Helical needle apparatus for creating a virtual electrode used for the ablation of tissue
First Claim
1. A surgical apparatus for delivering conductive fluid to a target site for subsequent formation of a virtual electrode to ablate bodily tissue at the target site by applying a current to the delivered conductive fluid, the apparatus comprising:
- an elongated device forming a helical needle assembly including a first helical needle configured to engage bodily tissue, the first helical needle being hollow for delivering conductive fluid from a fluid source and forming a needle tip.
2 Assignments
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Accused Products
Abstract
A surgical apparatus for delivering a conductive fluid to a target site for subsequent formation of a virtual electrode to ablate bodily tissue at the target site by applying a current to the delivered conductive fluid. The surgical apparatus includes an elongated device forming a helical needle. The helical needle is configured to engage bodily tissue and is hollow for delivering conductive fluid from a fluid source. Finally, the helical needle terminates in a needle tip. In one preferred embodiment, an electrode is associated with the helical needle for applying a current to conductive fluid delivered from the helical needle. During use, following delivery of conductive fluid, the electrode applies a current to the delivered conductive fluid for creating a virtual electrode. The virtual electrode ablates bodily tissue contacted by the conductive fluid.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A surgical apparatus for delivering conductive fluid to a target site for subsequent formation of a virtual electrode to ablate bodily tissue at the target site by applying a current to the delivered conductive fluid, the apparatus comprising:
an elongated device forming a helical needle assembly including a first helical needle configured to engage bodily tissue, the first helical needle being hollow for delivering conductive fluid from a fluid source and forming a needle tip. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A surgical system for creating a virtual electrode to ablate bodily tissue, the system comprising:
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a fluid source maintaining a supply of conductive fluid;
a current source for selectively supplying a current; and
a surgical instrument including;
an elongated device for forming a helical needle configured to engage bodily tissue, the helical needle being hollow and fluidly connected to the fluid source for delivering the conductive fluid and terminating in a needle tip, an electrode associated with the helical needle, the electrode being connected to the current source for applying a current to conductive fluid delivered from the helical needle to create a virtual electrode. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20)
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Specification