Method of treatment using magnetic resonance and apparatus therefor

Abstract

Treatment of malignant tumors or other lesions by localized transfer of radio frequency electromagnetic energy into a portion of the body may be achieved by means of spatially localized magnetic resonance (MR). A magnetic field with appropriate spatial distribution and radio frequency tuned to the resonant frequency unique to the tumor treatment volume will cause selective therapeutic energy deposition or heating within the tumor (hyperthermia). The desired magnetic field distribution for the MR treatment volume may be achieved by means of a main static magnetic field with a superimposed magnetic field to define the treatment volume size and shape, positioned by a gradient magnetic field. Treatment may be enhanced by MR contrast agents (such as gadolinium) and pharmacologic agents. The therapy may be achieved by simultaneous resonance throughout an entire selected therapy volume, or successively point by point, or by superimposition of small volumes, including by successively excited points, lines or planes as practiced in prior art magnetic resonance imaging systems, facilitating simultaneous imaging and therapy. In a preferred embodiment, the invention is incorporated in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner wherein the imager modified by the addition of a localizing magnet is used visually or by automated or semi-automated computer image processing to define and localize the treatment volume and the main magnetic field and positioning gradient fields are created by the same magnets used for imaging and the radio frequency apparatus used for Magnetic Resonance Therapy uses the same electronics and probe coil used for MRI.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.