Patent ID: 11957409
Assignee: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.
Field: Medical technology (Instruments)
Classification: CPC A | IPC A

Claim 18:
19. A microwave ablation method comprising:
providing a microwave ablation probe comprising:
a probe body comprising a shielded portion and a radiation window that is at least partially transparent to microwave energy, wherein the shielded portion comprises a cannula,
a liner concentric with and within the cannula, wherein the liner is formed from an insulating material,
a coaxial cable within the probe body, and
an antenna electrically connected with the coaxial cable and within the probe body, the antenna having a radiating portion for emission of microwave energy at a distal portion of the probe body,
a probe tip disposed at a distal end of the probe body;
wherein the radiating portion is aligned with the radiation window, wherein the probe body defines an irrigation path configured to carry cooling fluid to and from the distal portion of the probe body, wherein a first segment of the irrigation path is defined between the outer surface of the outer conductor and an inner surface of liner, wherein a second segment of the irrigation path is defined between an outer surface of the liner and an inner surface of the cannula wherein a distal end of the irrigation path terminates proximally to the probe tip;
wherein at least one wall defining the irrigation path comprises a heat exchange surface, wherein the heat exchange surface comprises one or more convective fins extending axially along the heat exchange surface and parallel to a longitudinal axis of the probe body, wherein the heat exchange surface has an average radius, and wherein a surface area of the heat exchange surface is larger than a surface area of a smooth surface with a radius equal to the average radius, wherein at least a portion of the heat exchange surfaces is coated with a wetting agent configured to improve contact between the heat exchange surface and the cooling fluid; and

delivering cooling fluid to the irrigation path; and
delivering microwave energy to the antenna via the coaxial cable.