Patent ID: 6440127
Filing Date: 2002-08-27
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A method of inducing a urethral enlargement at the prostate in an operative field in a patient, which includes a periurethral region of the prostate, comprising the steps of:inserting a distal portion of an elongate member into the urethra through the penis to a region of the prostate in the operative field without piercing the wall of the urethra, the elongate member having an active ring electrode disposed on an outer surface of the distal portion of the elongate member; and applying an appropriate level of a high-frequency output from a high-frequency generator through the electrode to elevate the temperature of the urethra to at least 50Â° C. to induce heat ablation of at least a portion of the urethra wall and at least a portion of the periurethral tissue within the operative field, thereby inducing formation of a cavity to enlarge a passageway within the urethra.