Abstract: The inventive ablation element comprises an elongated cannula having a proximal end and a distal end. The cannula defines an internal lumen within the cannula and a cannula axis. A plurality of conductors contained within the lumen, each of the conductors has a proximal end proximate the proximal end of the cannula, and a distal end proximate the distal end of the cannula. A plurality of ablation stylets each has a proximal end and a distal end, and each coupled at the respective proximal end of the stylet to the distal end of a respective conductor, the stylets comprise a deflectable material, the conductors together with their respective stylets being mounted for axial movement. A trocar point defined proximate the distal end of the cannula.

Abstract: The inventive ablation element comprises an elongated cannula having a proximal end and a distal end. The cannula defines an internal lumen and a cannula axis. A plurality of conductors contained within the lumen, each having a proximal end proximate the proximal end of the cannula, and a distal end proximate the distal end of the cannula. A plurality of ablation stylets each has a proximal end and a distal end, and each coupled to the distal end of a respective conductor, the conductors together with their respective stylets being mounted for axial movement. A trocar point defined proximate the distal end of the cannula. A deflection surface positioned between the trocar point and the proximal end of the cannula, the deflection surface being configured and positioned to deflect at least some of the stylets laterally with respect to the cannula axis in different directions defining an ablation volume.

Abstract: The inventive ablation element comprises an elongated cannula having a proximal end and a distal end. The cannula defines an internal lumen within the cannula and a cannula axis. A plurality of conductors contained within the lumen, each of the conductors has a proximal end proximate the proximal end of the cannula, and a distal end proximate the distal end of the cannula. A plurality of ablation stylets each has a proximal end and a distal end, and each coupled at the respective proximal end of the stylet to the distal end of a respective conductor, the stylets comprise a deflectable material, the conductors together with their respective stylets being mounted for axial movement. A trocar point defined proximate the distal end of the cannula.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a reliable apparatus for guiding an ablation probe to a target location inside a human body is thus provided. The apparatus allows incorporation of a conventional metal operating room table, but further comprises a substantially non-conductive separation structure positioned over the metal operating room table and underneath a horizontally oriented electromagnetic field generator. The resultant structure is adapted to support a human body in the prone or supine position over the operating table. Further support padding may also be provided. The electromagnetic field generator creates an electromagnetic field that extends through the torso of said human body positioned over the electromagnetic field generator. An ultrasound probe and ablation probe interacts with the electromagnetic field to generate positional information that is processed by a computing device to generate a graphic representation of location information on a display device.

Abstract: A method of ablating a uterine fibroid using a particular trocar is disclosed. The trocar comprises a plurality of ablation stylets. The trocar is adjustable to assume a plurality of configurations, each of the configurations having the stylets extended to a different extent from the trocar. A region to he ablated is imaged. The size of the region to be ablated is noted. The size of the region to be ablated is compared to a matrix of known ablation regions, each of the known ablation regions being associated with one of the configurations of the particular trocar. The region to be ablated is associated with a most nearly matching known ablation region by comparison of the region to be ablated to the known ablation regions. A trocar is inserted into the uterine fibroid at a position, which more closely matches the position of the particular trocar with respect to the known ablation region. The stylets are deployed from the trocar to an extent corresponding to the configuration.

Abstract: The inventive ablation element comprises an elongated cannula having a proximal end and a distal end. The cannula defines an internal lumen and a cannula axis. A plurality of conductors contained within the lumen, each having a proximal end proximate the proximal end of the cannula, and a distal end proximate the distal end of the cannula. A plurality of ablation stylets each has a proximal end and a distal end, and each coupled to the distal end of a respective conductor, the conductors together with their respective stylets being mounted for axial movement. A trocar point defined proximate the distal end of the cannula. A deflection surface positioned between the trocar point and the proximal end of the cannula, the deflection surface being configured and positioned to deflect at least some of the stylets laterally with respect to the cannula axis in different directions defining an ablation volume.

