Patent ID: 8439907

Claim:
A system for inserting treatment apparatus into tissue of a patient, comprising: a first treatment apparatus including: a radio frequency (RF) electrode having an elongated body and a conductive tip at a distal end of the elongated body, wherein the elongated body is configured to conduct electrical RF energy to the conductive tip; and an insulating sleeve surrounding the elongated body of the RF electrode; and a second treatment apparatus for treating the tissue, wherein, in a first mode of operation for insertion of the first treatment apparatus into the tissue of the patient, the conductive tip of the RF electrode is configured to deliver, via the conductive tip, RF energy that erodes the tissue of the patient and generates a tunnel through which the first treatment apparatus can advance into the tissue of the patient, and wherein, in a second mode of operation for treatment of the tissue in the patient, one of the insulating sleeve or the RF electrode is configured to be retracted to allow the second treatment apparatus to treat the tissue of the patient.