Devices and methods for cooling microwave antennas
US7311703B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 18, 2003 |
| Grant date | Dec 25, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 18, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2018/1838
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Devices and methods for cooling microwave antennas are disclosed herein. The cooling systems can be used with various types of microwave antennas. One variation generally comprises a handle portion with an elongate outer jacket extending from the handle portion. A microwave antenna is positioned within the handle and outer jacket such that cooling fluid pumped into the handle comes into contact directly along a portion of the length, or a majority of the length, or the entire length of the antenna to allow for direct convective cooling. Other variations include cooling sheaths which form defined cooling channels around a portion of the antenna. Yet another variation includes passively-cooled systems which utilize expandable balloons to urge tissue away from the surface of the microwave antenna as well as cooling sheaths which are cooled through endothermic chemical reactions. Furthermore, the microwave antennas themselves can have cooling lumens integrated directly therethrough.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.