Method and apparatus for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (bph)

Abstract

A method and apparatus for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) are provided. The method includes providing a set of coils that generate multidirectional pulsed electromagnetic fields in the prostate. The apparatus comprises a power source, an intelligent controller and an applicator positioned in proximity to the prostate and generating multidirectional pulsed fields according to instructions from the controller. The electric component of the electromagnetic fields generated by a PEMF interacts with cells, increases the number of A2a receptors on their membranes and thus enhances the anti-inflammatory actions of the adenosine A2aAR pathway.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of treating BPH in a patient, comprising:
 providing PEMF stimulation to a patient's prostate to increase a number of active A2a receptors on cell membranes of the patient's prostate.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the PEMF stimulation is provided by an applicator placed adjacent to a perineum of the patient. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the patient sits on a PEMF applicator during a treatment regimen. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the PEMF stimulation is provided by a plurality of coils disposed in an applicator. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the plurality of coils comprises two coils disposed adjacent to one another to define a linear axis between the two coils. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the plurality of coils comprises four coils, wherein a first two of the four coils are disposed adjacent to one another to define a first linear axis between the first two of the four coils, and wherein a second two of the four coils are disposed adjacent to one another to define a second linear axis between the second two of the four coils that is perpendicular to the first linear axis. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising coupling a wire coil to a controller to periodically switch directions of an electric current in the wire coil during a treatment regimen. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising protecting a PEMF delivery circuit from voltage spikes arising during a switching off of current pulses in a PEMF coil by connecting a free wheel diode in parallel to the PEMF coil. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the PEMF stimulation is provided by an applicator comprising a coil disposed inside of a cushion, wherein the coil comprises several turns of wire that is embedded within a ceramic pad. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the PEMF stimulation is provided by an applicator comprising a coil provided to a cushion, wherein the cushion defines a central channel in which the coil is disposed. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the PEMF stimulation is provided by an applicator comprising a plurality of coils provided to a cushion, wherein the cushion defines a central channel in which the coils are disposed along two intersecting axes. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising displaying a remaining time of treatment on a display screen of a controller coupled to a PEMF stimulation applicator.