Abstract: A multiplicity of high frequency electrodes in a cluster configuration may be inserted into tissue of a patient's body for producing heat ablation of abnormal tissue such as a tumor. The electrodes are connected coherently to the voltage output of a high frequency generator. An enlarged ablation volume is accomplished by the electrode cluster with reduced risk of hemorrhage because of the smaller diameter of the individual electrodes of the cluster. The electrodes terminate in conductive tips, which are cooled by a fluid coolant to further facilitate enlarged ablation volumes. Very large ablation volumes are accomplished by this process and apparatus. Various cluster electrode configurations may be adapted to meet specific clinical requirements.

Abstract: Relief of urethral obstruction is achieved by heat ablation of prostatic tissue by an ablation probe passed within the urethra to a position in the prostate near the point of urethral obstruction. The probe is coupled to a power supply to deliver power to tissue near the probe and thus to ablatively heat the urethra and the prostatic tissue near the urethra. The temperature of the tissue is sensed at the probe to control the heating and ablation process. In one embodiment, the probe has a blunt tip to help prevent piercing of the wall of the urethra during insertion of the probe into the urethra through the penis and the positioning of the probe tip near to the point of urethral obstruction. Several forms of probes, apparatus, and methods accommodate the specific objectives.

Abstract: For heat ablating living tissue of a body, an ablation electrode, contacting a surface of the tissue or within tissue, is coupled to an RF power supply referenced to a second electrode contacting the body. Fluid coolant is circulated to cool the contact surface extending the ablation to an increased volume of tissue. Temperature may be sensed contiguous to the surface to control the flows of RF heating energy and fluid coolant. Computer capability implements control and provides graphics of data, preplans, or controls relative to the ablation. Several forms of electrode structures accommodate specific objectives.

Abstract: A high frequency generator system with a computer graphic two-dimensional user-interactable interface is achieved to allow selection of menus associated with the function, state, and output parameters of the high frequency generator system. A two-dimensional graphics display is coupled directly or remotely to a high frequency power source system which is further connected to electrodes in contact or proximity to the tissue of a patient's body. A two-dimensional display allows the user to see, in a compact, convenient, and comprehensive way, selection menus for use of the high frequency generator system, control of its parameters, monitoring of its processes during clinical application, and graphics displays related to historic or current image scan data and real-time monitoring of output parameters related to the application. Pre-set or user-selectable arrays of parameters can be selected through the two-dimensional user interface to the high frequency generator system.

Abstract: Relief of urethral obstruction is achieved by heat ablation of prostatic tissue by an ablation instrument passed within the urethra to a position in the prostate near the point of urethral obstruction. An electrode is coupled to a high-frequency power supply to ablatively heat the urethra and the prostatic tissue near the urethra. Guidance of the electrode placement may be monitored by an imaging device. The instrument may consist of a catheter with an inflatable balloon structure for positioning the instrument. The temperature of the tissue may be sensed at the electrode to control the high-frequency heating energy and ablation process.

Abstract: Relief of urethral obstruction is achieved by heat ablation of prostatic tissue by an ablation electrode passed within the urethra to a position in the prostate near the point of urethral obstruction. The electrode is coupled to a high frequency power supply to ablatively heat the urethra and the prostatic tissue near the urethra. Image guidance of the electrode placement is monitored by an imaging device. The temperature of the tissue is sensed at the electrode to control the high frequency heating energy and ablation process. The electrode has a blunt tip to help prevent piercing of the wall of the urethra during insertion of the electrode into the urethra through the penis and the positioning of the electrode tip near to the point of urethral obstruction. Several forms of electrodes, apparatus, and methods accommodate the specific objectives.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inducing large volume heat ablations of tissue in a patient involving electrodes that are in contact with the patient's external surface or the surface of an internal organ. A high frequency signal or output from a generator is applied to the tissue near the area electrodes by connection of the generator to the electrodes. Various applications and configurations of electrodes and temperature monitoring are appropriate for different clinical needs and thermal distributions. The use for interoperative ablation of a tumor site within an internal organ or for ablation of a tumor from electrodes placed on the surface of the patient provides a clinical advantage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for altering a function of neural tissue in a patient. An electromagnetic signal is applied to the neural tissue through an electrode. The electromagnetic signal has a frequency component above the physiological stimulation frequency range and an intensity sufficient to product an alteration of the neural tissue, the alteration causing the patient to experience a reduction in pain, and a waveform that prevents lethal temperature elecation of the neural tissue during application of the electromagnetic signal to the neural tissue.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for altering a function of tissue in a patient. An electromagnetic signal generated by a signal generator is applied to the tissue to be altered through an electrode. The electromagnetic signal has at least one frequency component above the physiologic stimulation frequency range at an intensity sufficient to produce an alteration of the tissue and a waveform that inhibits temperature elevation to the lethal temperature range of the tissue. Both externally coupled and fully implanted electrode and signal generator systems can be used at tissue sites in various parts of the body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for altering a function of neural tissue in a patient. An electromagnetic signal is applied to the neural tissue through an electrode. The electromagnetic signal has a frequency component above the physiological stimulation frequency range and an intensity sufficient to produce an alteration of the neural tissue, the alteration causing the patient to experience a reduction in pain, and a waveform that prevents lethal temperature elevation of the neural tissue during application of the electromagnetic signal to the neural tissue.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for altering a function of neural tissue in a patient. An electromagnetic signal is applied to the neural tissue through an electrode. The electromagnetic signal has a frequency component above the physiological stimulation frequency range and an intensity sufficient to produce an alteration of the neural tissue, the alteration causing the patient to experience a reduction in pain, and a waveform that prevents lethal temperature elevation of the neural tissue during application of the electromagnetic signal to the neural tissue.