Patent ID: 7846158
Filing Date: 2010-12-07
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method for targeting and ablating a volume of tissue to maximize the formation of a lesion, the method comprising: providing an elongated tissue-penetrating electrode including a rigid tubular member and having at least one electrically conductive segment disposed on the electrode; directly coating a semiconductive material on the rigid tubular member, the semiconductive material forming at least one transistor, the at least one transistor configured to selectively connect the rigid tubular member with the at least one electrically conductive segment; detecting a temperature using at least one sensor during ablation; supplying electrical energy from a generator to the rigid tubular member; supplying coolant to the rigid tubular member according to the detected temperature using an adjustable source of coolant; controlling a flow of electrical energy from the rigid tubular member to the at least one electrically conductive segment; and controlling a flow of coolant from the adjustable source of coolant to the rigid tubular member.