SENSOR

The present invention relates to a diathermy applicator with integrated temperature sensor . Technical field

As it is known, diathermy is a therapy consisting in increasing temperature of an inner body part by applying low-voltage and high-voltage current , magnetic waves or ultrasound thereto ; it is also used for the treatment of some rheumatic muscle diseases . When using electric current , heating occurs by means o f a physical phenomenon cal led Joule Ef fect .

Clearly, the temperature which can be reached inside the tissues interested by diathermy has to be accurately monitored, in order to carry out an ef ficient and safe treatment ; very low temperatures would nulli fy in fact the treatment ef ficiency, while very high temperatures could cause damage to tissues .

Clearly, the measuring which can be carried out is the one of the skin temperature at the application area, since it is not possible to carry out directly a temperature measuring inside the tissues . To such aim, there are known some solutions to integrate the temperature measuring with the application of radiofrequency electric potential .

CN107582235 describes a diathermy apparatus comprising a plurality of electrodes and a control system to apply a radiofrequency electric potential between the same , so to heat the body by diathermy to a temperature between 30 and 80 ° C .

GB460745 described a diathermy apparatus comprising a measuring circuit provided with a thermocouple , connected by means of a frequency filter to the winding to which the electrodes are connected . Another example is described in document

W02018008023 . Other documents describe the use of temperature sensors associated in various manner to the applicator . Aim of the invention

The present invention provides a diathermy applicator able to provide a skin temperature measuring in the area subj ected to application, which is more reliable than the measuring carried out with the devices known at the state of the art , and which does not require the installation on the applicator of other elements , other than the electrodes used for tissue electric stimulation .

Brief description of the invention The present invention realizes the prefixed aims since it is a diathermy device comprising an applicator (1) provided with at least a couple of electrodes (3, 4) and a control unit (2) , configured to apply a radiofrequency electric potential between the same, characterized in that each electrode (3, 4) of said at least one couple of electrodes comprises at least two portions (31, 32, 41, 42) realized in metal and/o metal alloys different from each other and electrically connected to each other.

Detailed description of the invention The present invention will be now described with reference to the appended figures 1 to 3.

Figures 1 and 2 show two schematic views of a diathermy applicator (1) and respective control unit ( 2 ) .

Figure 3 shows a view of a diathermy application by an operator on a patient.

As it is clear from the appended figures, the device according to the present invention is a diathermy device comprising an applicator (1) provided with at least a couple of electrodes (3, 4) and a control unit (2) , configured to apply a radiofrequency potential between the same. Clearly, the control unit (2) comprises control means as well, known per se at the state of the art, to allow the machine to be turned on and off, and to adjust the treatment intensity (applied potential and frequency) .

With reference to the applicator (1) , the same is characterized in that each electrode of said at least one couple of electrodes comprises at least two portions (31, 32, 41, 42) realized in metal and/or metal alloys, different from each other and electrically connected to each other.

It is to be specified that the two electrodes (3, 4) are not electrically connected to each other, since they are used for the application of an electric potential, and instead there are connected to each other only: the first portion (31) of the first electrode (3) to the second portion (32) of the first electrode (3) , and the first portion (41) of the second electrode (4) to the second portion (42) of the second electrode (4) .

Examples of couples of usable metals are: nickel chrome and nickel-aluminum; iron and copper-nickel; copper and copper-nickel; nickel-chrome and coppernickel; nickel chrome and nickel-aluminum, steel- titanium. Possibly, each electrode can be coated with an electrically and thermally conductive coating, in biocompatible material.

Each one of the two electrodes can act in this way: as application electrode of RE potential for therapy execution;

- as skin temperature measuring thermo-couple.

The control unit (2) or the applicator (1) comprise also at least a reading circuit of the temperature detected by the electrodes, provided with compensation circuit (cold junction) and potential amplification circuit. Conveniently, also, the device comprises a temperature reading circuit for each electrode, and between each electrode and respective thermo-couple reading circuit it is provided a low pass frequency filter, which avoids the possibility of radiofrequency potential passage towards the thermo-couple reading circuit.

It is clear that this configuration allows to measure temperature the nearest possible to the skin, without adding any sensor (1) .

Preferably, each portion (31, 32, 41, 42) of each of said electrodes (3, 4) is shaped as a convex curve surface, and preferably as a spherical cap.

In this way, the movement of the applicator on the skin is made easier. Yet, more preferably, each portion (31, 32, 41, 42) of each of said electrodes (3, 4) is hollow inside, in order to decrease its own thermal inertia. Preferably, also, the control unit is configured to carry out cycles providing the steps of:

(100) application of a radiofrequency electric potential for a predetermined time interval,

(200) reading the temperature measured by at least one of said electrodes, (300) comparing the temperature read at step (200) with a predetermined threshold temperature,

(400) interruption of the treatment cycle in case the temperature read is higher or lower than said temperature read at step (200) .