DRUG-DELIVERY DEVICE FOR USE WITH ABLATION DEVICE

Abstract

A drug-delivery device includes a body configured for attachment to a handle of an ablation device, a shaft portion defining a passageway therein, and a delivery lumen to provide for drug delivery to tissue. The body includes a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a contoured portion disposed therebetween. The contoured portion is configured for engagement with a contoured portion of the handle of the ablation device. The shaft portion includes a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the shaft engages with an opening defined in the distal end of the body. The passageway of the shaft portion is configured to receive the delivery lumen slideably moveably therein. The delivery lumen includes a proximal portion and a distal portion. The drug-delivery device also includes a knob member coupled to the proximal portion of the delivery lumen.

Claims

1-8. (canceled)

9. A method for treating tissue comprising: attaching a fluid delivery device to an ablation device, the fluid delivery device including a first contoured portion configured to engage a second contoured portion of the ablation device; inserting a shaft coupled to the fluid delivery device and an ablation electrode coupled to the ablation device into tissue; and inserting a delivery lumen into the tissue through the shaft.

10. The method according to claim 9, further comprising: supplying a fluid through the delivery lumen into the tissue.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein supplying a fluid through the delivery lumen includes supplying a drug agent into the tissue.

12. The method according to claim 10, wherein supplying a fluid through the delivery lumen includes supplying a contrast agent into the tissue.

13. The method according to claim 9, further comprising: adjusting longitudinal position of the delivery lumen relative to the shaft.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein adjusting longitudinal position of the delivery lumen includes longitudinally moving an actuator coupled to the delivery lumen.

15. The method according to claim 9, further comprising: adjusting rotational position of the delivery lumen relative to the shaft.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein adjusting rotational position of the delivery lumen includes rotating an actuator coupled to the delivery lumen.

17. The method according to claim 9, further comprising: imaging the tissue to obtain an image of the tissue; and controlling the delivery lumen based on the image of the tissue.

18. The method according to claim 9, further comprising: bending the delivery lumen.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein bending the delivery lumen includes adjusting temperature of the delivery lumen to bend the delivery lumen that is formed from a shape-memory material.

20. A method for treating tissue comprising: attaching a fluid delivery device to an ablation device, the fluid delivery device including a first contoured portion configured to engage a second contoured portion of the ablation device; inserting a shaft coupled to the fluid delivery device and an ablation electrode coupled to the ablation device into tissue; inserting a plurality of delivery lumens into the tissue through the shaft; and supplying a fluid through each of the plurality of delivery lumens into the tissue.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein supplying the fluid through each of the plurality of delivery lumens includes supplying a drug agent into the tissue.

22. The method according to claim 20, wherein supplying the fluid through each of the plurality of delivery lumens includes supplying a contrast agent into the tissue.

23. The method according to claim 20, further comprising: adjusting longitudinal position of each of the plurality of delivery lumens relative to the shaft.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein adjusting longitudinal position of each of the plurality of delivery lumens includes longitudinally moving an actuator coupled to the plurality of delivery lumens.

25. The method according to claim 20, further comprising: adjusting rotational position of each of the plurality of delivery lumens relative to the shaft.

26. The method according to claim 25, wherein adjusting rotational position of each of the plurality of delivery lumens includes rotating an actuator coupled to the plurality of delivery lumens.

27. The method according to claim 20, further comprising: imaging the tissue to obtain an image of the tissue; and controlling the plurality of delivery lumens based on the image of the tissue.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Objects and features of the presently-disclosed drug-delivery devices for use with ablation devices and electrosurgical systems including the same will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art when descriptions of various embodiments thereof are read with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

