Ridge-waveguide applicator for treatment with electromagnetic energy

A direct contact applicator for localized electromagnetic energy treatment of living tissue of a patient with signals at a desired radio frequency where for the desired treatment depth the wavelength is relatively long compared to a desired area of treatment comprising:

• a waveguide having a ridge extending along the longitudinal length thereof, said waveguide being filled with a low loss and high dielectric medium like that of said patient, said waveguide including said ridge being dimensioned to propagate said signals therein as transverse electric mode waves where there is relatively little electric field component in the direction of propagation of said waves and to concentrate the signal energy in the region adjacent the ridge;
• a substantially radio frequency transparent material adapted to conform to a body surface of said patient covering one end of said ridge waveguide;
• and
• means coupled to said waveguide for applying said signals thereto for exciting propagation thereof in said transverse electric mode, whereby said signals are applied to said patient with the electric field component primarily parallel to said body surface.