Treating varicose veins using microwave radiation

摘要

A microwave applicator for the treatment of a tubular anatomical structure such as varicose veins comprises a microwave generator 10 coupled to a radiating applicator head 12 via an elongate cable 11, a movement sensor 13 for determining the position of the applicator head 12, a motor 15, and a control unit 14 comprising a memory device for storing burn profile data relating to the required dose of microwave radiation. The control unit 14 is arranged to control the speed at which the cable 11 is withdrawn from the tubular anatomical structure by the motor 15 and/or to control the magnitude of microwave radiation emitted by the microwave generator 10, in order to achieve desired burn profile. Also disclosed is a method for the treatment of a tubular anatomical structure using the disclosed apparatus.