[0021] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a drug-delivery device in an aligned position with respect to an energy-delivery device, spaced apart therefrom, the drug-delivery device including a drug-delivery lumen, a knob member coupled thereto, and a body configured to be attachable to the energy-delivery device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the drug-delivery device of FIG. 1 coupled to an energy-delivery device, such as the energy-delivery device of FIG. 1, showing the drug-delivery device in a first configuration in which the knob member thereof is disposed in a proximal position, wherein the drug-delivery lumen is configured in a retracted position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the drug-delivery device of FIG. 1 coupled to an energy-delivery device, such as the energy-delivery device of FIG. 1, showing the drug-delivery device in a first configuration in which the knob member thereof is disposed in the distal-most position, wherein the drug-delivery lumen is configured in an extended position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] FIG. 4 is a bottom, perspective view of the drug-delivery device of FIG. 2 coupled to an energy-delivery device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] FIG. 5 is a rear, schematic view of the drug-delivery device of FIG. 2 coupled to an energy-delivery device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] FIG. 6 is a side, perspective view of the drug-delivery device of FIG. 2 coupled to an energy-delivery device, including the drug-delivery lumen shown in an extended position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] FIG. 7 is a side, perspective view of the energy-delivery device and the drug-delivery device of FIG. 1, illustrating an alternative embodiment of the drug-delivery lumen thereof, shown in an extended position, in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0028] FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the distal portion of the drug-delivery lumen of the drug-delivery device of FIG. 7 shown extending outwardly from the distal end of the shaft; and

[0029] FIG. 9 is a schematic view of the drug-delivery device of FIG. 1 in an aligned position with respect to another embodiment of an energy-delivery device, spaced apart therefrom, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Hereinafter, embodiments of the presently-disclosed drug-delivery devices for use with ablation devices, and electrosurgical systems including the same of the present disclosure are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Like reference numerals may refer to similar or identical elements throughout the description of the figures. As shown in the drawings and as used in this description, and as is traditional when referring to relative positioning on an object, the term proximal refers to that portion of the device, or component thereof, closer to the user and the term distal refers to that portion of the device, or component thereof, farther from the user.

[0031] This description may use the phrases in an embodiment, in embodiments, in some embodiments, or in other embodiments, which may each refer to one or more of the same or different embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0032] Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide drug-delivery devices configured to be attachable to energy-delivery devices. Embodiments may be suitable for use with Cool-Tip RF ablation devices. Embodiments may be suitable for use with microwave ablation devices. Embodiments may be suitable for utilization with endoscopic and laparoscopic surgical procedures. Embodiments may be implemented using electromagnetic radiation at microwave frequencies, RF frequencies or at other frequencies.

[0033] Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide electrosurgical system including a drug-delivery device configured to be attachable to an energy-delivery. Various embodiments of the presently-disclosed drug-delivery device include an elongated shaft portion configured to facilitate delivery of one or more drug agents and/or therapeutic agents, which may be temperature sensitive, into tissue. Any suitable number of the same or different drugs may be utilized, e.g., depending upon a particular purpose and/or to achieve a desired surgical outcome. The presently-disclosed drug-delivery device embodiments may be configured for visualization, e.g., configured to allow for delivery of a miniaturized camera system at the distal end of the delivery lumen. The presently-disclosed drug-delivery device embodiments may be configured to allow for delivery of pill-sized cameras.

[0034] Drug agents which may be delivered by devices according to embodiments of the present disclosure include drugs which act on the peripheral nerves, adrenergic receptors, cholinergic receptors, the skeletal muscles, the cardiovascular system, smooth muscles, the blood circulatory system, synoptic sites, neuroeffector junctional sites, endocrine and hormone systems, the immunological system, the reproductive system, the skeletal system, autacoid systems, the alimentary and excretory systems, the histamine system and the central nervous system. Some examples of implantable drug agents which may be delivered by devices according to embodiments of the present disclosure are provided later in this description. Therapeutic agents which may be delivered by devices according to embodiments of the present disclosure include visualization agents, radio-active agents, and radiation-protective agents. Therapeutic agents need not necessarily be in molecular form (e.g., ethanol may be preferred over molecular therapeutics to induce cytotoxicity for the tumorous tissue). The therapeutic agent and/or formulation may or may not have controlled-release or sustained-release, and may instead be delivered as a bolus.

