Inventors:
Fred Lee - Madison WI, US
Christopher Brace - Middleton WI, US
Paul Laeseke - Madison WI, US
Daniel Weide - Madison WI, US
Deepak Gopal - Madison WI, US
Patrick Pfau - Madison WI, US
Lisa Sampson - Madison WI, US
International Classification:
A61B 18/18, A61F 2/00, A61N 1/00
US Classification:
606033000, 607101000, 607156000
Abstract:
A microwave device that can be used to effectively treat esophageal pathologies comprises a coaxial, triaxial or quadraxial microwave antenna housed in an esophageal dilator or balloon. The device can be introduced into the esophagus alongside or through an endoscope, and will deliver microwave energy to tissue. This energy heats the affected tissue, which subsequently undergoes necrosis thereby eliminating the potential of the tissue to undergo malignant transformation. The dilator or balloon is used to keep the antenna in the center of the lumen allowing for symmetrical heating of the esophagus. The depth of penetration of the coagulation effect can be varied depending on the amount of power that is applied, the location of the antenna relative to the tissue, and the duration of the power application.