Reinforced high strength microwave antenna
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.
1. A microwave antenna assembly comprising:
a radiating portion configured to operably couple to a source of microwave energy via a cable assembly, the radiating portion comprising:
a proximal radiating portion including an outer conductor and an inner conductor separated by a dielectric material; and
a distal radiating portion disposed distally of the proximal radiating portion, the inner conductor longitudinally extending at least partially within the distal radiating portion;
an electrically conductive member disposed proximal of the distal radiating portion, the electrically conductive member coupled to the outer conductor;
an insulator disposed between at least a portion of the electrically conductive member and the outer conductor; and
a thermocouple disposed within the radiating portion and configured to sense temperature within the radiating portion.
2. The microwave antenna assembly according to claim 1 , further comprising an outer dielectric layer disposed over the electrically conductive member.
3. The microwave antenna assembly according to claim 1 , further comprising a second thermocouple operably coupled to the radiating portion and configured to sense temperature of the radiating portion.
4. The microwave antenna assembly according to claim 1 , further comprising a cooling fluid chamber coaxially disposed around the radiating portion and configured to receive cooling fluid therethrough.
5. A microwave ablation system comprising:
a source of microwave energy configured to generate microwave energy; and
a cable assembly configured to couple a microwave antenna assembly to the source of microwave energy, the microwave antenna assembly comprising:
a radiating portion comprising:
a proximal radiating portion including an outer conductor and an inner conductor separated by a dielectric material; and
a distal radiating portion disposed distally of the proximal radiating portion, the inner conductor longitudinally extending at least partially within the distal radiating portion;
an electrically conductive member disposed proximal of the distal radiating portion, the electrically conductive member coupled to the outer conductor;
an insulator disposed between at least a portion of the electrically conductive member and the outer conductor; and
a thermocouple disposed within the radiating portion and configured to sense temperature within the radiating portion.
6. The microwave ablation system according to claim 5 , wherein the microwave antenna assembly further comprises an outer dielectric layer disposed over the electrically conductive member.
7. The microwave ablation system according to claim 5 , wherein the microwave antenna assembly further comprises a second thermocouple operably coupled to the radiating portion and configured to sense temperature of the radiating portion.
8. The microwave ablation system according to claim 5 , wherein the microwave antenna assembly further comprises a cooling fluid chamber coaxially disposed around the radiating portion and configured to receive cooling fluid therethrough.