[0035] Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a clip-on component for drug-delivery suitable for use with an ablation device, wherein the device architecture, configuration, and manufacturing process for the ablation device does not need to be modified. Various embodiments of the presently-disclosed clip-on component for drug-delivery provide the capability to deliver localized drugs or other payload for therapeutic and/or visualization purposes.

[0036] FIG. 1 shows a drug-delivery device (shown generally as 10) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure and an electrosurgical system (shown generally as 100) including an ablation device 101. Drug-delivery device 10, which is described in more detail later in this description, is adapted to allow the user to selectively position a delivery lumen 70, e.g., for the delivery of therapeutic agents, active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), and/or contrast agent, in tissue. The delivery lumen 70 may be either disposable or reusable.

[0037] Ablation device 101 includes an electrode array E and a handle assembly 130. Electrode array E may include one or more ablation electrodes 110. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1, the electrode array E includes three ablation electrodes 110 supported on and/or operatively connected to the handle assembly 130. The shape, size and number of ablation electrodes 110 of the electrode array E may be varied from the configuration depicted in FIG. 1.

[0038] Ablation device 101 is operatively connected via a transmission line 150 to an electrosurgical power generating source 28, e.g., a microwave or radio frequency (RF) electrosurgical generator. Power generating source 28 may be any generator suitable for use with electrosurgical devices and may be configured to provide various frequencies of energy. In some embodiments, ablation device 101 is disposed in fluid communication with a coolant source (not shown). Ablation device 101 may include first and second conduits 151 and 152, respectively, to provide a first fluid-flow path, e.g., leading to the ablation electrodes 110, and a second fluid-flow path, e.g., leading away from the ablation electrodes 110, configured to provide fluid flow of a coolant fluid e.g., deionized water, or other suitable cooling medium, for cooling at least the distal end portion 113 of the ablation electrodes 110. Ablation device 101 may include additional, fewer, or different components than shown in FIG. 1, depending upon a particular purpose or to achieve a desired result.

[0039] In some embodiments, electrosurgical system 100 (also referred to herein as ablation system 100) may include a controller 26 for controlling and/or monitoring the operating parameters of the ablation system 100. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1, the controller 26 is communicatively-coupled to the electrosurgical power generating source 28. Controller 26 may include any type of computing device, computational circuit, or any type of processor or processing circuit capable of executing a series of instructions that are stored in a memory (not shown) associated with the controller 26. Functions of the controller 26 may be integrated with those of the electrosurgical power generating source 28 and/or may be integrated with other components of the electrosurgical system 100.

[0040] In some embodiments, a drug and/or contrast agent supply line (not shown) may be provided to fluidly-couple the drug-delivery device 10 to a source of the drug and/or contrast agent delivery supply for supplying drugs and/or contrast agent to the delivery lumen 70. A fluid-movement device may be fluidly coupled between the source of the drug (and/or contrast agent) and the delivery lumen 70, and the controller 26 may be communicatively-coupled to the fluid-movement device. In some embodiments, the controller 26 may be configured to control operation(s) of the fluid-movement device, e.g., during an ablation procedure based on one or more operating parameters of the electrosurgical power generating source 28. Electrosurgical system 100 may additionally, or alternatively, include an imaging system (not shown) capable of generating image data, and the controller 26 may be communicatively-coupled to the imaging system. In some embodiments, the controller 26 may be configured to control operation(s) of the fluid-movement device based, at least in part, on data captured by the imaging system.

[0041] Drug-delivery device 10 includes an elongated, substantially cylindrically-shaped shaft portion 12 defining a passageway 11 of generally tubular shape configured to receive the delivery lumen 70 slideably moveably therein. Shaft portion 12 generally includes a distal end portion 14 and a proximal end portion 16. A port 15 is located at the distal-most tip of the distal end portion 14. The proximal end portion 16 of the shaft portion 12 engages with an opening 35 defined in the distal portion 34 of the body 30. Although the passageway 11 is generally tubular-shaped, other shapes can be used depending on the configuration of the shaft portion 12. Shaft portion 12 may be formed of any suitable rigid material, and may be either disposable or reusable.

