Electrosurgical device with treatment arc of less than 360 degrees

摘要

An electrosurgical device for use in the treatment of tissue, particularly in the esophageal and anal regions of the body. The device comprises a multipolar probe body sized for passage into and within a body cavity whose tissue is to be treated without the aid of an endoscope. The probe body includes an active member for providing focused treatment of tissue, the active member being cylindrical and having a peripheral surface on which are mounted a plurality of electrodes, those of one polarity being interposed with those of the opposite polarity. The length of the electrodes can be chosen to obtain desired longitudinal focussing. Additionally, the electrodes can be positioned within a restricted arc to obtain desired peripheral focussing. The probe body also includes non active rounded cap members at its proximal and distal ends, and at its proximal end is mounted on a shaft which extends to the user. A filliform may be mounted on the distal end of the probe body to aid in its insertion into the esophagus. A handle can be attached to the shaft to enable the user to easily adjust the longitudinal positioning of the probe body as well as rotate the probe body about its longitudinal axis to precisely focus on the tissue to be treated without adversely affecting surrounding tissue.