METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TRANS-LUMENAL RADIO-FREQUENCY ABLATION THROUGH AN ENDOSCOPE

摘要

A trans-lumenal heat ablation system for the destruction of cancerous tumors includes an ablative element passed through an endoscope. In one embodiment, the ablative element is a radio-frequency electrode with a tissue-piercing point at its distal end so that when it emerges from the endoscope it can pierce the wall of the bodily lumen or passageway into which the endoscope has been placed. An ultrasonic imaging device within the endoscope provides image guidance of the tip of the electrode placed within the tumor volume.