ECHOGENIC NEEDLE FOR TRANSVAGINAL ULTRASOUND DIRECTED REDUCTION OF UTERINE FIBROIDS AND AN ASSOCIATED METHOD

摘要

The invention is a transvaginal ultrasound probe having an attached echogeni c needle that is useful in the treatment of uterine fibroids. The echogenic needle has an echogenic surface near its tip that allows the physician to visualize its location using ultrasound imaging. In one embodiment, the need le has an active electrode at its distal end. The active electrode supplies rad io frequency energy to a fibroids causing necrosis of the targeted fibroid or b y destroying the fibroid's vascular supply . The radio frequency needle preferably has a safety device that shuts-off energy if the needle punctures the uterine wall. In a second embodiment, the needle has a cryogen supply tu be and cryogen supply. This embodiment destroys fibroid tissue by freezing it o r its vascular supply when the tissue comes in contact with the needle's froze n distal end. The invention further includes the method of using the ultrasoun d probe with the attached needle.