyperthermia according to
claim 1 wherein: (a) the transmission head comprises at least first and
second portions that are electrically insulated from each other to permit
the first portion of the transmission head to transmit a first RF signal
at a first frequency to further permit the second portion of the
transmission head to transmit a second RF signal at a second frequency
different than the first frequency; (b) the RF generator is in circuit
communication with the first and second portions of the transmission
head; (c) the reception head comprises at least first and second portions
that are electrically insulated from each other to permit the first
portion of the reception head to receive the first RF signal at the first
frequency to further permit the second portion of the reception head to
receive the second RF signal at the second frequency; (d) the resonant
circuit comprises at least first and second resonant circuit portions,
each in circuit communication with one of the first and second portions
of the reception head, the first and second resonant circuit portions
being tuned to cause the first and second portions of the reception head
to be resonant at the respective frequency of the respective RF signal
transmitted via the respective portion of the transmission head so as to
receive the respective RF signal transmitted via the respective portion
of the transmission head; and (e) the RF generator generates the first RF
signal at the first frequency for transmission via the first portion of
the transmission head and generates the second RF signal at the second
frequency for transmission via the second portion of the transmission
head.
42. The non-invasive RF system for inducing hyperthermia according to
claim 1 wherein the transmission and reception heads each comprise first
and second portions that are electrically insulated from each other.
43. The non-invasive RF system for inducing hyperthermia according to
claim 1 wherein the transmission and reception heads are bumpy.
44. The non-invasive RF system for inducing hyperthermia according to
claim 1 wherein the transmission and reception heads each have a
non-uniform thickness.
45. The non-invasive RF system for inducing hyperthermia according to
claim 1 wherein the transmission and reception heads are dimpled.
46. The non-invasive RF system for inducing hyperthermia according to
claim 1 wherein the amplitude of the RF signal is substantially constant.
47. The non-invasive RF system for inducing hyperthermia according to
claim 1 wherein the amplitude of the RF signal is varied.
48. The non-invasive RF system for inducing hyperthermia according to
claim 1 wherein the amplitude of the RF signal is pulsed.
49. The non-invasive RF system for inducing hyperthermia according to
claim 1 further comprising the step of cooling the patient's blood in a
device external to the patient.
50. An RF system for inducing hyperthermia in a target area comprising:
(a) an RF generator; (b) a transmission head in circuit communication
with the RF generator for transmitting at least one radio frequency; and
(c) a resonant circuit for receiving the radio frequency, wherein the
resonant circuit is attached to cells in the target area and the cells in
the target area are resonant at the transmitted radio frequency.
51. The RF system for inducing hyperthermia of claim 50 wherein the
resonant circuit is attached to the cells in the target area via a
needle.
52. The RF system for inducing hyperthermia of claim 51 wherein the needle
comprises one or more extension members.
53. The RF system for inducing hyperthermia of claim 50 wherein the
resonant circuit is attached to the cells in the target area by a carrier
mechanism.
54. The RF system for inducing hyperthermia of claim 53 wherein the
carrier mechanism is one or more antibodies.
55. A method of inducing hyperthermia in cells in a target area
comprising: (a) providing one or more resonant circuits; (b) attaching
the one or more resonant circuits to cells in the target area; (c)
providing a transmission head for transmitting the one or more radio
frequencies; (d) positioning the transmission head to transmit the one or
more radio frequencies toward the one or more resonant circuits; (e)
transmitting the one or more radio frequencies toward the one or more
resonant circuits; and (f) causing the cells to be resonant while
transmitting the one or more radio frequencies.
56. The method of inducing hyperthermia in cells in the target area of
claim 55 wherein the step of attaching the one or more resonant circuits
to the cells in the target area comprises inserting a needle into the
target area.
57. The method of inducing hyperthermia in cells in the target area of
claim 55 wherein attaching the one or more resonant circuits to the cells
in the target area comprises attaching the one or more resonant circuits
to one or more carrier mechanisms.
