Patent ID: 8251993
Filing Date: 2012-08-28
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method for performing a surgical procedure on an animal, comprising: determining a size and thermal mass of a target tissue to be treated; inserting a needle having an insulating body, a proximal end, and a first electrode at a distal end into the target tissue so that the electrode is substantially centered within the target tissue, wherein the proximal end of the needle is in electrical communication with a power supply and a controller; positioning a second electrode at a distance from the needle to create a circuit across the target tissue; and applying focused energy within the target tissue at two or more of a pre-determined power level, a pre-determined temperature ramp rate, a pre-determined temperature and a pre-determined period of time based on the thermal mass and thermal losses of the target tissue to form a heat plume within the target tissue to induce one or more of cell necrosis, collagen shrinkage and scar formation without damage to tissue surrounding the target tissue.