Applicator for microwave radiation treatment

Abstract

A device for restricting the loss of blood during a surgical procedure is disclosed. The device generates localized heating in an organ or volume of tissue and includes an applicator that is positioned against an organ or tissue to be treated, an array of retractable needles that deliver irradiating energy in the vicinity of a selected incision point; a switching mechanism in communication with the needles for energizing and causing movement of the needles and a power unit for supplying irradiating power to the needles when extended into the organ or tissue.

1 . A device for restricting the loss of blood during a surgical procedure comprising: 
 (i) an applicator having a face for positioning against an organ or tissue to be treated;    (ii) an array of retractable needles extending from said face capable of irradiating said organ or tissue to be treated in a vicinity of a selected incision point;    (iii) a switching mechanism in communication with said array of retractable needles for energizing and releasing said array of retractable needles;    (iv) and a power unit in communication with said array of retractable needles for supplying irradiating power to said needles when extended into said organ or tissue in the vicinity of the selected incision point.    
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the power unit supplies sufficient power for a period required to raise the temperature of said organ or tissue in the vicinity of the selected incision point by about 20° C. to about 30° C.  
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1  wherein said array of retractable needles provide local heating of the organ or tissue within a volume approximately 5 cm long, 2 cm wide and 4 cm deep.  
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the applicator includes a collar to which the array of retractable needles are secured.  
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 4  wherein movement of the needles is effected by a solenoid mechanism acting on the collar.  
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 5  wherein the solenoid mechanism includes a spring for effecting movement of said needles.  
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the power is microwave power.  
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the needle array comprises about twenty needles.