58. The method of inducing hyperthermia in cells in the target area of
claim 57 wherein the one or more carrier mechanisms comprises one or more
antibodies.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to, and the benefits of,
provisional application Ser. No. 60/569,348 filed on May 7, 2004, which
is also entitled System and Method For Rf-Induced Hyperthermia, and is
incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to the field of radio
frequency (RF) circuits, and more specifically to an RF transmitter and
receiver system and method for inducing hyperthermia in a target area.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Hyperthermia is characterized by a very high fever, especially when
induced artificially for therapeutic purposes. It is known in the art to
use contact antennas to direct RF electromagnetic radiation to
intentionally induce hyperthermia in human tissue for therapeutic
purposes, e.g., destroying diseased cells. There are also RF heating
devices known in the art (e.g., the Thermotron RF-8 system, Yamamoto
Viniter Co. of Osaka, Japan, and the 3KCTPATEPM system, Russia).
[0004] When RF radiation is absorbed by matter it causes molecules to
vibrate, which in turn causes heating. More specifically, RF waves
interact with matter by causing molecules to oscillate with the electric
field. This interaction has proven to be most effective for molecules
that are polar, i.e. having their own internal electric field, such as
water. Water molecules lose rotational energy via friction with other
molecules, which causes an increase in temperature. This effect is the
basis for microwave cooking. RF radiation absorbed by the body typically
occurs as a result of the interaction of the RF radiation with water
fluids contained in vivo.
[0005] The amount of RF radiation absorbed by tissue depends on a number
of things, including the power and specific frequency of RF radiation
used. Some frequencies of RF radiation have high absorption rates in
tissue. A typical microwave oven emits RF radiation at about 2500 MHz,
which is readily absorbed by water, fats and sugars to generate heat in
food. RF radiation at lower frequencies, e.g., medium frequency ("MF";
300 to 3000 kilohertz) RF radiation and high frequency ("HF"; 3 to 30
megahertz) RF radiation have generally low absorption rates in human
tissue, even at relatively high powers, as evidenced by people safely
standing near radio station tower transmitters, which transmit tens of
thousands, and even hundreds of thousands, of Watts of RF power at lower
frequencies.
[0006] RF ablation uses RF induced thermal energy to destroy tumor cells
and involves placing a special needle into a tumor, often using image
guidance. U.S. Pat. No. 4,800,899 discloses a system including a
needle-like antenna that is inserted into a patient's body and into a
tumor, permitting microwave RF energy supplied by a microwave generator
to be applied directly to the tumor via the needle-like antenna to induce
hyperthermia in the tumor. The RF energy generates heat in a volume
(e.g., sphere) of tissue surrounding the needle. Ideally, the generated
heat kills the tumor in a manner that spares the healthy tissue
surrounding the tumor. RF ablation has several drawbacks, including the
fact that treatment involves direct contact with the patient, i.e.,
insertion of a needle-like antenna into the patent for the duration of
the procedure, which can require sedation and possibly an overnight stay
in a hospital.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a
system for inducing hyperthermia in at least a portion of a target area
is provided. The system includes an RF transmitter having an RF generator
and a transmission head, and an RF receiver having a resonant circuit and
a reception head. When the transmission and reception heads are arranged
proximate to and on either side of a target area and an RF signal is
transmitted from the transmission head, through the target area, to the
reception head, at least a portion of the target area is warmed without
direct contact of the heads to the target area.
[0008] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a
method of inducing hyperthermia in at least a portion of the target area
is provided. The method includes providing an RF transmitter having an RF
generator and a transmission head. The method further includes providing
an RF receiver having a resonant circuit and a reception head. The
transmission head and reception heads are insulated from the body part
and arranged proximate to and on either side of a target area. An RF
signal is transmitted via the transmission head to the reception head so
that it passes through and warms at least a portion of the target area.
[0009] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a
methodology of inducing hyperthermia in a specific target portion of the
target area of a patient's body is provided. This embodiment includes
providing an RF transmitter, generator and transmission head. It also
includes, providing an RF receiver, resonant circuit, and reception head
wherein the reception head is selected in accordance with the shape and
size of the target area. Once again, the transmission and reception heads
are insulated from the body part and arranged proximate to and on either
side of the body part containing the target area. The methodology further
includes providing antibodies bound to an RF absorption enhancer and
injecting the antibodies into the patient. Waiting for a period of time
for the antibodies to bind to at least one type of cells within the
target area and transmitting an RF signal from the transmission head to
the reception head thereby warming the specific target portion of the
target area of the body part.
