Ablation device with articulated imaging transducer
Inventors
Deckman, Robert K. • Placek, Brian • Munrow, Michael A. • Gerbi, Craig • Grossman, Jessica
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12048583-B2
Publication Date
2024-07-30
Expiration Date
Abstract
A system for imaging and treating tissue comprises a probe having a deflectable distal tip for carrying an imaging array and a delivery needle for advancement within a field of view of the imaging array. Optionally, the needle will carry a plurality of tines which may be selectively radially deployed from the needle. The imaging array will preferably be provided in a separate, removable component.
Core Innovation
An imaging/ablation system is described that includes an ultrasound transducer disposed in a pivotally attached distal tip. A rigid shaft having a stop structure carries the tip at a distal end, and the tip is deflectable to reposition a field of view of the ultrasound transducer into an aligned low-profile introducing position and an acute or right-angle position for ultrasound image sweep or reorientation for visualizing needle advancement and target tissue.
A transcervically delivered needle is advanced from a needle guide after the stop structure is moved out of an advancement path. The needle is advanced by adjusting a deployment mechanism that is coupled to the needle guide and separate from the stop structure, and after the needle is advanced into the uterine fibroid, a plurality of tines is advanced from the needle into the uterine fibroid by further adjustment of the deployment mechanism, with observing performed using the ultrasound transducer.
The described method treats a uterine fibroid by transcervically introducing the rigid shaft with the ultrasound transducer, deflecting the tip to reposition the ultrasound field of view, and locating the uterine fibroid using ultrasound. The stop structure is moved out of the needle advancement path to permit advancing the needle into the uterine fibroid, followed by advancing the plurality of tines into the uterine fibroid and observing the needle, the plurality of tines, and the uterine fibroid using the ultrasound transducer. The system and method further support delivering radiofrequency energy through the plurality of tines with monopolar or bipolar radiofrequency options.
Claims Coverage
The relevant subject matter includes one independent claim directed to a method of treating a uterine fibroid with ultrasound visualization using a rigid shaft with a deflectable, ultrasound transducer tip and a stop structure that enables subsequent needle and tine deployment. The independent claim contains five main inventive feature groupings.
Transcervical rigid shaft with an ultrasound transducer tip and stop structure
Transcervically introducing into a uterus a rigid shaft comprising a stop structure and a tip attached to a distal end of the shaft, the tip including an ultrasound transducer.
Deflecting the ultrasound tip to reposition the field of view
Deflecting the tip to reposition a field of view of the ultrasound transducer.
Stop-structure-controlled movement out of the needle advancement path
Moving the stop structure out of an advancement path of a needle advanceable from a needle guide delivered transcervically into the uterus.
Deployment-mechanism-controlled needle advancement after stop movement
Transcervically advancing the needle from the transcervically delivered needle guide and into the uterine fibroid after the stop structure is moved out of the advancement path, wherein the needle is advanced by adjusting a deployment mechanism coupled to the needle guide and separate from the stop structure.
Deployment-mechanism-controlled advancement of a plurality of tines with ultrasound observation
Advancing a plurality of tines from the transcervically advanced needle and into the uterine fibroid after the stop structure is moved and the needle is advanced into the uterine fibroid, wherein the plurality of tines is advanced by further adjusting the deployment mechanism, and observing the needle, the plurality of tines, and the uterine fibroid using the ultrasound transducer.
The claim coverage centers on a uterine-fibroid treatment method that uses a transcervically introduced rigid shaft with a stop structure and an ultrasound transducer tip that is deflected to reposition the ultrasound field of view for locating the fibroid, followed by stop-structure-controlled needle advancement and deployment-mechanism-controlled advancement of a plurality of tines into the fibroid, all while observing the needle, tines, and fibroid using ultrasound.
Stated Advantages
Enables locating a uterine fibroid using the ultrasound transducer.
Allows repositioning of the ultrasound transducer field of view by deflecting the tip.
Supports observing the needle, the plurality of tines, and the uterine fibroid using the ultrasound transducer during advancement and deployment.
Facilitates delivery treatment after locating by deploying tines into the uterine fibroid, including radiofrequency energy delivery through the plurality of tines.
Documented Applications
Treating a uterine fibroid by transcervically introducing a rigid shaft with an ultrasound transducer, deflecting the tip to reposition the ultrasound field of view to locate the fibroid, advancing a needle and a plurality of tines into the fibroid, and observing the needle, tines, and fibroid using ultrasound; radiofrequency energy can be delivered through the tines.
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