Microwave ablation of the myocardium with a monopole antenna

This research assesses the use of a monopole antenna at the end of a catheter to perform microwave ablation of the myocardium. A monopole antenna, optimized for operation at 2 GHz, is used to produce lesions on fresh bovine hearts submerged in normal saline. Various power-duration combinations are applied (up to 34 W-45 s). Measurements of the reflection coefficient during the procedures and of the resulting lesions are used to evaluate the efficacy of the transfer of energy to the tissue. The results show that microwave energy can be effectively coupled to the myocardium to produce sizeable lesions. The lesions produced with this antenna are not concentrated at the tip which may not be optimum for catheter ablation.