Method of manufacturing a microwave antenna assembly

• US 7,594,313 B2
• Filed: 07/26/2006
• Issued: 09/29/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 11/02/2001
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Covidien LP (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Vivant Medical, Inc. (Johnson Controls International plc)
• Inventors: Prakash, Mani, Kim, Steven, Rossetto, Francesca, Su, Ted, Lee, Anthony, Glassman, Jonathan
• Primary Examiner(s): TRINH, MINH N
• Application Number:
  US11/493,393
• Publication Number:
  US 20060264923A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,161 Days
• Field of Search: 295/921, 295/94, 295/95, 296/00, 296/01, 298/25, 29830-832, 607100-102, 607154-156, 606 32- 34, 606/1, 606 40- 50, 343790-793, 343/709
• US Class Current: 29/600
• 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 2018/00077 high, i.e. electrically conducting
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00083 low, i.e. electrically insulating
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00136 with polymer
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00142 lubricating
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00178 Electrical connectors
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00577 Ablation
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/1823 Generators therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/1838 Dipole antennas
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/1853 Monopole antennas
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/1869 with an instrument interstitially inserted into the body, e.g. needles
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/1892 Details of electrical isolations of the antenna
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49005 Acoustic transducer
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49007 Indicating transducer
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49016 Antenna or wave energy "plumbing" making
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49018 with other electrical component

Abstract

A method of manufacturing a microwave antenna assembly includes the step of providing a proximal portion having an inner conductor and an outer conductor. Each of the inner and outer conductors extend through the proximal portion and the inner conductor is disposed within the outer conductor. The method also includes the step of placing a junction member adjacent to a distal end of the proximal portion such that the inner conductor extends through a channel defined in the junction member. The method also includes the step of placing a proximal end of a distal portion adjacent to a distal end of the junction member such that the inner conductor extends within a channel defined within the distal portion. The method also includes the step of affixing the inner conductor to the distal portion such that the proximal portion and the distal portion apply a compressive force on the junction member.

Claims

1. A method of manufacturing a microwave antenna assembly for applying microwave energy therapy, comprising:

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

placing a junction member adjacent to a distal end of the proximal portion such that the inner conductor extends through a channel defined in the junction member;

placing a proximal end of a distal portion adjacent to a distal end of the junction member such that the inner conductor extends within a channel defined within the distal portion;

heating the inner conductor; and

affixing the inner conductor to the distal portion such that the proximal portion and the distal portion apply a compressive force on at least a portion of the junction member, wherein affixing the inner conductor to the distal portion comprises a method selected from the group consisting of welding, brazing, and soldering the inner conductor to the distal portion.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the proximal portion comprises a dielectric material disposed between the inner conductor and the outer conductor.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the proximal portion has a length corresponding to a distance of one-quarter wavelength of radiation transmittable through the antenna assembly.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the junction member comprises a dielectric material.

5. The method of claim 4 wherein the junction member comprises a ceramic material.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein the distal portion has an actual length defined along an outer surface of the distal portion such that a cumulative distance of the actual length and a thickness of the junction member corresponds to a distance of one-quarter wavelength of radiation transmittable through the antenna assembly.

7. The method of claim 6 wherein the distal portion, the proximal portion, and the junction member are adapted to radiate along the cumulative length upon transmission of the radiation.

8. The method of claim 1 further comprising affixing the inner conductor to the distal portion such that the inner conductor is attached to the distal portion such that the inner conductor is under tension.

9. The method of claim 1 further comprising disposing a dielectric coating at least partially over the antenna assembly.

10. The method of claim 1 further comprising disposing a sealant coating at least partially over the antenna assembly.

11. The method of claim 1 further comprising disposing a conductive layer on the antenna assembly proximally of the distal portion such that the conductive layer is in electrical communication with the outer conductor.