System and method for monitoring ablation size
AssigneeCovidien LP
InventorJoseph D. Brannan
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A system for monitoring ablation size includes a power source including a microprocessor for executing one or more control algorithms. A microwave antenna is configured to deliver microwave energy from the power source to tissue to form an ablation zone. A plurality of spaced-apart electrodes is operably disposed along a length of the microwave antenna. The plurality of spaced-apart electrodes is disposed in electrical communication with one another and each of the plurality of spaced-apart electrodes has a threshold impedance associated therewith corresponding to the radius of the ablation zone.
Claims13
A system for monitoring ablation size, comprising:
- a power source;
- and
- a microwave antenna configured to transmit microwave energy from the power source to tissue to form an ablation zone, the microwave antenna including:
- an elongate shaft;
- a plurality of proximal spaced-apart electrodes disposed on the elongate shaft, each of the plurality of proximal spaced-apart electrodes having a threshold impedance associated therewith corresponding to a radius of the ablation zone;
- a distal electrode disposed on the elongate shaft distally of the plurality of proximal spaced-apart electrodes;
- a feedline having a distal radiating section disposed within the elongate shaft, the distal radiating section detached and electrically distinct from the distal electrode;
- a first sensor disposed on at least one of the plurality of proximal spaced-apart electrodes;
- and
- a second sensor disposed on the distal electrode,
- wherein a closed loop path is present between each electrode of the plurality of proximal spaced-apart electrodes and the distal electrode such that impedance is measurable between each electrode of the plurality of proximal spaced-apart electrodes and the distal electrode, and wherein the microwave antenna includes a wire serially connecting each of the plurality of proximal spaced-apart electrodes.
A microwave antenna for delivering microwave energy to tissue to form an ablation zone, the microwave antenna comprising:
- an elongate shaft;
- a plurality of proximal spaced-apart electrodes disposed on the elongate shaft, each of the plurality of proximal spaced-apart electrodes having a threshold impedance associated therewith corresponding to a radius of the ablation zone;
- a distal electrode disposed on the elongate shaft distally of the plurality of proximal spaced-apart electrodes;
- a feedline having a distal radiating section disposed within the elongate shaft, the distal radiating section detached and electrically distinct from the distal electrode;
- a first sensor disposed on at least one of the plurality of proximal spaced-apart electrodes;
- and
- a second sensor disposed on the distal electrode, the first and second sensors being longitudinally spaced from one another along a longitudinal axis of the elongate shaft,
- wherein a closed loop path is present between each electrode of the plurality of proximal spaced-apart electrodes and the distal electrode such that impedance is measurable between each electrode of the plurality of proximal spaced-apart electrodes and the distal electrode, and further comprising a wire serially connecting each of the plurality of proximal spaced-apart electrodes.
A microwave antenna for delivering microwave energy to tissue to form an ablation zone, the microwave antenna comprising:
- an elongate shaft;
- a plurality of proximal spaced-apart electrodes disposed on the elongate shaft;
- a distal electrode disposed on the elongate shaft distally of the plurality of proximal spaced-apart electrodes;
- and
- a feedline having a distal radiating section disposed within the elongate shaft, the distal radiating section detached and electrically distinct from the distal electrode;
- wherein a closed loop path is present between each electrode of the plurality of proximal spaced-apart electrodes and the distal electrode such that impedance is measurable between each electrode of the plurality of proximal spaced-apart electrodes and the distal electrode, and wherein the microwave antenna includes a wire serially connecting each of the plurality of proximal spaced-apart electrodes.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.