Patent ID: 9439712
Filing Date: 2016-09-13
CPC Classification: A61B,G16H

Claim Text:
1. A method of directing energy to tissue, comprising: determining target tissue location and target tissue margins; positioning an energy applicator for delivery of energy to target tissue; positioning at least one heat-distribution indicator including at least one heat-sensitive element formed of a material having an echogenic property and adapted to phase transition at a predetermined temperature and in response thereto change the echogenic property; transmitting energy from an electrosurgical power generating source through the energy applicator to the target tissue; acquiring at least one ultrasound image including data representative of a change in the echogenic property of the at least one heat sensitive element of the at least one heat-distribution indicator in response to heat generated by the energy transmitted to the target tissue; and determining at least one operating parameter associated with the electrosurgical power generating source based on a tissue ablation rate determined based at least in part on the response of the at least one heat sensitive element of the at least one heat-distribution indicator.