High-strength microwave antenna assemblies and methods of use

A microwave antenna system for applying microwave energy therapy comprising:

• at least one microwave antenna comprising a proximal portion having an inner conductor and an outer conductor, each extending therethrough, the inner conductor disposed within the outer conductor, and a distal portion attached to the proximal portion such that the inner conductor extends at least partially therein;
• an energy generator in communication with a proximal end of the microwave antenna;
• a channel splitter in electrical communication with the microwave energy generator, wherein the channel splitter is adapted to create multiple channels from a single channel received from the energy generator;
• and
• a controller in electrical communication with the channel splitter for controlling a cycling rate of the channel splitter, wherein the controller is further adapted to detect whether an electrical connection to the antenna is present.

A method for delivering microwave energy therapy comprising:

• providing a first microwave antenna comprising a proximal portion having an inner conductor and an outer conductor, each extending therethrough, the inner conductor disposed within the outer conductor;
• and a distal portion attached to the proximal portion such that the inner conductor extends at least partially therein, wherein each of the proximal and distal portions are configured to mate together such that the proximal and distal portions are fixedly positioned relative to one another by a mechanically engaging joint coupling the distal portion to the proximal portion;
• positioning the first microwave antenna in a first position in or near a region of tissue to be treated;
• positioning at least a second microwave antenna in a second position in or near the region of tissue to be treated;
• applying microwave energy to each of at least the first and second microwave antennas for treating the region of tissue.

A microwave antenna system for applying microwave energy therapy comprising:

• at least one microwave antenna comprising a proximal portion having an inner conductor and an outer conductor, each extending therethrough, the inner conductor disposed within the outer conductor, and a distal portion attached to the proximal portion such that the inner conductor extends at least partially therein, and wherein the distal portion has an insulative coating over at least a majority of the distal portion and wherein a distal tip is uncovered by the insulative coating;
• an energy generator in communication with a proximal end of the microwave antenna;
• and
• a channel splitter in electrical communication with the microwave energy generator, wherein the channel splitter is adapted to create multiple channels from a single channel received from the energy generator.

A microwave antenna system for applying microwave energy therapy comprising:

• at least one microwave antenna comprising a proximal portion having an inner conductor and an outer conductor, each extending therethrough, the inner conductor disposed within the outer conductor, and a distal portion attached to the proximal portion such that the inner conductor extends at least partially therein, wherein the inner conductor is slidingly disposed within the outer conductor such that a distal portion of the inner conductor is distally extendable past the distal portion;
• an energy generator in communication with a proximal end of the microwave antenna;
• and
• a channel splitter in electrical communication with the microwave energy generator, wherein the channel splitter is adapted to create multiple channels from a single channel received from the energy generator.

A microwave antenna system for applying microwave energy therapy comprising:

• at least one microwave antenna comprising a proximal portion having an inner conductor and an outer conductor, each extending therethrough, the inner conductor disposed within the outer conductor, and a distal portion attached to the proximal portion such that the inner conductor extends at least partially therein, wherein each of the proximal and distal portions are configured to mate together such that the proximal and distal portions are fixedly positioned relative to one another by a mechanically engaging joint coupling the distal portion to the proximal portion;
• an energy generator in communication with a proximal end of the microwave antenna;
• and
• a channel splitter in electrical communication with the microwave energy generator, wherein the channel splitter is adapted to create multiple channels from a single channel received from the energy generator.