Microwave ablation device

Abstract

A system and method for supplying microwave energy to tissue for microwave therapy includes an electrosurgical generator having an output for coupling to a surgical instrument. The electrosurgical generator includes a microwave energy source and a controller for controlling the operation of the electrosurgical generator. The surgical instrument, coupled to the electrosurgical generator, includes a microwave antenna for delivering microwave energy from the microwave energy source. The controller of the electrosurgical generator is operable for causing the electrosurgical generator to apply at least two pulses of microwave energy.

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A microwave ablation device, comprising:
 a housing;   a microwave antenna extending from a distal end of the housing and configured to deliver microwave energy to tissue;   a cable electrically coupled to the microwave antenna and extending from a proximal end of the housing, the cable configured to couple the microwave antenna to an electrosurgical generator; and   a temperature sensor housed within the cable proximal to the housing.   
     
     
         22 . The microwave ablation device according to  claim 21 , wherein the temperature sensor is configured to determine a temperature of the cable. 
     
     
         23 . The microwave ablation device according to  claim 21 , wherein the microwave antenna includes an elongated shaft having a distal end portion configured to penetrate tissue. 
     
     
         24 . The microwave ablation device according to  claim 23 , wherein the distal end portion includes a tapered tip. 
     
     
         25 . The microwave ablation device according to  claim 21 , wherein during use of the microwave antenna to deliver microwave energy to the tissue, the cable and the temperature sensor are disposed external to a patient and the microwave antenna is disposed within the patient. 
     
     
         26 . The microwave ablation device according to  claim 21 , wherein the cable is configured to electrically couple the temperature sensor to an electrosurgical generator. 
     
     
         27 . A microwave ablation device, comprising:
 a housing;   an elongated shaft extending distally from the housing and configured to be positioned within a patient to deliver microwave energy to tissue;   a cable extending proximally from the housing and configured to be coupled to an electrosurgical generator; and   a temperature sensor disposed within the cable proximal to the housing.   
     
     
         28 . The microwave ablation device according to  claim 21 , wherein the temperature sensor is configured to determine a temperature of the cable. 
     
     
         29 . The microwave ablation device according to  claim 21 , wherein the elongated shaft has a distal end portion configured to penetrate tissue. 
     
     
         30 . The microwave ablation device according to  claim 29 , wherein the distal end portion includes a tapered tip. 
     
     
         31 . The microwave ablation device according to  claim 21 , wherein during use of the elongated shaft to deliver microwave energy to the tissue, the cable and the temperature sensor are disposed external to a patient and the elongated shaft is disposed within the patient. 
     
     
         32 . The microwave ablation device according to  claim 21 , wherein the cable is configured to electrically couple the temperature sensor to an electrosurgical generator. 
     
     
         33 . A microwave ablation device, comprising:
 a housing;   a microwave antenna extending from a distal end of the housing and configured to deliver microwave energy to tissue; and   a cable electrically coupled to the microwave antenna and extending from a proximal end of the housing, the cable including a temperature sensor disposed proximal to the housing.   
     
     
         34 . The microwave ablation device according to  claim 33 , wherein the cable is configured to couple the microwave antenna to an electrosurgical generator. 
     
     
         35 . The microwave ablation device according to  claim 33 , wherein the temperature sensor is configured to determine a temperature of the cable. 
     
     
         36 . The microwave ablation device according to  claim 33 , wherein the microwave antenna includes an elongated shaft having a distal end portion configured to penetrate tissue. 
     
     
         37 . The microwave ablation device according to  claim 36 , wherein the distal end portion includes a tapered tip. 
     
     
         38 . The microwave ablation device according to  claim 33 , wherein during use of the microwave antenna to deliver microwave energy to the tissue, the cable and the temperature sensor are disposed external to a patient and the microwave antenna is disposed within the patient. 
     
     
         39 . The microwave ablation device according to  claim 33 , wherein the cable is configured to electrically couple the temperature sensor to an electrosurgical generator. 
     
     
         40 . The microwave ablation device according to  claim 33 , wherein the temperature sensor is housed within the cable.