Flow rate verification monitor for fluid-cooled microwave ablation probe
AssigneeCovidien LP
InventorsRICHARD A. WILLYARD, JOSEPH D. BRANNAN
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Abstract
A microwave ablation system includes an antenna assembly configured to deliver microwave energy from an energy source to tissue and a coolant source operably coupled to the energy source and configured to selectively provide fluid to the antenna assembly via a fluid path. The system also includes a controller operably coupled to the energy source and a piezoelectric transducer operably coupled to the fluid path to detect a force of fluid flow through the fluid path. The piezoelectric transducer is configured to generate a signal based on the detected force of fluid through the fluid path. The controller is configured to control the energy source output based on the generated signal.
Claims21
1-20. (canceled)
A microwave antenna assembly, comprising:
- a handle housing a first fluid chamber and a second fluid chamber;
- a feedline extending through the handle and configured to deliver microwave energy to tissue;
- a fluid lumen surrounding the feedline and configured to receive a coolant fluid, the fluid lumen disposed in fluid communication with the first fluid chamber;
- and
- a piezoelectric transducer disposed within the handle proximal to the first chamber and configured to detect a force of fluid flow through the first chamber.
A microwave antenna assembly, comprising:
- a handle;
- a first fluid chamber disposed within the handle;
- a second fluid chamber disposed within the handle and in fluid communication with the first fluid chamber;
- a feedline extending through the first and second fluid chambers and configured to deliver microwave energy to tissue;
- a fluid lumen surrounding a portion of the feedline and configured to receive a coolant fluid, the fluid lumen in fluid communication with the first fluid chamber;
- and
- a piezoelectric transducer disposed within the handle between the first fluid chamber and a portion of the handle and configured to detect a force of fluid flow through the first chamber.
A handle for a microwave antenna assembly, comprising:
- a first fluid chamber disposed distal to and in fluid communication with a second fluid chamber;
- a fluid lumen configured to receive a coolant fluid for cooling a feedline, the fluid lumen in fluid communication with the first fluid chamber;
- and
- a piezoelectric transducer disposed adjacent the first fluid chamber within the handle and configured to detect a force of fluid flow through the first chamber.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.