Microwave device for vascular ablation
A method and system delivers microwave energy to a vessel, such as a vein for the treatment of varicose veins, in a controllable heating pattern and to provide relatively fast heating and ablation of the vessel. The method and system comprises a microwave delivery device for heating the vessel, and a microwave power source for supplying microwave power to the delivery device. The method and system may also include a cooling system, a temperature monitoring, feedback and control system, an ultrasound or other imaging device, and/or a device for assuring generally uniform energy delivery in the vessel.
1 . A device for delivery of ablative power to a vessel, comprising:
a wire antenna; and
an external power source.
2 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the external power source is a microwave power source.
3 . The device of claim 1 , further comprising an ultrasound probe mounted in conjunction with the power source.
4 . The device of claim 1 , further comprising a cooling device for cooling skin surface proximate the power source.
5 . The device of claim 4 , wherein the cooling device comprises a system of cooling channels located on the external power source.
6 . The device of claim 4 , further comprising a temperature monitor at the skin surface.
7 . A device for delivery of ablative power to a vessel, comprising:
a thin, intralumenal antenna;
wherein the antenna is operatively connected to a power source.
8 . The device of claim 7 , wherein the power source is a microwave power source.
9 . The device of claim 7 , further comprising a means for maintaining relative positioning between the antenna and a wall of the vessel.
10 . The device of claim 9 , wherein the means for maintaining is a balloon of conductive material mounted on an antenna catheter.
11 . The device of claim 10 , wherein the conductive material is Mylar.
12 . A device for delivery of microwave power to a vessel, comprising:
a focused, external microwave source.
13 . The device of claim 12 , further comprising an ultrasound probe mounted in conjunction with the microwave source.
14 . A method for ablation of a vessel, comprising the steps of:
placing an image guidance device on a skin surface proximate the vessel;
applying pressure to the image guidance device sufficient to compress and close the vessel; and
delivering ablative power to the vessel.
15 . The method of claim 14 , wherein the ablative power is microwave power.
16 . The method of claim 14 , wherein the image guidance device is an ultrasound probe.