[0010] In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention,
a method of inducing hyperthermia in at least target cells of a patient
is provided. The methodology includes providing an RF transmitter,
generator and transmission head. It also includes providing an RF
receiver, resonant circuit and reception head. Providing antibodies bound
to an RF absorption enhancer and injecting the antibodies into the
patient. Waiting for a period of time for the antibodies to bind to at
least one type of cells within the target area and transmitting an RF
signal from the transmission head to the reception head thereby warming
the specific target area.
[0011] In accordance with still yet another embodiment of the present
invention, a method of inducing hyperthermia in at least target cells of
a patient is provided. The methodology includes extracting target cells
from the patient. Providing an RF transmitter, generator and transmission
head. It also includes providing an RF receiver, resonant circuit and
reception head. Providing antibodies bound to an RF absorption enhancer
and introducing the antibodies to the extracted target cells. Waiting for
a period of time for the antibodies to bind to at least one of the
extracted target cells and transmitting an RF signal from the
transmission head to the reception head thereby warming the target cells.
[0012] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a method of
separating target cells of a patient is provided. The methodology
includes removing material from the patient containing at least the
target cells and providing antibodies bound to a magnetic material that
bind to the target cells. The methodology further includes exposing the
target cells to the antibodies bound to the magnetic material, waiting
for the antibodies to bind to some of the target cells and providing a
magnetic field to attract or repel some of the target cells to thereby
separate the target cells.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is an exemplary high-level block diagram of a non-invasive
RF system for inducing hyperthermia in a target area;
[0014] FIG. 2 is an exemplary medium-level block diagram of an RF system
for inducing hyperthermia in a target area;
[0015] FIGS. 3, 3A, 4, 5 and 6 are exemplary embodiments of transmission
heads and reception heads on either side of a target areas;
[0016] FIG. 7 is an exemplary high-level flowchart of an embodiment of a
RF methodology for inducing hyperthermia in a target area;
[0017] FIG. 8 is an exemplary medium level flow chart of an embodiment of
an RF methodology for inducing hyperthermia in a target area;
[0018] FIG. 9 is an exemplary medium level flow chart of an embodiment of
an RF methodology for inducing in-vitro hyperthermia in a target area;
and
[0019] FIG. 10 is an exemplary medium level flow chart of an embodiment of
an magnetic methodology for separating cells.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] In the accompanying drawings which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of the specification, exemplary embodiments of the
invention are illustrated, which, together with a general description of
the invention given above, and the detailed description given below,
serve to example principles of the invention.
[0021] Referring to the drawings, and initially to FIG. 1, there is shown
a first exemplary embodiment of a non-invasive RF system 100 for inducing
hyperthermia in a target area 106. System 100 comprises an RF transmitter
102 in circuit communication with a transmission head 104 and an RF
receiver 110 in circuit communication with a reception head 108. "Circuit
communication" as used herein is used to indicate a communicative
relationship between devices. Direct electrical, optical, and
electromagnetic connections and indirect electrical, optical, and
electromagnetic connections are examples of circuit communication. Two
devices are in circuit communication if a signal from one is received by
the other, regardless of whether the signal is modified by some other
device. For example, two devices separated by one or more of the
following--transformers, optoisolators, digital or analog buffers, analog
integrators, other electronic circuitry, fiber optic transceivers, or
even satellites--are in circuit communication if a signal from one
reaches the other, even though the signal is modified by the intermediate
device(s). As a final example, two devices not directly connected to each
other (e.g. keyboard and memory), but both capable of interfacing with a
third device, (e.g., a CPU), are in circuit communication.
[0022] In exemplary system 100, the RF transmitter 102 generates an RF
signal 120 at a frequency for transmission via the transmission head 104.
Optionally, the RF transmitter 102 has controls for adjusting the
frequency and/or power of the generated RF signal and/or may have a mode
in which an RF signal at a predetermined frequency and power are
transmitted via transmission head 104. In addition, optionally, the RF
transmitter 102 provides an RF signal with variable amplitudes, pulsed
amplitudes, multiple frequencies, etc.
