METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PERFORMING TRANS-RECTAL RADIOFREQUENCY URETHRAL ENLARGEMENT

摘要

Relief of urethral obstruction is achieved by heat ablation of prostatic tissue by an ablation electrode placed in the central peri-urethral tissue of the prostate using a transrectal or a percutaneous approach. The electrode is coupled to a high frequency power supply to heat the prostatic tissue near the urethra. Image guidance of the electrode placement is monitored by an imaging device. Temperature is sensed at the electrode to control the high frequency heating energy and ablation process. The electrode has a pointed tip to help penetrate tissue of the patient such as rectal tissue or perineal tissue during insertion of the electrode tip near to the point of urethral obstruction. Several forms of electrodes, apparatus, and methods accommodate the specific objectives.