System and method for checking high power microwave ablation system status on startup

Abstract

A microwave ablation system includes a generator operable to output energy and an ablation probe coupled to the generator that delivers the energy to a tissue region. The ablation system also includes a controller operable to control the generator and at least one sensor coupled to the ablation probe and the controller that detects an operating parameter of the ablation probe. The controller performs a system check by ramping up an energy output of the generator from a low energy level to a high energy level and monitors an output from the sensor at predetermined intervals of time during the system check to determine an abnormal state. The controller controls the generator to cease the energy output when the controller determines an abnormal state.

1 . A microwave ablation system, comprising:
 a generator operable to output microwave energy;   an ablation probe coupled to the generator, the ablation probe operable to deliver energy to tissue;   a controller operable to control the generator; and   at least one sensor coupled to the ablation probe and the controller, the at least one sensor operable to detect an operating parameter of the ablation probe, wherein   the controller is operable to increase a microwave energy level output of the generator at a constant rate from a low microwave energy level to a predetermined microwave energy level and monitor an output from the at least one sensor while the microwave energy level is increased at the constant rate, and wherein   the controller is operable to control the generator to cease the energy output when the controller determines that the operating parameter is outside a predetermined range.   
     
     
         2 . The microwave ablation system according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one sensor detects a temperature of the ablation probe. 
     
     
         3 . The microwave ablation system according to  claim 2 , wherein the at least one sensor is a thermocouple, thermistor, or optical fiber. 
     
     
         4 . The microwave ablation system according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one sensor detects a radiating behavior. 
     
     
         5 . The microwave ablation system according to  claim 4 , wherein the at least one sensor is a receiving antenna or rectenna. 
     
     
         6 . The microwave ablation system according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one sensor detects forward and/or reflected power. 
     
     
         7 . The microwave ablation system according to  claim 6 , wherein the at least one sensor is a radio frequency power sensor. 
     
     
         8 . The microwave ablation system according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one sensor detects fluid pressure. 
     
     
         9 . The microwave ablation system according to  claim 8 , wherein the at least one sensor is a pressure sensor. 
     
     
         10 . The microwave ablation system according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one sensor detects air bubbles. 
     
     
         11 . The microwave ablation system according to  claim 10 , wherein the at least one sensor is an optical sensor. 
     
     
         12 - 17 . (canceled)