Abstract: The inventive ablation element comprises an elongated cannula having a proximal end and a distal end. The cannula defines an internal lumen within the cannula and a cannula axis. A plurality of conductors contained within the lumen, each of the conductors has a proximal end proximate the proximal end of the cannula, and a distal end proximate the distal end of the cannula. A plurality of ablation stylets each has a proximal end and a distal end, and each coupled at the respective proximal end of the stylet to the distal end of a respective conductor, the stylets comprise a deflectable material, the conductors together with their respective stylets being mounted for axial movement. A trocar point defined proximate the distal end of the cannula.

Abstract: A method of ablating a uterine fibroid using a particular trocar is disclosed. The trocar comprises a plurality of ablation stylets mounted for movement from within the trocar to positions extending from the trocar. The trocar is adjustable to assume a plurality of configurations, each of the configurations having the stylets extended to a different extent from the trocar. A region to be ablated is imaged. The region may correspond to all or a portion of a uterine fibroid. The size of the region to be ablated is noted. The size of the region to be ablated is compared to a matrix of known ablation regions, each of the known ablation regions being associated with one of the configurations of the particular trocar, and each of the known ablation regions being associated with a position of the trocar relative to the known ablation region. The region to be ablated is associated with a most nearly matching known ablation region by comparison of the region to be ablated to the known ablation regions.

Abstract: The inventive method for ablating a tissue mass associated with a human or animal patient being treated comprises positioning an ablating electrode in a tissue mass to be ablated. A plurality of return electrodes are positioned on the patient. Electrical energy is applied between the return electrodes and the ablating electrode. The temperature of the return electrodes is measured to generate a temperature measurement signal which is used to control ablation current through the return electrodes.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for remote control of a surgical device, comprising a first imaging device of a first type having a first image output. The first imaging device is positioned to image an area being subject to surgery. A second imaging device of a second type has a second image output. The second imaging device is positioned to image the area being subjected to surgery. A computer is coupled to receive the first and second image outputs and merge the first and second image outputs into a unitary image output representing a unitary image. Software, resident in the computer generates a graphic user interface including a menu and submenu items. A surgical device is coupled to the computer. Software, resident in said computer, receives and displays information received from the surgical device and/or controls the operation of the surgical device. A display as coupled to the computer for displaying the graphic user interface and the unitary image.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for a practitioner to interact remotely with a radiofrequency ablation device via a graphical user interface (GUI) which displays a hierarchical system of menu and submenu choices prior to and during a surgical procedure to ablate and coagulate a tissue mass such as a fibroid tumor without breaking the sterile field of the surgical procedure. The inventive system comprises an ablation device, a computer software program, a GUI, a navigational tool for scrolling and selecting through a series of menu and submenu choices by the practitioner displayed on the GUI, and a foot pedal used by the practitioner for operating the ablation device to ablate and coagulate a tissue mass of a patient. The menus and submenus allow for entry of patient data as well as for the control of certain parameters and operation of the ablation device.

Abstract: An anchoring member comprises a support structure and at least one anchor secured to the anchoring member. An anchor deflection member supports the anchoring member for sliding longitudinal movement in directions which result in advancement and retraction of a point on the anchor. A deflection lip is positioned relatively inwardly with respect to the guide surface. The deflection lip is positioned to outwardly deflect the point of the anchor as the anchor is advanced from a position removed from the deflection lip toward the deflection lip into contact with the deflection lip and beyond the deflection lip.

Abstract: The inventive ablation element comprises an elongated cannula having a proximal end and a distal end. The cannula defines an internal lumen within the cannula and a cannula axis. A plurality of conductors contained within the lumen, each of the conductors has a proximal end proximate the proximal end of the cannula, and a distal end proximate the distal end of the cannula. A plurality of ablation stylets each has a proximal end and a distal end, and each coupled at the respective proximal end of the stylet to the distal end of a respective conductor, the stylets comprise a deflectable material, the conductors together with their respective stylets being mounted for axial movement. A trocar point defined proximate the distal end of the cannula.