[0023] The RF receiver 110 is in circuit communication with the reception
head 108. The RF receiver 110 is tuned so that at least a portion of the
reception head 104 is resonant at the frequency of the RF signal 120
transmitted via the transmission head 104. As a result, the reception
head 108 receives the RF signal 120 that is transmitted via the
transmission head 104.
[0024] The transmission head 104 and reception head 108 are arranged
proximate to and on either side of a general target area 106. General
target 106 is general location of the area to be treated. The general
target area 106 is any target area or type of cells or group of cells,
such as for example, tissue, blood cells, bone marrow cells, etc. The
transmission head 104 and reception head 108 are preferably insulated
from direct contact with the general target area 106. Preferably, the
transmission head 104 and reception head 108 are insulated by means of an
air gap 112. Optional means of insulating the transmission head 104 and
reception head 108 from the general target area 106 include inserting an
insulating layer or material 310 (FIG. 3), such as, for example,
Teflon.RTM. between the heads 104, 108 and the general target area 106.
Other optional means include providing an insulation area on the heads
104, 108, allowing the heads to be put in direct contact with the general
target area 106. The transmission head 104 and the reception head 108,
described in more detail below, may include one or more plates of
electrically conductive material.
[0025] The general target area 106 absorbs energy and is warmed as the RF
signal 120 travels through the general target area 106. The more energy
that is absorbed by an area, the higher the temperature increase in the
area. Generally, the general target area 106 includes a specific target
area 130. Specific target area 130 includes the tissue or higher
concentration of cells, such as, for example, a tumor, that are desired
to be treated by inducing hyperthermia. Preferably, the general target
area is heated to for example, to between 106.degree. and 107.degree..
Thus, preferably, the specific target area 130 receives higher
concentrations of the RF signal 120 then the general target area 106. As
a result, the specific target area 130 absorbs more energy, resulting in
a higher temperature in the specific target area 130 than in the
surrounding general target area 106.
[0026] Energy absorption in a target area can be increased by increasing
the RF signal 120 strength, which increases the amount of energy
traveling through the general target area 106. Other means of increasing
the energy absorption include concentrating the signal on a localized
area, or specific target area 130, and/or enhancing the energy absorption
characteristics of the target area 130.
[0027] One method of inducing a higher temperature in the specific target
area 130 includes using a reception head that is smaller than the
transmission head. The smaller reception head picks up more energy due to
the use of a high-Q resonant circuit described in more detail below.
Optionally, an RF absorption enhancer 132 is used. An RF absorption
enhancer is any means or method of increasing the tendency of the
specific target area 130 to absorb more energy from the RF signal.
Injecting an aqueous solution is a means for enhancing RF absorption.
Aqueous solutions suitable for enhancing RF absorption include, for
example, water, saline solution, aqueous solutions containing suspended
particles of electrically conductive material, such as metals, iron,
various combination of metals, irons and metals, or magnetic particles.
These types of RF enhancers are generally directly introduced to the
target area. Preferably, these types of RF enhancers are directly
injected into the target area by means of a needle and syringe.
[0028] Other means of enhancing RF absorption include providing antibodies
with associated RF absorption enhancers, such as metal particles. The
antibodies target and bind to specific target cells in the target area
130. Generally, antibodies can be directed against any target, e.g.,
tumor, bacterial, fungal, viral, parasitic, mycoplasmal,
hisocampatabiltiy, differentiation and other cell membrane antigens,
pathogen surface antigens, toxins, enzymes, allergens, drugs and any
biologically active molecules. Binding RF enhancers to the antibodies
permits the injection of the antibodies into the patient and the
targeting of specific cells. Once a high enough concentration of RF
enhancers 132 are attached to the target cells, the RF signal 120 is
passed through the specific target area 130. The RF enhancers induce the
absorption of more energy, creating a localized temperature in the
specific target area 130 that is higher than the temperature created in
the general target area 106. In addition, a combination of antibodies
bound to different metals can be used allowing for variations in the RF
absorption characteristics in localized areas of the target areas. These
variations in RF absorption characteristics permit intentional uneven
heating of the specific target area 130.
