| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|
| 20090187180 | Choked Dielectric Loaded Tip Dipole Microwave Antenna - A microwave antenna assembly is disclosed. The antenna assembly includes a feedline having an inner conductor, an outer conductor and an inner insulator disposed therebetween. A radiating portion is also included having an unbalanced dipole antenna including a proximal portion and a distal portion that are of different lengths. The proximal portion includes at least a portion of the inner conductor and the inner insulator and the distal portion includes a conductive member. | 07-23-2009 |
| 20100030206 | Tissue Ablation System With Phase-Controlled Channels - A system for applying energy to tissue via a plurality of channels includes a controller adapted to connect to an energy source, wherein the controller is configured to control a phase relationship between electrical signals in each channel, and a number of energy delivery devices, each energy delivery device operatively coupled to the controller via a corresponding one of the channels. | 02-04-2010 |
| 20100079215 | SYSTEM, APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DISSIPATING STANDING WAVE IN A MICROWAVE DELIVERY SYSTEM - A system, apparatus and method for dissipating standing waves in a microwave energy delivery system including a microwave energy source configured to intermittently delivery microwave energy as a periodic microwave signal an energy delivery network configured to transmit the periodic microwave signal and a circuit connected between the microwave energy source and the energy delivery network. The circuit is configured to pass the periodic microwave signal from the microwave energy source to the energy delivery network when the periodic microwave signal is present and to dissipate standing waves when the periodic microwave signal is absent. | 04-01-2010 |
| 20100082023 | MICROWAVE SYSTEM CALIBRATION APPARATUS, SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USE - A microwave system calibration apparatus including an antenna portion configured to deliver microwave energy to tissue, a transmission line portion configured to receive a microwave energy signal from a microwave source and to selectively deliver the microwave energy signal to the antenna portion and a switching mechanism connected between the antenna portion and the transmission line portion. The transmission line includes an inner conductor having a length, an outer conductor concentrically surrounding the inner conductor along the length and a dielectric material separating the inner and outer conductors. The inner conductor or the outer conductor of the transmission line portion is electrically connected to the antenna. The switching mechanism is configured to electrically disconnect the transmission line portion from the antenna portion in a first condition and further configured to connect the inner conductor to the outer conductor in a second condition. | 04-01-2010 |
| 20100082024 | INTERMITTENT MICROWAVE ENERGY DELIVERY SYSTEM - An intermittent microwave energy delivery system for use in testing microwave energy systems and devices and for use in performing medical procedures including a microwave energy source configured to provide a continuous microwave energy signal, an energy delivery network configured to intermittently transmit a portion of the continuous microwave energy signal, a resistive load configured to dissipate the microwave energy signal; and a switching network configured to switch the continuous microwave energy signal between the microwave energy network and the resistive load. The continuous microwave energy signal is time proportioned between the energy delivery network and the resistive load. | 04-01-2010 |
| 20100082025 | MICROWAVE ABLATION GENERATOR CONTROL SYSTEM - A microwave energy delivery and measurement system, including a microwave energy source configured to delivery microwave energy to a microwave energy delivery device, a measurement system configured to measure at least one parameter of the microwave energy delivery device and a switching network configured to electrically isolate the microwave energy source and the measurement system. The measurement system is configured to actively measure in real time at least one parameter related to the microwave energy delivery device. | 04-01-2010 |
| 20100082083 | MICROWAVE SYSTEM TUNER - A microwave energy delivery and measurement system including a microwave energy source configured to delivery microwave energy, a measurement system, a switching network configured to connect the microwave energy delivery device between the microwave energy source and the measurement system, a tuner connected between the switching network and the microwave energy delivery device and a control system. The tuner adjusts the circuit impendence of the microwave energy delivery device based on a tuner control signal. The control system is configured to receive data from the measurement system, determine an impedance mismatch between the microwave energy delivery device and the microwave energy source and provide the control signal to the tuner. The measurement system includes an analog input configured to receive a first signal related to the energy delivered by the microwave energy source and an analog output configured to produce a second signal configured to drive the microwave energy delivery device. A parameter of the second signal is related to a property of the microwave energy delivery device. | 04-01-2010 |