Abstract: The inventive ablation element comprises an elongated cannula having a proximal end and a distal end. The cannula defines an internal lumen within the cannula and a cannula axis. A plurality of conductors contained within the lumen, each of the conductors has a proximal end proximate the proximal end of the cannula, and a distal end proximate the distal end of the cannula. A plurality of ablation stylets each has a proximal end and a distal end, and each coupled at the respective proximal end of the stylet to the distal end of a respective conductor, the stylets comprise a deflectable material, the conductors together with their respective stylets being mounted for axial movement. A trocar point defined proximate the distal end of the cannula.

Abstract: The inventive ablation element comprises an elongated cannula having a proximal end and a distal end. The cannula defines an internal lumen within the cannula and a cannula axis. A plurality of conductors contained within the lumen, each of the conductors has a proximal end proximate the proximal end of the cannula, and a distal end proximate the distal end of the cannula. A plurality of ablation stylets each has a proximal end and a distal end, and each coupled at the respective proximal end of the stylet to the distal end of a respective conductor, the stylets comprise a deflectable material, the conductors together with their respective stylets being mounted for axial movement. A trocar point defined proximate the distal end of the cannula.

Abstract: A method of ablating a uterine fibroid using a particular trocar is disclosed. The trocar comprises a plurality of ablation stylets mounted for movement from within the trocar to positions extending from the trocar. The trocar is adjustable to assume a plurality of configurations, each of the configurations having the stylets extended to a different extent from the trocar. A region to be ablated is imaged. The region may correspond to all or a portion of a uterine fibroid. The size of the region to be ablated is noted. The size of the region to be ablated is compared to a matrix of known ablation regions, each of the known ablation regions being associated with one of the configurations of the particular trocar, and each of the known ablation regions being associated with a position of the trocar relative to the known ablation region. The region to be ablated is associated with a most nearly matching known ablation region by comparison of the region to be ablated to the known ablation regions.

Abstract: A method for treating tumors, such as uterine leiomyomata, includes inserting an ablation apparatus into a pelvic region and positioning the ablation apparatus into a pelvic tumor. The method further includes using a laparoscope and an imaging device, such as an ultrasound machine, to confirm the location of the pelvic tumor and placement of the ablation apparatus. The method further includes delivering electromagnetic energy or other energy through the ablation apparatus to the pelvic tumor to directly ablate the tumor. A surgical system for ablating pelvic tumors is also provided.

Abstract: An ablation system comprising a source of electrical ablation energy having first, second and third power outputs it is disclosed. A first conductor is coupled to the first power output on the source of electrical energy. A second conductor is coupled to the second power output on the source of electrical energy, the source of electrical energy creates a first output ablation voltage between the first and second power outputs. The first output ablation voltage varies between a first higher average value during a first period of time and a first lower average value for a second period of time. The first lower average value is greater than or equal to zero. A third conductor is coupled to a third power output on the source of electrical energy. The source of electrical energy creates a second output ablation voltage between the first and third power outputs.

Abstract: A method for treating pelvic tumors, such as uterine leiomyomata, includes inserting an ablation apparatus into a pelvic region and positioning the ablation apparatus either proximate or into a pelvic tumor. The method further includes using a laparoscope and an imaging device, such as an ultrasound machine, to confirm the location of the pelvic tumor and placement of the ablation apparatus. Various ablation apparatuses may be used, including those with multiple needles or deployable arms that are inserted into the pelvic tumor and those without arms. The method further includes delivering electromagnetic energy or other energy through the ablation apparatus to the pelvic tumor to ablate the tumor. A surgical system for ablating pelvic tumors is also provided.

Abstract: A method for treating pelvic tumors, such as uterine leiomyomata, includes inserting an ablation apparatus into a pelvic region and positioning the ablation apparatus either proximate or into a pelvic tumor. The method further includes using a laparoscope and an imaging device, such as an ultrasound machine, to confirm the location of the pelvic tumor and placement of the ablation apparatus. Various ablation apparatuses may be used, including those with multiple needles or deployable arms that are inserted into the pelvic tumor and those without arms. The method further includes delivering electromagnetic energy or other energy through the ablation apparatus to the pelvic tumor to ablate the tumor. A surgical system for ablating pelvic tumors is also provided.