A hollow coaxial cable adapted for conduction of radio frequency (RF)
energy, particularly microwave energy, has a proximal end and a distal
end and comprises coaxial inner and outer conductors extending
substantially the entire length of the cable from the proximal end to a
distal end portion of the cable with a dielectric medium disposed between
the inner and outer conductors. The inner conductor comprises an
elongated electrically conductive tubular member having a hollow, axially
extending lumen, and the outer conductor comprises an elongated
electrically conductive tubular member disposed in a substantially
coaxial relationship over at least a portion of the inner conductor. An
ablating member which delivers radio frequency energy, particularly
microwave energy, to body tissue is disposed at a distal end portion of
the cable.