Microwave Surface Coagulator with Retractable Blade

A surgical ablation system, comprising:

• a source of microwave ablation energy;
• a surgical instrument operably coupled to the source of ablation energy, the instrument comprising:
• a housing having an actuator operatively associated therewith;
• a shaft extending distally from the housing, the shaft including:
• a feedline having an inner conductor;
• an outer conductor disposed coaxially about the inner conductor;
• a wire conduit disposed along a longitudinal axis of the shaft;
• and
• a pull wire disposed within the wire conduit and having a proximal and a distal end,
• wherein a proximal end of the pull wire is operably coupled to the actuator;
• and
• an aperture assembly coupled to a distal end of the shaft, the aperture assembly including:
• a reflector having a closed upper portion and an open lower portion;
• a radiating section disposed within the reflector and operably coupled to the inner conductor;
• a blade mounted within the reflector and pivotable between at least a closed position and an open position, wherein a distal end of the pull wire is operably coupled to the blade;
• and
• a substantially planar bottom cover enclosing the open lower portion of the reflector.