| 20100082084 | MICROWAVE SYSTEM CALIBRATION APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USE - An apparatus for calibrating a microwave energy delivery device including a body, the body defining a chamber portion. The chamber portion is configured to receive a portion of a microwave energy delivery device and the body is configured to absorb energy transmitted by the microwave energy delivery device at a predetermined absorption rate. | 04-01-2010 |
| 20100094272 | Antenna Assemblies for Medical Applications - A device for directing energy to a target volume of tissue includes a helical antenna assembly that includes a helical antenna radiating section having a helical antenna element. The helical antenna assembly is capable of operating in at least one of a first mode of operation for directing energy to a first portion of the target volume of tissue and a second mode of operation for directing energy to a second portion of the target volume of tissue. | 04-15-2010 |
| 20100094273 | Antenna Assemblies for Medical Applications - A device for directing energy to a target volume of tissue includes a monopole antenna assembly that includes a monopole antenna radiating section having a monopole antenna element surrounded by a dielectric material. The monopole antenna assembly also includes a ground plane disposed at a proximal end of the monopole antenna radiating section, wherein the ground plane is configured to direct energy into the target volume of tissue. | 04-15-2010 |
| 20100097284 | Choked Dielectric Loaded Tip Dipole Microwave Antenna - A microwave antenna assembly is disclosed. The antenna assembly includes a feedline having an inner conductor, an outer conductor and an inner insulator disposed therebetween and a radiating section coupled to the feedline, the radiating section including a dipole antenna and a tubular dielectric loading disposed about the dipole antenna. | 04-22-2010 |
| 20100217251 | Leaky-Wave Antennas for Medical Applications - A device for directing energy to a target volume of tissue includes an inner conductor having a length and an outer conductor coaxially surrounding the inner conductor along the length. The outer conductor has a proximal portion and a distal portion. The distal portion of the outer conductor is provided with a number of apertures N defined therein for radiating energy, where N is an integer greater than 1, each aperture having a size and extending at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the outer conductor. At least one of the size and the angle of each aperture is varied in relation to the other apertures N−1 such that the energy radiated along the distal portion is substantially uniform. | 08-26-2010 |
| 20100217252 | Leaky-Wave Antennas for Medical Applications - A device for directing energy to a target volume of tissue includes a proximal portion including a first antenna subassembly extending therethrough, and a distal portion including a second antenna subassembly. The first antenna subassembly includes a leaky-wave antenna assembly having an outer conductor and an inner conductor disposed within the outer conductor. The distal portion of the device is attached to the inner conductor. The outer conductor includes a plurality of radiating apertures defined in a distal portion thereof and is configured for radiating energy substantially uniformly along a longitudinal axis of the proximal portion. | 08-26-2010 |
| 20100234839 | Cooled Dielectrically Buffered Microwave Dipole Antenna - Microwave antenna assemblies incorporating a resilient insulating coupler are described herein. The microwave antenna includes a radiating portion connected by a coaxial feedline to a power generating source, e.g., a generator. Distal and proximal radiating portions of the antenna, which correspond to inner and outer conductors provided by the coaxial feedline, are separated by the resilient insulating coupler. The described coupler includes a proximal threaded portion, and an overmolded insulating portion formed from an elastomeric material. The inner conductor of the coaxial feedline is joined to the threaded portion of the coupler, and is placed under tension to draw together the distal radiating portion, the coupler, and the proximal radiating portion into a single rigid assembly. In use, the resilient coupler provides increased strength and reliability by absorbing mechanical stresses typically encountered during microwave ablation procedures. | 09-16-2010 |
| 20100262134 | Frequency Identification for Microwave Ablation Probes - A microwave ablation system is disclosed. The system includes a microwave antenna assembly that includes an identification device configured to store an optimal frequency of the microwave antenna assembly. The system also includes a generator configured to couple to the microwave antenna assembly and to output microwave energy at an operational frequency. The generator is further configured to read the optimal frequency from the identification device and to configure the operational frequency to substantially match the optimal frequency. | 10-14-2010 |
