Abstract: An electrosurgical device (10) is provided that is operable to deliver microwave energy within a controlled angular expanse to cause targeted tissue ablation. The device (10) comprises a blocking or reflecting material such as cylindrical members (34) that are laterally spaced from the antenna (20) that is operable to emit the microwave energy. The reflecting material creates regions in and/or surrounding the device into which sensors (51), such as thermocouple wires, may be placed to monitor a condition associated with the device or the patient's body.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device (10) operable to deliver microwave energy to cause targeted tissue ablation is provided. The electrosurgical device (10) comprises an antenna (26), a reflector (30), and a dielectric material (34) disposed therebetween. The selection of the dielectric material (30) and the relative positioning of the antenna (26) and the reflector (30) provide impedance matching between the antenna (26) and a transmission line (12) so as to minimize heating along the length of the device (10) during use.

Abstract: A method of ablating tissue uses a microwave ablation system with a plurality of applicators. The method includes the steps of having the applicators inserted into the tissue and located in and/or adjacent a target tissue section and having the system perform an ablation cycle by activating at least one of the applicators so that the at least one applicator emits electromagnetic radiation that is sufficiently strong to cause ablation of the target tissue section. The at least one applicator comprises a directional applicator that emits radiation to define an angular radiation pattern. The step of having the applicators inserted into the tissue includes the step of orienting the directional applicator so that the angular radiation pattern extends from the directional applicator toward the target tissue section.

Abstract: Catheter-based applicators incorporating a microwave ablation antenna are provided. The applicator can be flexible and suitable for delivering ablation to target tissues via endoscopic approaches as well as intracavitary/intraluminal approaches. The applicators are configured to create large volume thermal ablation zones with minimal radiation losses along the applicator axis traveling proximal to the ablation zone. This effect is accomplished by employing a backward-facing choke element and/or a multi-slotted antenna having a plurality of spaced-apart conducting elements encircling the antenna.

Abstract: A novel microwave ablation applicator includes a flexible tubular shaft and a partially encapsulated antenna. The applicator is adapted to be used with an endoscope in order to access remote targets deep within an organ of a patient. Microwave power is emitted from the antenna in a desired radiation pattern by circulating an attenuating liquid through the shaft and across a portion of the antenna. Microwave ablation systems and methods are described.

Abstract: A novel monitoring method evaluates tissue ablation progress. An antenna in a distal portion of an ablation applicator sends and receives electrical information from the target tissue during ablation. The information is used to determine ablation progress. A related ablation monitoring system includes a power monitor and processor operable to evaluate ablation progress based on reflected electrical properties during the ablation. The invention has particular benefits when used in endoscopic-based microwave ablation.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device (10) operable to deliver microwave energy to cause targeted tissue ablation is provided. The electrosurgical device (10) comprises an antenna (26), a reflector (30), and a dielectric material (34) disposed therebetween. The selection of the dielectric material (30) and the relative positioning of the antenna (26) and the reflector (30) provide impedance matching between the antenna (26) and a transmission line (12) so as to minimize heating along the length of the device (10) during use.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device (10) operable to deliver microwave energy to cause targeted tissue ablation is provided. The electrosurgical device (10) comprises an antenna (26), a reflector (30), and a dielectric material (34) disposed therebetween. The selection of the dielectric material (30) and the relative positioning of the antenna (26) and the reflector (30) provide impedance matching between the antenna (26) and a transmission line (12) so as to minimize heating along the length of the device (10) during use.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device (10) is provided that is operable to deliver microwave energy within a controlled angular expanse to cause targeted tissue ablation. The device (10) comprises a blocking or reflecting material such as cylindrical members (34) that are laterally spaced from the antenna (20) that is operable to emit the microwave energy. The reflecting material creates regions in and/or surrounding the device into which sensors (51), such as thermocouple wires, may be placed to monitor a condition associated with the device or the patient's body.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device (10) is provided that is operable to deliver microwave energy within a controlled angular expanse to cause targeted tissue ablation. The device (10) comprises a blocking or reflecting material such as cylindrical members (34) that are laterally spaced from the antenna (20) that is operable to emit the microwave energy. The reflecting material creates regions in and/or surrounding the device into which sensors (51), such as thermocouple wires, may be placed to monitor a condition associated with the device or the patient's body.

Abstract: A novel monitoring method evaluates tissue ablation progress. An antenna in a distal portion of an ablation applicator sends and receives electrical information from the target tissue during ablation. The information is used to determine ablation progress. A related ablation monitoring system includes a power monitor and processor operable to evaluate ablation progress based on reflected electrical properties during the ablation. The invention has particular benefits when used in endoscopic-based microwave ablation.

Abstract: A tissue ablation system includes an antenna, a microwave energy source, measurement apparatus including a signal generator and a detector, a controller, and a switch assembly arranged to alternatively electrically couple the antenna to the microwave energy source or to the measurement apparatus, wherein the controller is configured to cause the switch assembly to alternate between assessment mode and ablation mode, and wherein the controller is configured to control the delivery of ablative microwave energy during an ablation mode based at least in part on a difference between a then-current broadband reflection coefficient spectrum and a previously measured broadband reflection coefficient spectrum obtained by delivery of a spectrum of individual non-ablative microwave signals and detecting the reflection of same during respective assessment modes.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device (10) is provided that is operable to deliver microwave energy within a controlled angular expanse to cause targeted tissue ablation. The device (10) comprises a blocking or reflecting material such as cylindrical members (34) that are laterally spaced from the antenna (20) that is operable to emit the microwave energy. The reflecting material creates regions in and/or surrounding the device into which sensors (51), such as thermocouple wires, may be placed to monitor a condition associated with the device or the patient's body.

Abstract: A novel microwave ablation applicator includes a flexible tubular shaft and a partially encapsulated antenna. The applicator is adapted to be used with an endoscope in order to access remote targets deep within an organ of a patient. Microwave power is emitted from the antenna in a desired radiation pattern by circulating an attenuating liquid through the shaft and across a portion of the antenna. Microwave ablation systems and methods are described.

Abstract: Apparatus for delivering in vivo hyperthermia treatments to a subject and methods of performing such treatments are provided. The apparatus comprises an imaging device, such as an MRI scanner, a microwave applicator, and a controller to target particular tissues within the subjects body for hyperthermia treatment. The microwave applicator emits microwave energy toward the target tissue and the imaging device provides real-time feedback as to the position of the applicator relative to the target tissues and thermometry data so as to permit real-time adjustment of the applicators operating parameters.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device (10) operable to deliver microwave energy to cause targeted tissue ablation is provided. The electrosurgical device (10) comprises an antenna (26), a reflector (30), and a dielectric material (34) disposed therebetween. The selection of the dielectric material (30) and the relative positioning of the antenna (26) and the reflector (30) provide impedance matching between the antenna (26) and a transmission line (12) so as to minimize heating along the length of the device (10) during use.

Abstract: A method of resection of an organ employs a handheld microwave waveguide that receives a microwave signal and applies a substantially planar microwave beam into the organ for coagulation of a strip of tissue in an organ providing a barrier against blood loss during resection operations.

Abstract: A handheld microwave waveguide provides a planar microwave beam for rapid coagulation of a strip of tissue in an organ providing a barrier against blood loss during resection operations.