Method and device for treating tumour tissue by heat, by means of interstitial micro heat exchangers inserted in the body

摘要

In methods of the generic type, energy transport into the diseased tissue is effected via small-dimensioned tubes through which warm water flows. The heat transfer on the inside of the tubes is always higher than that on the outside of the tubes resting against the tissue, i.e. the limiting factor in the heat transfer system is outside the heat exchanger which ensures a maximum energy transfer coupled with a minimum temperature of the tube walls. Through the interstitial heat exchangers there flows water or a mixture of water and alcohol maintained at 45-60 degrees centigrade by a precision thermostat. The heat exchangers can be implanted as a single tube by the perforation method and as a coaxial tube by the puncture method. The heat exchanger tubes and the connecting system are dimensioned such that they can also be used as carriers for radioactive products in the patient without any alteration. For microwave therapy, the same system can be used for cooling the antennas inserted in the body.