| 20100305559 | Narrow Gauge High Strength Choked Wet Tip Microwave Ablation Antenna - An electromagnetic surgical ablation probe having a coaxial feedline and cooling chamber is disclosed. The disclosed probe includes a dipole antenna arrangement having a radiating section, a distal tip coupled to a distal end of the radiating section, and a ring-like balun short) or choke, which may control a radiation pattern of the probe. A conductive tube disposed coaxially around the balun short includes at least one fluid conduit which provides coolant, such as dionized water, to a cooling chamber defined within the probe. A radiofrequency transparent catheter forms an outer surface of the probe and may include a lubricious coating. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20100305561 | Electrosurgical Devices with Directional Radiation Pattern - A device for directing energy to a target volume of tissue includes an antenna assembly and an elongated body member. The elongated body member includes a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, wherein the proximal and distal end portions define a longitudinal axis. The elongated body member has a chamber defined therein that extends along the longitudinal axis, and a body wall surrounding the chamber. An antenna assembly is disposed in the chamber. The elongated body member also includes an opening in the body wall to allow energy radiated from the antenna assembly to transfer into the target volume of tissue. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20100321192 | Microwave Ablation Antenna Radiation Detector - A radiation detector disposed on a microwave antenna assembly is disclosed. The radiation detector includes a receiving antenna adapted to receive errant microwave energy and a rectifier coupled to the receiving antenna that is adapted to rectify at least a portion of the errant microwave energy. A filter is coupled to the rectifier and is adapted to convert the rectified microwave energy into a detection signal. | 12-23-2010 |
| 20100321257 | Microwave Ablation Antenna Radiation Detector - A radiation detector is disclosed. The radiation detector is disposed on a microwave antenna assembly. The radiation detector includes a receiving antenna adapted to receive microwave energy. The receiving antenna includes a first tubular antenna member and a second tubular antenna member disposed concentrically about a longitudinal axis defined by the microwave antenna assembly. The detector also includes at least one rectifier coupled to the receiving antenna adapted to rectify at least a portion of the microwave energy and a filter coupled to the at least one rectifier and adapted to convert the rectified microwave energy into a detection signal. | 12-23-2010 |
| 20100331834 | Ablation Probe Fixation - An ablation probe fixation apparatus for securing an ablation probe to tissue is disclosed. The ablation probe fixation apparatus includes a base having a top surface and a skin-contacting bottom surface, wherein the base includes an adhesive layer disposed on the skin-contacting bottom surface. The fixation apparatus also includes a fixation member coupled to the top surface of the base. The base and the fixation member include an aperture defined therein for insertion of the ablation probe therethrough. | 12-30-2010 |
| 20110034913 | Directive Window Ablation Antenna with Dielectric Loading - An electrosurgical device for directing energy to a target volume of tissue includes a coaxial feedline having an inner conductor, an outer conductor coaxially disposed around the inner conductor, and a dielectric material disposed therebetween. An elongated electrically-conductive member is longitudinally disposed at a distal end of the inner conductor. A balun structure is disposed on the outer conductor. The device also includes an electrically-conductive cylinder coaxially disposed around a distal portion of the balun structure, and a dielectric structure disposed substantially adjacent to a distal end of the electrically-conductive cylinder, wherein the dielectric structure longitudinally extends from the distal end of the electrically-conductive cylinder to a distal end of the electrically-conductive member. | 02-10-2011 |
| 20110034917 | Electrosurgical Devices having Dielectric Loaded Coaxial Aperture with Distally Positioned Resonant Structure and Method of Manufacturing Same - An electrosurgical device for directing energy to a target volume of tissue includes a coaxial feedline having an inner conductor, an outer conductor and a dielectric material disposed therebetween. A proximal cylindrical dielectric sleeve is coupled to the inner conductor at a distal end of the coaxial feedline. A distal cylindrical dielectric sleeve is coupled to the inner conductor. First and second dielectric segments are coupled to the inner conductor and disposed between the proximal cylindrical dielectric sleeve and the distal cylindrical dielectric sleeve. The device also includes an elongated shaft overlying the proximal cylindrical dielectric sleeve, the first dielectric segment, the second dielectric segment and the distal cylindrical dielectric sleeve. The elongated shaft includes an opening defined therethrough, wherein the opening is at least partially aligned with the first dielectric segment. A balun structure is disposed on the elongated shaft, at least partially overlying the opening in the elongated shaft. | 02-10-2011 |
