Patent ID: 6238389
Filing Date: 2001-05-29
Classification: A61B,A61N

Abstract:
A deflectable interstitial ablation device, comprising:an elongated housing including a proximal end, a distal end, and a deflectable segment;an electrode mounted within the elongated housing and deployable from a first position within the elongated housing to a second position a predetermined distance beyond the distal end of the elongated housing to penetrate a body lumen wall and access tissue to be abated, the electrode including a flexible portion capable of deflecting with the deflectable segment of the elongated housing;a driver coupled to the electrode for exerting a force sufficient to drive the electrode from the first position to the second position;an imaging device mounted within the elongated housing, the imaging device including a flexible portion capable of deflecting with the deflectable segment of the elongated housing and providing a viewing angle extending beyond the distal end of the elongated housing, wherein the electrode in the second position remains within the viewing angle and is substantially parallel to a central axis of the viewing angle at any angle of deflection of the electrode; anda deflection system disposed within the elongated housing for controllably deflecting the deflectable segment of the elongated housing by any angle, the deflection system including a proximal end in communication with a steering mechanism.