Patent ID: 7874986

Claim:
A system for visualization and ablation of fibroid tissues within a patient's body, comprising: an ultrasound imaging insert having a distal end with a flat surface; a rigid shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, a longitudinal axis, an axial passage extending through the rigid shaft and configured for removably receiving the ultrasound imaging insert therein, said passage having a flat inner surface at its distal end, said flat inner surface being asymmetrically inclined relative to the longitudinal axis for engaging the flat surface on the insert and axially and/or rotationally orienting the ultrasound insert when said insert is received within said axial passage, wherein the flat surface of the insert contacts the flat inner surface of the shaft after the insert is fully received in said axial passage; and a needle extending adjacent to an exterior surface of the rigid shaft and having a body and a distal tip and configured to deliver radiofrequency energy to a target site within the patient's body.