Method and system for controlling heat delivery to a target

A memory area accessible to a data processor, wherein the memory unit stores executable data for:

• receiving input data at a data processor, wherein the input data is from a detection device that interrogates a tissue portion with radiation as part of acquiring the input data, wherein the input data corresponds to a tissue portion and includes temperature sensitive information;
• determining at the data processor a first characteristic for a heat generating device based on the temperature sensitive information, wherein operation of the heat generating device is to be based on the first characteristic;
• and
• providing control data to the heat generating device, wherein the control data is based on the first characteristic.

A data processor controlled method for treating a lesion comprising the steps of:

• determining a temperature of a portion of the lesion using a magnetic resonance imager;
• determining an amount of energy to apply to the lesion based on the temperature of the portion of the lesion;
• and
• providing control information to an energy delivery device to generate the amount of heat.

A method comprising the steps of:

• heating a localized portion of a target with a controllable heat source;
• receiving data from an imaging device, wherein the data includes information associated with a temperature proximate to the localized portion of the target;
• and
• controlling the heat source in an automated manner based at least in part on the information associated with the temperature proximate to the localized portion of the target.

A method comprising the steps of:

• receiving input data at a data processor, wherein the input data is from a detection device that interrogates a tissue portion with radiation as part of acquiring the input data, wherein the input data corresponds to a tissue portion and includes temperature sensitive information;
• determining at the data processor a first characteristic for a heat generating device based on the temperature sensitive information, wherein operation of the heat generating device is to be based on the first characteristic;
• and
• providing control data to the heat generating device, wherein the control data is based on the first characteristic.