Moisture Transport System for Contact Electrocoagulation

摘要

An apparatus and method for use in performing ablation or coagulation of organs and other tissue includes a metallized fabric electrode array which is substantially absorbent and/or permeable to moisture and gases such as steam and conformable to the body cavity. Following placement of the ablation device into contact with the tissue to be ablated, an RF generator is used to deliver RF energy to the conductive regions and to thereby induce current flow from the electrodes to tissue to be ablated. As the current heats the tissue, moisture (such as steam or liquid) leaves the tissue causing the tissue to dehydrate. Suction may be applied to facilitate moisture removal. The moisture permeability and/or absorbency of the electrode carrying member allows the moisture to leave the ablation site so as to prevent the moisture from providing a path of conductivity for the current.

主权项

1. A method of ablating walls of a uterus using an ablation device, the ablation device comprising a tubular member coupled to a working end, the working end comprising a first electrode and a second electrode, the method comprising:
positioning the first electrode within the uterus; delivering ablation energy through the first and second electrodes to the walls of the uterus, wherein the delivering step causes moisture to be released from the walls; and removing the released moisture through a continuously open flow path through the tubular member during the delivering step.