Microwave applicator
A microwave applicator having a probe which comprises an elongate shaft ( 14 ), the shaft having an external tubular wall ( 18 ), a radiating portion ( 15 ) disposed at the distal end of the shaft ( 14 ), a transmission line ( 17 ) extending to the radiating portion internally of the tubular external wall ( 18 ), and an elongate flow dividing member ( 19 ) which co-extends with the transmission line ( 17 ) longitudinally of the shaft ( 14 ), the side wall of the transmission line ( 17 ) and the side wall of the flow dividing member ( 19 ) contacting each other and contacting the internal surface of the external tubular wall ( 18 ) at two-spatially separated discrete positions, thereby defining a pair of flow channels ( 20, 21 ) inside the shaft ( 14 ). In use, cooling fluid can pass down one channel ( 20 ) and return via the other channel ( 21 ). The structure of the probe is uncomplicated and the probe is straightforward to assemble.
1. A system for delivering energy to a patient, the system comprising:
an applicator comprising:
an elongated shaft having an elongated shaft proximal end, an elongated shaft distal end, and an external tubular wall;
a microwave radiating portion disposed at the elongated shaft distal end;
a flow dividing member comprising a transmission line, the transmission line comprising an elongate central conductor, a dielectric sleeve, and an outer copper sleeve, the transmission line extending from the elongated shaft proximal end to the microwave radiating portion, a first side of the transmission line contacting an internal surface of the external tubular wall and a second side of the transmission line contacting the internal surface of the external tubular wall to define a first flow passage and a second flow passage, the first flow passage and the second flow passage extending longitudinally along the elongated shaft; and
a microwave generator.
2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first flow passage and second flow passage have substantially equal areas.
3. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a handle at the elongated shaft proximal end.
4. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a manifold disposed within the handle, the manifold having a manifold proximal end and a manifold distal end.
5. The microwave applicator of claim 1 , wherein a plurality of apertures are formed in the external tubular wall.
6. The microwave applicator of claim 5 , wherein the plurality of apertures open into the manifold distal end.
7. The system of claim 1 , wherein the second flow passage opens into the manifold proximal end.
8. The system of claim 1 , wherein the manifold further comprises an inlet port in fluid communication with the manifold distal end.
9. The system of claim 8 , wherein a cooling fluid is delivered through the inlet port to the manifold distal end.
10. The system of claim 1 , wherein the microwave generator delivers energy to the elongated shaft.