| 20110040300 | Surface Ablation Antenna with Dielectric Loading - An electrosurgical device for directing energy to a target volume of tissue includes a coaxial feedline having an inner conductor, an outer conductor coaxially disposed around the inner conductor, and a dielectric material disposed therebetween. An elongated electrically-conductive member is longitudinally disposed at a distal end of the inner conductor; a balun structure is disposed on the outer conductor. An electrically-conductive cylinder is coaxially disposed around a distal portion of the balun structure and a dielectric structure is disposed substantially adjacent to a distal end of the electrically-conductive cylinder and configured to extend to a distal end of the electrically-conductive member. An elongated handle assembly is coaxially disposed around a portion of the outer conductor proximal to the dielectric structure and a shell assembly is disposed at a distal end of the elongated handle assembly. A portion of the shell assembly is configured to extend distally beyond the distal end of the electrically-conductive member. | 02-17-2011 |
| 20110071511 | System and Method for Checking High Power Microwave Ablation System Status on Startup - A microwave ablation system includes a generator operable to output energy and an ablation probe coupled to the generator that delivers the energy to a tissue region. The ablation system also includes a controller operable to control the generator and at least one sensor coupled to the ablation probe and the controller that detects an operating parameter of the ablation probe. The controller performs a system check by ramping up an energy output of the generator from a low energy level to a high energy level and monitors an output from the sensor at predetermined intervals of time during the system check to determine an abnormal state. The controller controls the generator to cease the energy output when the controller determines an abnormal state. | 03-24-2011 |
| 20110071512 | Tissue Ablation System with Energy Distribution - A microwave ablation system includes an energy source adapted to generate microwave energy and a power splitting device having an input adapted to connect to the energy source and a plurality of outputs. The plurality of outputs are configured to be coupled to a corresponding plurality of energy delivery devices. The power splitting device is configured to selectively divide energy provided from the energy source between the plurality of energy devices. | 03-24-2011 |
| 20110071582 | Optical Detection of Interrupted Fluid Flow to Ablation Probe - An electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical device adapted to direct energy to tissue and a fluid path leading to the electrosurgical device. The system also includes an optical sensor unit operably associated with the fluid path. The optical sensor unit includes a light-emitting element to generate light output and a light-receiving element to collect light outputted from the light-emitting element. The light-emitting element and the light-receiving element are disposed such that light output from the light-emitting element passes through the fluid path to the light-receiving element. The optical sensor unit is capable of detecting an air bubble in the fluid path passing through the optical sensor unit using a sensed characteristic of light collected at the light-receiving element. | 03-24-2011 |
| 20110077633 | Electrosurgical Devices, Directional Reflector Assemblies Coupleable Thereto, and Electrosurgical Systems Including Same - A directional reflector assembly includes a tubular shaft having a proximal end and a distal end and adapted to operably engage an electrosurgical ablation probe, and a conical aperture having a proximal open apex joined to a distal end of the tubular shaft, and a distal open base, wherein an interior volume of the tubular shaft is open to the conical aperture. | 03-31-2011 |
| 20110077634 | Microwave Surface Ablation Using Conical Probe - An electromagnetic surgical ablation probe having a conical hood reflector and method of manufacture thereof is disclosed. The disclosed probe includes a shaft assembly that has a coaxial feedline core having an inner conductor and an outer conductor separated by an insulating layer. A tubular catheter is disposed coaxially around the feedline and is configured to deliver coolant, such as saline or deionized water, to a coolant chamber at a distal end formed within the conical reflector. A radiating section disposed within the conical reflector may have a conical, cylindrical, or other suitable shape. A membrane disposed across a distal opening of the conical reflector seals coolant within the coolant chamber, and may conform to tissue contours during use. A resilient aperture may be included at the periphery of the conical hood. The shaft assembly may include an angled section, an adjustable section, and, additionally or alternatively, a malleable section. | 03-31-2011 |
| 20110077636 | Management of Voltage Standing Wave Ratio at Skin Surface During Microwave Ablation - A dielectric spacer for use during microwave ablation of tissue is disclosed. The dielectric spacer includes a housing having a predetermined thickness and a skin-contacting bottom surface. The housing is configured to be filled with a dielectric material having a predetermined dielectric permittivity. The housing is further configured to be placed on the tissue in proximity with at least one microwave antenna assembly, wherein the thickness and the dielectric permittivity are configured to shift a maximum voltage standing wave ratio of the at least one microwave antenna assembly. | 03-31-2011 |