[0029] Doping or bonding antibodies with RF enhancers can be used to
improve current RF capacitive heating devices as well as current RF
ablation. Antibodies bound to metals RF absorption enhancers can be
obtained through commercially available channels. One such commercial
channel includes, for example, Research Diagnostics, Inc. located at
Pleasant Hill Road, Flanders N.J.
[0030] The antibodies bond to RF enhancers are applicable for both in-vivo
and in-vitro applications. In one in-vitro application the antibodies and
RF enhancers are in introduced to the target area prior to the target
area being removed from the patient. After the antibodies bind to the
target area, the target area is removed from the patient and treated with
one or more RF signals. In another in-vitro application the target area
is removed from the patient before the RF enhancers are introduced to the
target area. Once the target area is in a suitable vessel, the antibodies
and RF enhancers are introduced to the target area. The target area is
then treated with one or more RF signals.
[0031] Optionally, multiple frequency RF signals 120 are used. Multiple
frequency RF signals can be used to treat target areas. Multiple
frequency RF signals allow the energy absorption rate and absorption rate
in different locations of the target area to be more closely controlled.
The multiple frequency signals can be combined into one signal, or by use
of a multi-plated transmission head, or multiple transmission heads, can
be directed at one or more specific regions in the target area. This is
useful for treating target areas that have specific regions of various
shapes, thicknesses and/or depths. Similarly, pulsed RF signals, variable
frequency RF signals and other combinations or variations of the RF
signals can be used to more precisely control and target the heating of
the specific target areas. These and other methods of increasing RF
absorption can be used independently or in any number of combinations to
increase the energy absorption rate of the specific target area 130.
[0032] In addition, antibodies bound with magnetic particles can be
steered to specific locations using magnets or magnetic resonant imaging
(MRI) machines. Thus, the antibodies can be directed toward specific
target area or target cells. Furthermore, once the antibodies bind to the
specific target cells, the target cells can be separated from the other
cells by use of a magnetic force. The magnetic force can be either an
attracting force, or a repelling force. Magnets, or MRI machines can also
be used to steer injected magnetic particles to specific locations.
[0033] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment having an RF transmitter
200 in circuit communication with transmission head 218 that transmits an
RF signal 270 through a target area 280 to a reception head 268 in
circuit communication with an RF receiver 250. The RF transmitter 200 is
a multi-frequency transmitter and includes a first RF signal generator
204. The first RF signal generator 204 generates a first signal at a
first frequency F1, such as a 16 megahertz frequency. The first RF signal
generator 204 is in circuit communications with band pass filter B.P. 1
206, which is in circuit communication with an RF combination circuit
212. Band pass filter B.P. 1 206 is a unidirectional band pass filter
that prevents signals at other frequencies from reaching first RF signal
generator 204.
[0034] RF transmitter 200 includes a second RF signal generator 208.
Second RF signal generator 208 generates a second signal at a second
frequency F2, such as, for example a 6 megahertz signal. Second signal
generator 208 is in circuit communication with band pass filter B.P. 2
210, which is also in circuit communication with the RF combination
circuit 212. Band pass filter B.P. 2 210 prevents signals at other
frequencies from reaching second RF signal generator 208. Optionally, RF
combination circuit 212 includes circuitry to prevent the first and
second signals from flowing toward the other signal generators and thus
eliminates the need for band pass filter B.P. 1 206 and band pass filter
B.P. 2 210.
[0035] RF combination circuit 212 combines the first and second signal at
frequency F1 and frequency F2 and outputs RF signal 270. Preferably, RF
combination circuit 212 is in circuit communication with first meter 214.
First meter 214 is used to detect the signal strength of RF signal 270.
The RF signal 270 is transmitted via transmission head 218 through the
target 280 to reception head 268. Optionally, plug type connectors 216,
266 are provided allowing for easy connection/disconnection of
transmission head 218, and reception head 268 respectfully. Reception
head 268 is preferably in circuit communications with a second meter 264.
