System method and apparatus for localized heating of tissue

Abstract

System method and apparatus for accurately carrying out the in situ heating of a targeted tissue. Small implants are employed with the targeted tissue which exhibit an abrupt change of magnetic permeability at an elected Curie temperature. The permeability state of the implant is monitored utilizing a magnetometer. The implants may be formed as a setpoint temperature determining component combined with a non-magnetic heater component to enhance the tissue heating control of the system. With the system, a very accurate quantum of heat energy can be supplied to a neoplastic lesion or tissue carrying infectious disease so as to maximize the induction of heat shock proteins. The system also may be utilized in conjunction with non-magnetic arterially implanted stents for the hyperthermia therapy treatment of restenosis and in conjunction with the mending of boney tissue.

1 - 28 . (canceled)  
     
     
         29 - 45 . (canceled)  
     
     
         46 . Stent apparatus for positioning within the body of a patient, comprising: 
 a metal stent structure having a contact surface configured for abutting engagement with tissue of said patient and formed of material responsive to an alternating field based energy applied externally of said body to elevate in temperature; and    an untethered sensor with a soft ferrite component assembly formulated with oxides of Fe, Mn and Zn to exhibit a Curie point temperature at a hyperthermia based level.    
     
     
         47 . The stent apparatus of  claim 46  in which: 
 said ferrite component is fixed to said stent structure contact surface.    
     
     
         48 . The stent apparatus of  claim 46  further comprising a flexible securement band agalvanic with respect to said metal stent structure and tensionally surmounting said metal stent structure and said ferrite component assembly.  
     
     
         49 . The stent apparatus of  claim 46  in which said ferrite component assembly is coated with a biocompatible electrically insulative conformal layer.  
     
     
         50 . The stent apparatus of  claim 46  in which: 
 said stent structure is generally cylindrically shaped; and    said ferrite component assembly comprises a first discrete ferrite component fixed to said contact surface, and a second ferrite component fixed to said contact surface at a location generally diametrically opposite from the location of said first ferrite component.    
     
     
         51 . The stent apparatus of  claim 46  further comprising a thermally activatable release agent coating extending over said metal stent structure, effective to limit restenosis when said stent structure is elevated in temperature.  
     
     
         52 . The stent apparatus of  claim 46  in which: 
 said ferrite component assembly comprises a soft ferrite containing about 49 wt % iron, about 15 wt %zinc, about 9 wt % manganese and about 27 wt % oxygen, said Curie point temperature being about 44.5° C.    
     
     
         53 . The stent apparatus of  claim 46  in which: 
 said ferrite component assembly comprises a soft ferrite formulated with about 49 wt % iron, about 15 wt % zinc, about 9 wt % manganese and about 27 wt % oxygen and exhibits a Curie point temperature of about 44.5° C.    
     
     
         54 - 65 . (canceled)