Tissue ablation cannula and electrode assembly that can be selectively operated with one or more active tips

摘要

An assembly (32) for use as part of an electrosurgical tool system (30). The assembly includes a cannula (42) and an electrode (66). The cannula is formed with a bend (54) proximal to the distal section. The electrode has a bent section (80) formed from a flexible shape memory material. The electrode can be inserted into the cannula so that a distal section of the electrode seats in the distal section of the cannula. In this configuration, the assembly has a single active tip, the distal section of the cannula. Alternatively, the electrode can be oriented so that when the electrode is inserted in the cannula the distal section of the electrode extends out of a side opening (58) of the cannula. In this configuration, the assembly has two active tips, the distal sections of both the cannula and the electrode.