Patent ID: 8608734

Claim:
An array advancing system comprising: an ablation probe, the ablation probe comprising an array of electrode elements deployable from a distal portion or an elongate delivery cannula, a handle connected to a proximal portion of the delivery cannula, and a plunger coupled in a reciprocating fashion to the handle, the plunger coupled to the electrode array elements such that, when the plunger is extended proximally relative to the handle, the electrode elements are moved into the cannula, and when the plunger is depressed distally into the handle, the electrode elements are moved out of the cannula; and a separate array advancing device detachable from the ablation probe comprising a housing sized for receiving the probe handle and plunger of the ablation probe, the housing having a proximal section configured to engage the plunger, and a distal section configured to engage the handle, the proximal housing section being controllably moveable relative to the distal housing section, wherein the proximal and distal housing are detachably coupled to one another, and wherein the distal housing comprises a first hinged assembly and the proximal housing comprises a second hinged assembly, and wherein the proximal housing section is threadably coupled to the distal housing section.