A method of manufacturing a microwave ablation applicator, the method comprising: a) removing (1402) a first dielectric (214) and a first outer conductor (216) from a distal portion of a coaxial cable to expose an inner conductor (212) of the coaxial cable; b) disposing (1404) a second dielectric (224) on a first portion of the inner conductor; c) disposing (1406) a second outer conductor (226) on the second dielectric; d) disposing (1408) a third dielectric (234) on a second portion of the inner conductor; e) disposing (1410) a third outer conductor (236) on a portion of the third dielectric; f) disposing (1412) a balun dielectric (244) on a portion of the third outer conductor; and g) disposing (1414) a balun conductor (246) on a portion of the balun dielectric.