| 20110077637 | Flow Rate Monitor for Fluid Cooled Microwave Ablation Probe - A microwave ablation system includes an antenna assembly configured to deliver microwave energy from a power source to tissue and a coolant source operably coupled to the power source and configured to selectively provide fluid to the antenna assembly via a fluid path. The system also includes a controller operably coupled to the power source and a sensor operably coupled to the fluid path and the controller. The sensor is configured to detect fluid flow through the fluid path and the controller is configured to control the energy source based on the detected fluid flow. | 03-31-2011 |
| 20110077638 | Flow Rate Monitor For Fluid Cooled Microwave Ablation Probe - A microwave ablation system includes an antenna assembly configured to deliver microwave energy from a power source to tissue and a coolant source operably coupled to the power source and configured to selectively provide fluid to the antenna assembly via a fluid path. The system also includes a controller operably coupled to the power source and a sensor operably coupled to the fluid path and the controller. The sensor is configured to detect fluid flow through the fluid path and the controller is configured to control the energy source based on the detected fluid flow. | 03-31-2011 |
| 20110077639 | Flow Rate Monitor for Fluid Cooled Microwave Ablation Probe - A microwave ablation system includes a generator operable to output energy and an ablation probe coupled to the generator that delivers the energy to a tissue region. The ablation system also includes a controller operable to control the generator and at least one sensor coupled to the ablation probe and the controller that detects an operating parameter of the ablation probe. The controller performs a system check by ramping up an energy output of the generator from a low energy level to a high energy level and monitors an output from the sensor at predetermined intervals of time during the system check to determine an abnormal state. The controller controls the generator to cease the energy output when the controller determines an abnormal state. | 03-31-2011 |
| 20110098695 | System and Method for Monitoring Ablation Size - A system for monitoring ablation size is provided and includes a power source including a microprocessor for executing at least one control algorithm. A microwave antenna is configured to deliver microwave energy from the power source to tissue to form an ablation zone. An ablation zone control module is in operative communication with memory associated with the power source. The memory includes one or more data look-up tables including one or more electrical parameter associated with the microwave antenna. The one or more electrical parameters corresponding to an ablation zone having a radius. The one or more electrical parameters include a threshold value, wherein when the threshold value is met the power source is adjusted to form an ablation zone of suitable proportion. | 04-28-2011 |
| 20110098696 | System and Method for Monitoring Ablation Size - A system for monitoring ablation size is provided and includes a power source including a microprocessor for executing at least one control algorithm. A microwave antenna is configured to deliver microwave energy from the power source to tissue to form an ablation zone. A radiation detection device is operably disposed on the microwave antenna. The radiation detection device is configured to generate a voltage corresponding to a radius of the ablation zone, wherein the radiation detection device is in operative communication with at least one module associated with the power source. The at least one module triggers a signal when a predetermined threshold voltage is measured corresponding to the radius of the ablation zone. | 04-28-2011 |
| 20110098697 | System and Method for Monitoring Ablation Size - A system for monitoring ablation size is provided and includes a power source including a microprocessor for executing at least one control algorithm. A microwave antenna is configured to deliver microwave energy from the power source to tissue to form an ablation zone. An ablation zone control module is in operative communication with a memory associated with the power source. The memory includes one or more data look-up tables including data pertaining to a control curve varying over time and being representative of one or more electrical parameters associated with the microwave antenna. Points along the control curve correspond to a value of the electrical parameters and the ablation zone control module triggers a signal when a predetermined threshold value of the electrical parameter(s) is measured corresponding to the radius of the ablation zone. | 04-28-2011 |
| 20110152853 | Microwave Ablation System With Dielectric Temperature Probe - An electromagnetic surgical ablation system having a generator adapted to selectively provide surgical ablation energy to an ablation probe, and methods of operating same, are disclosed. The system includes a controller operatively coupled to the generator, and a tissue sensor probe operatively coupled to the controller. The tissue sensor provides a tissue temperature and at least one tissue dielectric property to the controller. During an electromagnetic tissue ablation procedure, the controller monitors tissue temperature and the at least one tissue dielectric property to determine tissue status, and to activate and deactivate the generator in accordance therewith. | 06-23-2011 |