Second meter 264 detects the RF signal strength received by the reception
head 268. The difference in RF signal strength between first meter 214
and second meter 264 can be used to calculate energy absorbed by the
target area 280. Reception head 268 is also in circuit communication with
an RF splitter 262. RF splitter 262 separates the RF signal 270 into back
into its components, first signal at frequency F1 and second signal at
frequency F2. RF splitter 262 is in circuit communication with band pass
filter B.P. 1 256, which is in circuit communication with first tuned
circuit 254. Similarly, RF splitter 262 is in circuit communication with
band pass filter B.P. 2 260, which is in circuit communication with
second tuned circuit 258. Optionally, band pass filter B.P. 1, 256 and
band pass filter B.P. 2 260 can be replaced with a splitter or powered
tee.
[0036] First tuned circuit 254 is tuned so that at least a portion of
reception head 268 is resonant at frequency F1. Similarly, second tuned
circuit 258 is tuned to that at least a portion of reception head 268 is
resonant at frequency F2. Since the reception head 268 is resonant at
frequencies F1 and F2 the RF signal 270 is forced to pass through the
target area 280.
[0037] Optionally, an exemplary embodiment having an RF transmitter,
similar to that illustrated above, that does not include an RF
combination circuit is provided. Instead, the RF transmitter uses a
multi-frequency transmission head. In this embodiment, one portion of the
transmission head is used to transmit one frequency signal, and a second
portion is used to transmit a second frequency signal. In addition,
optionally, the reception head and resonant circuits are constructed
without the need for a splitter, by providing a reception head having
multiple portions wherein the specific portions are tuned to receive
specific frequency signals. An example of such a transmission head in
more detail illustrated below.
[0038] FIG. 2 illustrates another means for concentrating the RF signal on
specific target area by using a larger transmission head then reception
head. The RF signal 270 transmitted by larger transmission head 218 is
received by reception head 268 in such a manner that the RF signal 270 is
more concentrated near the reception head 268 than it is near the
transmission head 218. The more concentrated the RF signal 270, the
higher the amount of energy that can be absorbed by the specific area
282. Thus, positioning the larger transmission head on one side of the
target area 280 and positioning the smaller reception head 268 on the
other side of and near the specific target area 282 is a means for
concentrating the RF signal 270 on the specific target area 282.
Optionally, one or more of the tuned circuits 254, 258 in the RF receiver
250 are tuned to have a high quality factor or high "Q." Providing a
resonant circuit with a high "Q" allows the tuned head to pick up larger
amounts of energy.
[0039] FIGS. 3-6 illustrate a number of exemplary transmitter head and
reception head configurations. Additionally, the transmitter and receiver
heads may be metallic plates. FIG. 3 illustrates a transmitter head 302
having a non-uniform thickness 314. Transmission head 302 is electrically
insulated from target area 306 by an insulation layer 308 in contact with
the target area. Similarly, reception head 304 is electrically insulated
by insulation layer 310. Insulation layer 310 can be in direct contact
with target area 306. Insulation layer 308, 310 provide additional means
of electrically insulating the transmission head and reception heads from
the target area. Reception head 304 also has non-uniform thicknesses 314
and 316. Receiver head 304 is smaller than transmission head 302 and has
a smaller cross sectional area on its face. The smaller cross-sectional
area of receiver head 304 facilitates in concentrating an RF signal in a
specific target area.
[0040] FIG. 3A illustrates a face view of the exemplary embodiment of the
transmission head 302 of FIG. 3. The transmission head 302 includes a
plurality of individual transmission heads 314, 316. Transmission heads
314 provide for transmission of a signal at a first frequency, such as 4
megahertz. Transmission heads 316 provide for transmission of a signal at
a second frequency, such as, for example 10 megahertz. Preferably, the
transmission heads 314 and 316 are electrically insulated from one
another. In addition, preferable the power output can be controlled to
each transmission head, allowing for the power output to be increased or
decreased in specific areas based upon the size, shape, or depth of the
specific target area. Optionally, all of the transmission heads 314
provide the same power output, and transmission heads 316 provide the
same power output.
[0041] Obviously the transmission head can contain any number of
individual transmission heads. Moreover, the transmission heads can
transmit signals at a plurality of frequency, and include, but are not
limited to transmission heads that transmit signals at one, two, three,
etc. different frequencies. All of which have been contemplated and are
within the spirit and scope of the present invention.
