Microwave Applicator

A microwave applicator comprising:

• an elongated shaft having a proximal end and a distal end and an external tubular wall;
• a microwave radiating portion near a distal end of the shaft;
• a flow dividing element comprising a transmission line and a flow dividing member, the transmission line comprising an elongate central conductor, a dielectric sleeve and an outer copper sleeve, the transmission line extending to the microwave radiating portion and extending longitudinally along the elongated shaft, a first flow passage comprised of a first side of the flow dividing member outer wall and a first side of the transmission line outer wall contacting one another and a second flow passage comprised of a second side of the flow dividing member outer wall and a second side of the transmission line outer wall contacting the inner wall of the external tubular wall, the first flow passage and the second flow passage extending longitudinally along the elongated shaft;
• a handle at the proximal end of the elongated shaft, the handle including a manifold disposed within the handle, the manifold comprising a distal end and a proximal end;
• a plurality of apertures form within the external tubular wall, the plurality of apertures opening into the distal end of the manifold.

A system for delivering energy to a patient, the system comprising:

• an elongated shaft having a proximal end and a distal end and an external tubular wall;
• a microwave radiating portion near a distal end of the shaft;
• a flow dividing element comprising a transmission line and a flow dividing member, the transmission line comprising an elongate central conductor, a dielectric sleeve and an outer copper sleeve, the transmission line extending to the microwave radiating portion and extending longitudinally along the elongated shaft, a first flow passage comprised of a first side of the flow dividing member outer wall and a first side of the transmission line outer wall contacting one another and a second flow passage comprised of a second side of the flow dividing member outer wall and a second side of the transmission line outer wall contacting the inner wall of the external tubular wall, the first flow passage and the second flow passage extending longitudinally along the elongated shaft;
• a handle at the proximal end of the elongated shaft, the handle including a manifold disposed within the handle, the manifold comprising a distal end and a proximal end;
• a plurality of apertures formed within the external tubular wall, the plurality of apertures opening into the distal end of the manifold;
• and
• a microwave generator.