Reinforced high strength microwave antenna

• US 20060259024A1
• Filed: 05/10/2005
• Published: 11/16/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 05/10/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Covidien LP (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Vivant Medical, Inc. (Johnson Controls International plc)
• Inventors: Prakash, Mani, Kim, Steven, Su, Ted, Turovskiy, Roman
• Granted Patent: US 7,799,019 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 606/33
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/18 by applying electromagnetic radiation, e.g. microwaves radiation therapy A61N5/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/1815 using microwaves
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00011 with fluids
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00577 Ablation
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00589 Coagulation
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00642 with feedback, i.e. closed loop control
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00702 Power or energy
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00791 Temperature
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00797 measured by multiple temperature sensors
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00821 measured by a thermocouple
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/1838 Dipole antennas
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/1846 Helical antennas
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/1853 Monopole antennas
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/1892 Details of electrical isolations of the antenna
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 9/22 Rigid rod or equivalent tubular element or elements

Abstract

High-strength microwave antenna assemblies and methods of use are described herein. The microwave antenna has a radiating portion connected by a feedline to a power generating source, e.g., a generator. Proximal and distal radiating portions of the antenna assembly are separated by a junction member. A reinforcing member is disposed within the junction member to increase structural rigidity.

Claims

1. A microwave antenna assembly for applying microwave energy therapy comprising:

a proximal radiating portion having an inner conductor and an outer conductor, each extending therethrough, the inner conductor disposed within the outer conductor;

a distal radiating portion disposed distally of the proximal portion, with the inner conductor extending at least partially therein;

a junction member having a longitudinal thickness, wherein at least a portion of the junction member is disposed between the proximal and distal portions such that the inner conductor extends therethrough;

a reinforcing member disposed longitudinally at least partially within the junction member to provide additional stiffness to the junction member; and

a sensor selected from the group consisting of a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, and a flow sensor.

2. The microwave antenna assembly of claim 1 wherein the reinforcing member further extends into the distal radiating portion.

3. The microwave antenna assembly of claim 1 wherein the inner conductor extends through the junction member and is in electrical communication with the distal radiating portion.

4. The microwave antenna assembly of claim 1 wherein the reinforcing member is integrally formed with the inner conductor.

5. The microwave antenna assembly of claim 1 wherein the reinforcing member, inner conductor and distal radiating portion are integrally formed.

6. The microwave antenna assembly of claim 1 wherein the sensor is a temperature sensor.

7. The microwave antenna assembly of claim 1 further comprising a lumen extending through at least a portion of the proximal radiating portion and opening to the surface of the assembly.

8. The microwave antenna assembly of claim 1 wherein the microwave antenna assembly is connected to a source of microwave energy.

9. The microwave antenna assembly of claim 1 wherein the proximal radiating portion is a single piece.

10. The microwave antenna assembly of claim 9 wherein the proximal radiating portion has a variable wall thickness.

11. The microwave antenna assembly of claim 1 wherein the proximal radiating portion is covered at least in part by a cooling chamber.

12. A microwave antenna assembly for applying microwave energy therapy comprising:

a proximal radiating portion having an inner conductor and an outer conductor, each extending therethrough, the inner conductor disposed within the outer conductor;

a distal radiating portion disposed distally of the proximal portion and integrally formed and of a single piece with the inner conductor; and

a junction member having a longitudinal thickness, wherein at least a portion of the junction member is disposed between the proximal and distal portions such that the inner conductor extends therethrough,

wherein the inner conductor and distal radiating portion reinforce the junction member to provide additional stiffness to the junction member.

13. The microwave antenna assembly of claim 12 further comprising a sensor selected from the group consisting of a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, and a flow sensor.

14. The microwave antenna assembly of claim 12 further comprising a lumen extending through at least a portion of the proximal radiating portion and opening to the surface of the assembly.

15. The microwave antenna assembly of claim 12 wherein the microwave antenna assembly is connected to a source of microwave energy.

16. The microwave antenna assembly of claim 12 wherein the proximal radiating portion is a single piece.

17. The microwave antenna assembly of claim 12 wherein the proximal radiating portion has a variable wall thickness.

18. The microwave antenna assembly of claim 12 wherein the proximal radiating portion is covered at least in part by a cooling chamber.