Patent ID: 8377057

Claim:
An electrode system for use with a high frequency generator to induce coherent high frequency heat ablation volumes within targeted tissue of a patient, the electrode system comprising: at least three electrodes, each including: a substantially rigid elongated shaft terminating in a sealed distal end section having an exposed conductive tip portion configured to be inserted into the targeted tissue and adapted at a proximal end section to be coupled to a high frequency generator to simultaneously apply an equal output voltage to each of the exposed conductive tip portions; and a closed-loop fluid communication channel pathway which includes an inflow opening adapted for connection to a coolant fluid supply, and a channel portion in fluid communication with the inflow opening, which extends distally inside the conductive tip portion to carry coolant to the inside of the conductive tip portion and further extends proximally back to an outlet opening adapted to carry coolant away from the conductive tip portion; an introducer including a plurality of holes defined therein configured to selectively receive a respective elongated shaft of each electrode therethrough, wherein the plurality of holes orient and space each electrode relative to one another; and a guide needle disposed at the center of the introducer.