[0042] FIG. 4 illustrates yet an additional exemplary embodiment. FIG. 4
illustrates transmission head 402 with a wavy surface 412 and reception
head 404 having a wavy surface 414. Other useful surface configurations
include bumpy, planer, non-uniform, mounded, conical and dimpled
surfaces. Varied surface shapes allow for variable depths of heating
control. The shape of receiving head 414 is thinner, narrower (not shown)
and is selected based upon the size and shape of the specific target area
410 located in the general target area 406.
[0043] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary embodiment with a non-invasive
transmission head 502 and an invasive needle 512. In this embodiment, end
of needle 512 is located at least partially within general target area
506 and near specific target area 510. Needle 512 is preferably hollow
and has extension members 514 within the needle 512. Once the end of
needle 512 is located near the specific target area 510, the extension
members 514 are extended and attach to the specific target area 510.
Preferably, the specific target area 510 has been targeted with a large
concentration of RF absorption enhancers 516. The target area 510,
itself, becomes the reception head. The extension members 514 provide
circuit communication with the resonant circuit and the target area 510
is resonant at the desired frequency. Providing multiple extension
members provides for a more even heating of the specific target area 510.
This embodiment allows the RF signal to be concentrated on small areas.
[0044] FIG. 6 illustrates yet another exemplary embodiment of transmission
and reception heads. In this embodiment, transmission head 602 includes a
first transmission head portion 604 and a second transmission head
portion 606. The first and second transmission heads 602, 604 are
electrically isolated from one another by an insulating member 608.
Similarly, reception head 612 includes a first reception portion 614 and
a second reception portion 16 that are electrically isolated from one
another by an insulation member 618. Providing multiple transmission head
portions that are electrically isolated from one another allows the use
of multiple frequencies which can be used to heat various shapes and
sizes of target areas. Different frequencies can be used to heat thicker
and thinner portions of the target area, or deeper target areas allowing
for a more uniform heating, or maximum desired heating, of the entire
target area. Another exemplary embodiment (not shown) includes a
plurality of concentric circles forming transmission head portions and
are electrically isolated or insulated from each other.
[0045] FIG. 7 illustrates a high level exemplary methodology of for
inducing hyperthermia in a target area 700. The methodology begins at
block 702. At block 704 the transmission head is arranged. Arrangement of
the transmission head is accomplished by, for example, placing the
transmission head proximate to and on one side of the target area. At
block 706 the reception head is arranged. Arrangement of the reception
head is similarly accomplished by, for example, placing the reception
head proximate to and on the other side of the target area so that an RF
signal transmitted via the transmission head to the reception head will
pass through the target area. At block 708 the RF signal is transmitted
from the transmission head to the reception head. The RF signal passes
through and warms cells in the target area. The methodology ends at block
710 and may be ended after a predetermined time interval and/in response
to a determination that a desired heating has been achieved.
[0046] FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary methodology for inducing
hyperthermia in a target area 800. The methodology begins at block 802.
At block 804 an RF transmitter is provided. The RF transmitter may be any
type of RF transmitter allowing the RF frequency to be changed or
selected. Preferably RF transmitter is a variable frequency RF
transmitter. Optionally, the RF transmitter is also multi-frequency
transmitter capable of providing multiple-frequency RF signals. Still
yet, optionally the RF transmitter is capable of transmitting RF signals
with variable amplitudes or pulsed amplitudes.
[0047] Preferably, a variety of different shapes and sizes of transmission
and reception heads are provided. The transmission head is selected at
block 806. The selection of the transmission head may be based in part on
the type of RF transmitter provided. Other factors, such as, for example,
the depth, size and shape of the general target area, or specific target
area to be treated, and the number of frequencies transmitted may also be
used in determining the selection of the transmission head.
[0048] The RF receiver is provided at block 808. The RF receiver may be
tuned to the frequency(s) of the RF transmitter. At block 810, the
desired reception head is selected. Similarly to the selection of the
transmission head, the reception head is preferably selected to fit the
desired characteristics of the particular application. For example, a
reception head with a small cross section can be selected to concentrate
the RF signal on a specific target area. Various sizes and shapes of the
reception heads allow for optimal concentration of the RF signal in the
desired target area.
