Inductothermy

Inductothermy 

a method of electrotherapeutics in which certain parts of the body of the patient are heated by an alternating, predominantly high-frequency (from 10 to 40 megahertz) electromagnetic field, which induces eddy currents in body tissues.

The intensity of the eddy currents is proportional to the electroconductivity of the medium; therefore, the currents are most intense in the body’s fluid media (blood, lymph), which possess considerable electroconductivity. Regions of the body subjected to eddy currents develop some degree of heat, and metabolism is increased; blood circulation and, consequently, the entrance of nutritive substances and the removal of products of the vital activities of the tissues are intensified. The tonus of the muscle fibers and the excitability of the nerves are decreased, alleviating pains. The above changes create conditions for the rapid resolution of inflammatory foci (even deep-lying sites) and for curing diseases of the peripheral nerves. Generators of high-frequency electrical oscillations are used for inductothermy. The DKV-2 is manufactured for inductothermy in the USSR. The energy of the electromagnetic field is conveyed by the generating apparatus to the patient through a flexible cable (cable electrode) curved in the form of a cylindrical or flat spiral or through a disk applicator (a flat spiral of copper tubing). The patient experiences a pleasant sensation of warmth during the procedure.

REFERENCE

Liventsev, N. M. Elektromeditsinskaia apparatura, 3rd ed. Moscow, 1964.

V. G. IASNOGORODSKII