Microwave applicator and method of operation

A method for non-invasively removing target tissue disposed at least partially within an adipose layer, the adipose layer located between a skin layer and a muscle layer, the method comprising the steps of:

• introducing a plurality of electromagnetic surface waves on a plane dissecting the target tissue, the electromagnetic surface waves comprising an electric field component polarized substantially perpendicular to an interface between the skin layer and the adipose layer;
• and
• converging the electromagnetic surface waves on the target tissue, thereby heating the target tissue.

A microwave applicator comprising:

• a plurality of antenna elements arranged in an array, each element comprising at least two feeds coupled to a dual polarization antenna, the antenna adapted for supporting at least two linearly independent polarization states;
• and
• a control system including phase and amplitude elements coupled to the feeds for enabling independent adjustment of each of the polarization states.

A microwave applicator for inducing hyperthermia in target tissue comprising:

• a plurality of antenna elements arranged in an array for generating a plurality of electromagnetic waves, at least one of the antenna elements comprising a dual-feed patch antenna wherein each feed produces a substantially independent polarization state;
• and
• a control system including amplitude and phase adjusting elements coupled to the antenna array elements for converging the electromagnetic surface waves at the target tissue, thereby heating the target tissue.

A method for non-invasively removing target tissue disposed at least partially within an adipose layer, the adipose layer located between a skin layer and a muscle layer, the method comprising the steps of:

• generating a cylindrical, converging, quasi-transverse electromagnetic surface wave within the adipose layer as a function of differing dielectric and conductivity characteristics of the skin layer and the muscle layer,
• wherein the surface wave is produced by launching a wave trapped between the skin layer and the muscle layer from different directions surrounding an intended focus.