[0049] The RF absorption in the target area is enhanced at block 812. The
RF absorption rate may be enhanced by, for example, injecting an aqueous
solution, and preferably an aqueous solution containing suspended
particles of an electrically conductive material. Optionally, the RF
absorption in the target area is enhanced by exposing the target cells to
antibodies bound to an RF absorption enhancer as discussed above.
[0050] Arrangement of the transmission head and reception head are
performed at blocks 814 and 816 respectfully. The transmission head and
reception heads are arranged proximate to and on either side of the
target area. The transmission head and reception heads are insulated from
the target area. Preferably the heads are insulated from the target area
by means of an air gap. Optionally, the heads are insulated from the
target area by means of an insulating material. The RF frequency(s) are
selected at block 818 and the RF signal is transmitted at block 820. In
addition to selecting the desired RF frequency(s) at block 818,
preferably, the transmission time or duration is also selected. The
duration time is set to, for example, a specified length of time, or set
to raise the temperature of at least a portion of the target area to a
desired temperature/temperature range, such as, for example to between
106.degree. and 107.degree., or set to a desired change in temperature.
In addition, optionally, other modifications of the RF signal are
selected at this time, such as, for example, amplitude, pulsed amplitude,
an on/off pulse rate of the RF signal, a variable RF signal where the
frequency of the RF signal varies over a set time period or in relation
to set temperatures, ranges or changes in temperatures. The methodology
ends at block 822 and may be ended after a predetermined time interval
and/in response to a determination that a desired heating has been
achieved.
[0051] FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary in-vitro methodology of inducing
hyperthermia in target cells 900. The exemplary in-vitro methodology 900
begins at block 902. At block 904, cells to be treated are extracted from
a patient and placed in a vessel. The removed cells include at least one
or more target cells and are extracted by any method, such as for
example, with a needle and syringe. At block 906 antibodies bound with RF
enhancers are provided and exposed to the extracted cells. The antibodies
bound with RF enhancers attach to one or more of the target cells that
are contained within the larger set of extracted cells.
[0052] An RF transmitter and RF receiver are provided at blocks 910 and
912 respectively. The transmission head is arranged proximate to and on
one side of the target cells in the vessel at block 916. At block 918 the
reception head is arranged proximate to and on the other side of the
target cells. An RF signal is transmitted at block 918 to increase the
temperature of the target cells to, for example, to between 106.degree.
and 107.degree..
[0053] Finally, FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary in-vitro methodology of
separating cells 1000. The exemplary in-vitro methodology begins at block
1002. At block 1004, cells to be treated are extracted from a patient and
placed in a vessel. The extracted cells include at least one or more
target cells and are extracted by any method, such as for example, with a
needle and syringe. At block 1006 antibodies bound with magnetic
particles are provided and exposed to the extracted cells. The antibodies
bound with magnetic particles attach to one or more of the target cells
that are contained within the larger set of extracted cells. A magnetic
coil is provided at block 1010 and energized at block 1012. The target
cells that are bound to the antibodies are attracted by the magnetic
field. The target cells bound to the antibodies are then separated from
the other cells. The target cells can be separated by skimming the one or
more target cells from the remaining cells, or retaining the one or more
target cells in one area of the vessel and removing the other cells. The
methodology ends at block 1020 after one or more of the target cells are
separated from the other cells.
[0054] While the present invention has been illustrated by the description
of embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in
some detail, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or in
any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional
advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the
art. For example, modulating the RF signal with another signal, such as,
for example, a square wave (e.g. a 300-400 Hz square wave). Modulating
the RF signal with a square wave stimulates the tissue and enhances
heating. Another example includes total body induced hyperthermia to
treat the patient's entire body. In this example, the transmission and
reception heads are as large as the patient and hyperthermia is induced
in the entire body. Cooling the blood may be required to prevent
overheating and can be accomplished in any manner. Therefore, the
invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details,
representative apparatus and methods, and illustrative examples shown and
described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without
departing from the spirit or scope of the applicant's general inventive
concept.
* * * * *
