An ablation needle assembly includes an outer member, an inner member, and a feedline. The outer member defines a first lumen that receives the inner member therein. The inner member defines a second lumen that receives the feedline therein. The first and second lumens cooperate to circulate fluid about the feedline. Either the inner or outer member has a triangular cross-section.

A conduit assembly for transmitting energy between an electrosurgical energy generator and an energy delivering device comprises a first cable sub-assembly including a cable having a flexibility and an energy attenuation; a second cable sub-assembly including a cable having a flexibility and an energy attenuation; wherein the flexibility of the cable of the first cable sub-assembly is less than the flexibility of the cable of the second cable sub-assembly; and wherein the energy attenuation of the cable of the first cable sub-assembly is less than the energy attenuation of the cable of the second cable sub-assembly.

An electrosurgical device (10) is provided that is operable to deliver microwave energy within a controlled angular expanse to cause targeted tissue ablation. The device (10) comprises a blocking or reflecting material such as cylindrical members (34) that are laterally spaced from the antenna (20) that is operable to emit the microwave energy. The reflecting material creates regions in and/or surrounding the device into which sensors (51), such as thermocouple wires, may be placed to monitor a condition associated with the device or the patient's body.

A system and method enabling the receipt of image data of a patient, identification of one or more locations within the image data depicting symptoms of COPD, analyzing airways and vasculature proximate the identified locations; planning a pathway to the one or more locations, navigating an extended working channel to one of the locations, positioning a microwave ablation catheter proximate the location, and energizing the microwave ablation catheter to treat the locations depicting symptoms of COPD.

A shaft assembly for a microwave ablation applicator which includes a shaft assembly and an antenna assembly located within the shaft assembly is disclosed. The shaft assembly comprises an elongate shaft which extends from a first end to a second end thereof, and which defines therein a hollow inner volume and a longitudinal axis of the antenna assembly, and an applicator tip mounted on the second end of the elongate shaft. The shaft assembly further includes a coolant delivery tube having a side wall which defines an elongate hollow interior.

An electrosurgical system for treating biological tissue that comprises: an electrosurgical generator to supply microwave energy; a surgical scoping device having a steerable insertion cord for insertion to a treatment site; and an electrosurgical instrument dimensioned to fit within an instrument channel that is located within the insertion cord. The electrosurgical instrument comprises: a flexible coaxial cable arranged to convey the microwave energy; and a radiating tip portion connected at an end of the coaxial cable and configured to receive microwave energy. The radiating tip portion comprises: a coaxial transmission line for conveying the microwave energy; and a needle tip mounted at an end of the proximal coaxial transmission line, wherein the electrosurgical instrument is slidable within the instrument channel to extend the needle tip beyond an end of the instrument channel to puncture biological tissue; the needle tip is arranged to deliver the microwave energy into biological tissue.

An access device for accessing an intervertebral disc having an outer shield comprising an access shield with a larger diameter (˜16-30 mm) that reaches from the skin down to the facet line, with an inner shield having a second smaller diameter (˜5-12 mm) extending past the access shield and reaches down to the disc level. This combines the benefits of the direct visual microsurgical/mini open approaches and the percutaneous, “ultra-MIS” techniques.

The invention relates to a system for assisting in planning a focal therapy treatment of a structure (1) within a patient body (2) by applying a treatment quantity using one or more devices (4a,b,c) operated in one or more device positions. The system comprises a unit (10) configured to generate a constraint function representing clinical objectives relating to the treatment quantity, a selection unit (11) configured to determine, for each of at least some non-selected candidate device positions, a sum of negative derivatives of the constraint function with respect to the treatment parameter associated with the respective device position and to select a device position for use in the treatment based on a comparison of the determined sums, and an optimization unit (12; 408) configured to determine at least one optimized treatment parameter for the selected device position based on the constraint function.

A microwave apparatus comprises: a microwave feed line configured to deliver microwave energy having a selected operational frequency or range of frequencies to a radiating element extending from or coupled to a distal end of the microwave feed line; the radiating element; and a reactive element formed in or on the microwave feed line; wherein the operational frequency or range of frequencies is selected such that the reactive element both provides a desired degree of match between an impedance of the radiating element and an impedance of the microwave feed line, and reduces or eliminates surface currents flowing on a ground of the feed line.

Delivery systems, and methods using the same, having an ultrasound viewing window for improved imaging and a needle for ablation treatment of target tissues. In an embodiment, the target tissue is a fibroid within a female's uterus. In an embodiment, the delivery system includes a rigid shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and an axial passage extending through the rigid shaft. In an embodiment, the axial passage is configured for removably receiving the ultrasound imaging insert having an ultrasound array disposed a distal portion.