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A coaxial microwave applicator for transurethral hyperthermia of the prostate
Author(s) -
Wong Terence Z.,
Jonsson Eirikur,
Hoopes P. Jack,
Trembly B. Stuart,
Heaney John A.,
Douple Evan B.,
Coughlin Christopher T.
Publication year - 1993
Publication title -
the prostate
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.295
H-Index - 123
eISSN - 1097-0045
pISSN - 0270-4137
DOI - 10.1002/pros.2990220205
Subject(s) - prostate , foley catheter , prostatic urethra , medicine , hyperthermia , transurethral resection of the prostate , urethra , urology , catheter , balloon , radiology , surgery , cancer
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common disease of elderly men. The current definitive treatment for urinary obstruction caused by this disease is surgery (transurethral resection of the prostate, or TURP). Recent evidence suggests that hyperthermia may be a useful nonsurgical alternative for treatment of symptomatic BPH. A transurethral microwave applicator has been designed around a Foley catheter for delivery of local hyperthermia to the prostate. The Foley balloon is used to maintain the antenna position within the prostatic urethra. The Foley catheter also features an antenna choke to confine power deposition to the intended region. The antenna is a coaxial dipole designed to operate at 915 MHz. Qualitative and quantitative specific absorption rate (SAR) patterns are shown for this antenna. In vivo experiments in dog prostate demonstrate that temperatures >42°C can be obtained > 1 cm away from the catheter, while maintaining a maximum urethral temperature of 47°C to 48°C. Histology obtained acutely after the hyperthermia treatments showed minimal damage to the periurethral tissues. We conclude from these studies that this microwave applicator is capable of providing local hyperthermia to the prostatic tissues with a predictable and well‐circumscribed thermal distribution. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.