[0042] Drug-delivery device 10 includes an actuator 40 operatively coupled to the delivery lumen 70. In some embodiments, the actuator 40 includes a knob member 42. In some embodiments, as seen in FIGS. 1 and 5, the knob member 42 defines a channel 41 configured to receive the delivery lumen 70 therethrough. As shown in FIG. 1, the delivery lumen 70 is rotatable about a longitudinal axis A-A defined through shaft 12, either manually or otherwise, by the rotatable knob member 42. Actuator 40 may additionally, or alternatively, include a device, e.g., an electric motor, capable of reciprocally moving the delivery lumen 70. In some embodiments, the controller 26 may be configured to control operation(s) of the device, e.g., during an ablation procedure based on one or more operating parameters of the electrosurgical power generating source 28.

[0043] Drug-delivery device 10 is configured to allow the user to selectively position the delivery lumen 70, or portion thereof, from within the shaft portion 12 of the drug-delivery device 10 to outside the shaft portion 12. For ease of explanation and understanding, the delivery lumen 70 is described below as selectively positionable with respect to fixed structures, or portions thereof, of the ablation device 101, e.g., in relation to the distal end portion 113 of the ablation electrodes 110, and/or in relation to the distal end 14 of the shaft portion 12 of the drug-delivery device 10.

[0044] Delivery lumen 70 may be formed of any suitable material, and may include one or more portions formed of a flexible material. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the distal portion 74 of the delivery lumen 70 is formed of a flexible material configured to bend in a curvilinear fashion. The curved or bent distal portion 74 of the delivery lumen 70 allows for maneuverability and access in and around the tumor and/or the tumor-margin in a manner suitable for drug-delivery through the delivery lumen 70. In some procedures, the distal portion 74 of the delivery lumen 70 is that portion of the delivery lumen 70 intended to be inserted into the tumor. The dimensions and/or the angle of the bend at the distal portion 74 of the delivery lumen 70, which is rotatably moveable about a longitudinal axis A-A (FIG. 1) defined by the shaft portion 12 (shown in FIG. 1), may be selected to enhance the maneuverability of the distal end of the delivery lumen 70. In some embodiments, the distal portion 74 of the delivery lumen 70 may be formed of a shape-memory material. For example, shape-memory alloys may be used to induce a certain angle of the bend at body temperature when delivery lumen 70 is deployed.

[0045] In some embodiments, where the delivery lumen 70 is disposable, replaceable and/or interchangeable, different configurations of the delivery lumen 70 (e.g., varied dimensions and angles for the distal end) may be used depending upon the needs of the procedure and/or the preference of the surgeon.

[0046] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the drug-delivery device 10 is adapted to allow the user to selectively position the distal portion 74 of the delivery lumen 70 from at least a first configuration, wherein the distal portion 74 of the delivery lumen 70 is positioned proximal to the distal end portion 113 of the ablation electrodes 110, to at least a second configuration, wherein at least a portion of the distal portion 74 of the delivery lumen 70 is positioned distally beyond the distal end portion 113 of the ablation electrodes 110.

[0047] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, knob member 42 is selectively moveable from at least a first configuration, wherein the distal portion 74 of the delivery lumen 70 is positioned proximal to the distal end 14 of the shaft portion 12 (FIG. 2), to at least a second configuration, wherein at least a portion of the distal portion 74 of the delivery lumen 70 is positioned distally beyond the distal end 14 of the shaft portion 12 (FIG. 3).

[0048] Drug-delivery device 10 includes a body 30 configured to be attachable to an energy-delivery device (e.g., ablation device 101 shown in FIG. 1). Body 30 may have various configurations. As seen in FIGS. 1 and 4, body 30 includes a proximal portion 31, a distal portion 34, and a contoured portion 33 disposed between the proximal and distal portions 31 and 34, respectively. As best seen in FIG. 4, the contoured portion 33 of the body 30 is configured to engage with a contoured portion 133 of the ablation device 101.

