| 摘要 |
<p>Apparatus and methods are provided for placing an introducer wheath into a subcutaneous tissue region, such as a prostate, e.g., to facilitate insertion of a cryogenic probe. In one embodiment, a dilation apparatus is provided that includes an introducer sheath containing a dilator that, in turn, contains a stylet. A pointed tip of the stylet is inserted into a patient's skin and the dilator is advanced over the inserted stylet to dilate surrounding tissue. The introducer sheath is then advanced over the dilator through the tissue to provide access to a target tissue region, such as the prostate. The stylet and dilator are removed from the introducer sheath, leaving the introducer sheath in place. A cryogenic probe may be inserted into the introducer sheath, and may be coupled to a cryosurgical system, e.g., to ablate or otherwise treat the target tissue region.</p> |
