APPARATUS, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PERFORMING AN ELECTROSURGICAL PROCEDURE

1 . A system for performing a microwave ablation procedure, comprising:

a source of microwave energy;

a catheter including an open proximal end and a closed distal end configured to percutaneously access tissue; and

a directional microwave antenna probe adapted to connect to the source of microwave energy, the directional microwave antenna selectively coupling to the catheter and rotatable therein for directing the emission of microwave energy therefrom to tissue.

2 . A system according to claim 1 , wherein the catheter is made from a radiofrequency transparent material.

3 . A system according to claim 2 , wherein the radiofrequency transparent material is selected from the group consisting of fiberglass and high temperature composite plastic.

4 . A system according to claim 1 , wherein the distal end of the catheter is made from a material selected from the group consisting of metal, ceramic and plastic.

5 . A system according to claim 1 , wherein a substantially flexible shaft is operably disposed between the proximal end and distal end of the catheter and includes a lumen that extends substantially along a length thereof.

6 . A system according to claim 5 , wherein the lumen is in fluid communication with an inlet/outlet port that is operably disposed adjacent the proximal end of the catheter.

7 . A system according to claim 1 , wherein a diaphragm is operably disposed at the proximal end of the catheter and is configured to provide a substantially fluid-tight seal between the catheter and the directional microwave antenna probe when the catheter and the directional microwave antenna probe are operably coupled to one another.

8 . A system according to claim 1 , further including an image guidance device.

9 . A system according to claim 8 , wherein the imaging guidance device is selected from the group consisting of a CAT scan device, an ultra sound device and a magnetic imaging device.

10 . A system according to claim 1 , wherein the catheter is configured to selectively receive a substantially rigid introducer sheath configured to add structural support to the catheter and enhance visibility thereof during image-aided placement of the catheter.

11 . A system according to claim 1 , wherein a proximal end of the directional microwave antenna probe includes:

a handle that is configured to operably couple to the source of microwave energy and an inlet/outlet port that is in fluid communication with a lumen defined substantially along a length directional microwave antenna probe; and

a distal end of the directional microwave antenna probe is configured for directing the emission of microwave energy.

12 . A system according to claim 11 , wherein the distal end of the directional microwave antenna probe is flared and includes an opening defined therein.

13 . A system according to claim 11 , wherein the distal end of the directional microwave antenna includes a perforated dielectric window that is configured to facilitate fluid flow.

14 . An apparatus for performing a microwave ablation procedure, comprising:

a catheter including an open proximal end and a closed distal end configured to percutaneously access tissue; and

a directional microwave antenna probe adapted to connect to a source of microwave energy, the directional microwave antenna selectively coupling to the catheter and rotatable therein for directing the emission of microwave energy therefrom to tissue.

15 . A method of performing an electrosurgical procedure, comprising:

percutaneously accessing tissue with a catheter including an open proximal end and a closed distal end;

positioning a directional microwave antenna probe into the catheter;

transmitting microwave energy to the directional microwave antenna probe such that a desired tissue effect may be achieved;

repositioning the directional microwave antenna probe in the catheter; and

transmitting the microwave energy to the directional microwave antenna probe.

16 . A method according to claim 15 , wherein the catheter is made from a radiofrequency transparent material selected from the group consisting of fiberglass and high temperature composite plastic.

17 . A method according to claim 16 , wherein a distal end of the catheter is made from a material selected from the group consisting of metal, ceramic and plastic.

18 . A method according to claim 16 , further comprising the step of providing a fluid to the directional microwave antenna probe via a lumen in fluid communication with an inlet/outlet port operably disposed adjacent the proximal end of the catheter.

19 . A method according to claim 15 , further comprising the step of providing a substantially fluid-tight seal between the catheter and the directional microwave antenna probe when the catheter and the directional microwave antenna probe are operably coupled to one another via a diaphragm operably coupled at a proximal end of the catheter.