High-strength microwave antenna assemblies
First Claim
1. A microwave antenna assembly for applying microwave energy therapy comprising:
- a proximal portion having an inner conductor and an outer conductor, each extending therethrough, the inner conductor disposed within the outer conductor;
a distal portion disposed distally of the proximal portion, with the inner conductor extending at least partially therein;
a junction member having a longitudinal thickness and having at least a portion of which is disposed between the proximal and distal portions such that the inner conductor extends therethrough;
wherein the distal portion and proximal portion apply a compressive force on at least a portion of the junction member; and
wherein the junction member has a radial thickness which is non-uniform about a longitudinal axis as defined by the junction member.
5 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Various high-strength microwave antenna assemblies are described herein. The microwave antenna has a radiating portion connected by a feedline to a power generating source, e.g., a generator. The antenna is a dipole antenna with the distal end of the radiating portion being tapered and terminating at a tip to allow for direct insertion into tissue. Antenna rigidity comes from placing distal and proximal radiating portions in a pre-stressed state, assembling them via threaded or overlapping joints, or fixedly attaching an inner conductor to the distal portion. The inner conductor is affixed to the distal portion by, e.g., welding, brazing, soldering, or by adhesives. A junction member made from a hard dielectric material, e.g., ceramic, can be placed between the two portions and can have uniform or non-uniform shapes to accommodate varying antenna designs. Electrical chokes may also be used to contain returning currents to the distal end of the antenna.
236 Citations
22 Claims
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1. A microwave antenna assembly for applying microwave energy therapy comprising:
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a proximal portion having an inner conductor and an outer conductor, each extending therethrough, the inner conductor disposed within the outer conductor; a distal portion disposed distally of the proximal portion, with the inner conductor extending at least partially therein; a junction member having a longitudinal thickness and having at least a portion of which is disposed between the proximal and distal portions such that the inner conductor extends therethrough; wherein the distal portion and proximal portion apply a compressive force on at least a portion of the junction member; and wherein the junction member has a radial thickness which is non-uniform about a longitudinal axis as defined by the junction member. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A microwave antenna assembly for applying microwave energy therapy comprising:
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a proximal portion having an inner conductor and an outer conductor, each extending therethrough, the inner conductor disposed within the outer conductor; a distal portion disposed distally of the proximal portion, with the inner conductor extending at least partially therein; a junction member having a longitudinal thickness and having at least a portion of which is disposed between the proximal and distal portions such that the inner conductor extends therethrough; wherein the distal portion and proximal portion apply a compressive force on at least a portion of the junction member; and a thermoplastic polymer disposed at least partially over the antenna assembly.
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15. A microwave antenna assembly for applying microwave energy therapy comprising:
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a proximal portion having an inner conductor and an outer conductor, each extending therethrough, the inner conductor disposed within the outer conductor; a distal portion disposed distally of the proximal portion, with the inner conductor extending at least partially therein; a junction member having a longitudinal thickness and having at least a portion of which is disposed between the proximal and distal portions such that the inner conductor extends therethrough; wherein the distal portion and proximal portion apply a compressive force on at least a portion of the junction member; and a conductive layer which is located proximally of the distal portion and is in electrical communication with the outer conductor. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A microwave antenna assembly for applying microwave energy therapy comprising:
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a proximal portion having an inner conductor and an outer conductor, each extending therethrough, the inner conductor disposed within the outer conductor; a distal portion disposed distally of the proximal portion, with the inner conductor extending at least partially therein; a junction member having a longitudinal thickness and having at least a portion of which is disposed between the proximal and distal portions such that the inner conductor extends therethrough; wherein the distal portion and proximal portion apply a compressive force on at least a portion of the junction member; and wherein the distal portion has an actual length defined along an outer surface of the distal portion such that the actual length corresponds to a distance of one-half wavelength of radiation transmittable through the antenna assembly. - View Dependent Claims (22)
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Specification