Directional microwave applicator and methods

A miniature microwave applicator, comprising:

• an elongate structure, said elongate structure comprising a surface;
• a substantially non-radiating portion of said elongate structure comprising,
• a waveguide mounted on or closely adjacent to said surface of said elongate structure and extending along said elongate structure, said waveguide defining at least one waveguide gap therebetween, said at least one waveguide gap each comprising a waveguide gap width;
• and
• a radiating portion of said elongate structure, comprising,
• an antenna conductor and one or more antenna elements mounted on or closely adjacent to said surface of said elongate structure, said antenna conductor and said one or more antenna elements defining an antenna gap which is continuous with said waveguide gap, said antenna gap comprising an antenna gap width, said antenna gap width being greater than said waveguide gap width.