MICROWAVE FIELD-DETECTING NEEDLE ASSEMBLIES, METHODS OF MANUFACTURING SAME, METHODS OF ADJUSTING AN ABLATION FIELD RADIATING INTO TISSUE USING SAME, AND SYSTEMS INCLUDING SAME
A microwave field-detecting needle assembly includes a needle assembly. The needle assembly includes a distal portion, a proximal portion, and a junction member disposed between the distal portion and the proximal portion. The junction member includes a recess defined therein. The needle assembly also includes a rectifier element disposed in the recess. The rectifier element includes a first terminal electrically coupled to the distal portion and a second terminal electrically coupled to the proximal portion.
1 - 20 : (canceled)
21 . A microwave ablation control system comprising:
an energy applicator insertable into tissue;
a control unit
a microwave field-detecting needle in operable communication with the control unit, wherein the microwave field-detecting needle is separately insertable into tissue from the energy applicator and includes:
a needle assembly including a distal portion, a proximal portion, and a junction member disposed between the distal portion and the proximal portion, the junction member including a recess defined therein; and
a rectifier element disposed in the recess and including a first terminal electrically coupled to the distal portion and a second terminal electrically coupled to the proximal portion.
22 . The microwave ablation control system of claim 21 , wherein the rectifier element is configured to convert alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC).
23 . The microwave ablation control system of claim 22 , wherein the rectifier element includes at least one of a diode, a Zener diode, a Schottky diode, or a tuner diode.
24 . The microwave ablation control system of claim 21 , wherein the junction member is coupled by a mechanical coupling to at least one of the distal portion or the proximal portion of the needle assembly.
25 . The microwave ablation control system of claim 21 , further comprising a handle assembly operably coupled to the proximal portion of the needle assembly.
26 . The microwave ablation control system of claim 25 , wherein the distal portion includes a first outer-conductor structure.
27 . The microwave ablation control system of claim 26 , wherein the first outer-conductor structure defines a first chamber portion disposed at a distal portion of the first outer-conductor structure.
28 . The microwave ablation control system of claim 27 , wherein the first outer-conductor structure defines a second chamber portion disposed in communication with the first chamber portion and includes an opening disposed at a proximal portion of the first outer-conductor structure.
29 . The microwave ablation control system of claim 28 , wherein the first outer-conductor structure includes an end cap disposed at the distal portion of the first outer-conductor structure, and at least a portion of the first chamber portion is disposed within the end cap.
30 . The microwave ablation control system of claim 29 , wherein the proximal portion of the needle assembly includes a second outer-conductor structure.
31 . The microwave ablation control system of claim 30 , further comprising an inner-conductor pin, wherein the second outer-conductor structure defines a longitudinally-extending chamber configured to receive the inner-conductor pin therethrough.
32 . The microwave ablation control system of claim 31 , wherein the inner-conductor pin includes a retaining portion configured to threadedly engage with the first chamber portion.
33 . The microwave ablation control system of claim 32 , wherein the handle assembly includes an electrical circuit electrically coupled to the inner conductor pin.
34 . The microwave ablation control system of claim 24 , wherein the mechanical coupling between the junction member and at least one of the distal portion or the proximal portion is a threaded coupling.