[0049] Body 30 defines a body chamber 37 therein (FIG. 4) having an interior space configured to accommodate one or more components of the ablation device 101, e.g., a handle (e.g., handle assembly 130 shown in FIG. 1) or portion thereof. In some embodiments, the body 30 may include one or more internal walls (not shown) configured to partition the body chamber 37 into one or more compartments. Body 30 may additionally, or alternatively, include an actuator (not shown), such as a slideably moveable member, e.g., thumb-slide actuator, adapted to allow the user to selectively initiate/activate the delivery of drug and/or contrast agent through the delivery lumen 70 to the tissue site.

[0050] Body 30 may be formed of any suitable material or combination of materials by any suitable process. In some embodiments, the drug-delivery device 10 may be adapted to be a reusable device. Autoclavable materials may be used to form the body 30, and/or other components of the drug-delivery device 10, to provide for a sterilizable device. Body 30, or portions thereof, may be formed from two housing halves (not shown). Each half of the housing may include a series of mechanical interfacing components (not shown) configured to matingly engage with a corresponding series of mechanical interfaces (not shown) to align the two housing halves to define therein the body chamber 37. It is contemplated that the housing halves (as well as other components described herein) may be assembled together with the aid of alignment pins, snap-like interfaces, tongue and groove interfaces, locking tabs, adhesive ports, etc., utilized either alone or in combination for assembly purposes.

[0051] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6, the body 30 is configured to provide support for the shaft portion 12 wherein the shaft portion 12 extends distally from the body 30 at a predetermined angle, e.g., relative to a longitudinal axis of the body 30, whereby the distal end 14 of the shaft portion 12 is disposed within the perimeter defined by the distal end portion 113 of the three ablation electrodes 110.

[0052] FIG. 7 shows the drug-delivery device 30 of FIG. 1 including an alternative embodiment of the drug-delivery lumen (shown as 70 in FIG. 1), shown in an extended position. The drug-delivery lumen 770 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 includes a multi-lumen configuration. As best seen in FIG. 8, the drug-delivery lumen 770 includes five lumens 785, shown extending outwardly of the distal end 14 of the shaft portion 12. The shape, size and number of lumens 785 of the drug-delivery lumen 770 may be varied from the configuration depicted in FIGS. 7 and 8.

[0053] FIG. 9 shows the drug-delivery device 10 of FIG. 1 and an ablation device 900. Ablation device 900 includes a microwave probe 910 and a handle assembly 930. Ablation device 900 is configured to be operatively connected via a transmission line 15 to an electrosurgical power generating source (not shown in FIG. 9), e.g., a microwave electrosurgical generator.

[0054] Drug-delivery device 10 includes a body 30 configured to be attachable to an energy-delivery device (e.g., ablation device 900 shown in FIG. 9, or ablation device 101 shown in FIG. 1). As seen in FIG. 9, the contoured portion 33 of the body 30 of the drug-delivery device 10 is configured to engage with a contoured portion 933 of the handle assembly 930 of the ablation device 900. Body 30 may have various configurations, e.g., depending upon the configuration of the handle assembly of the energy-delivery device.

[0055] A variety of drug agents may be delivered by devices according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Some examples of drug agents which may be delivered by devices according to embodiments of the present disclosure include chemotherapeutic agents such as without limitation cisplatin, paclitaxel, doxorubicin, fluorouracil, as well as other compounds such as without limitation prochlorperzine edisylate, ferrous sulfate, aminocaproic acid, mecamylamine hydrochloride, procainamide hydrochloride, amphetamine sulfate, methamphetamine hydrochloride, benzamphetamine hydrochloride, isoproterenol sulfate, phenmetrazine hydrochloride, bethanechol chloride, methacholine chloride, pilocarpine hydrochloride, atropine sulfate, scopolamine bromide, isopropaniide iodide, tridihexethyl chloride, phenformin hydrochloride, methylphenidate hydrochloride, theophylline cholinate, cephalexin hydrochloride, diphenidol, meclizine hydrochloride, prochlorperazine maleate, phenoxybenzamine, thiethylperzine maleate, anisindone, diphenadione erythrityl tetranitrate, digoxin, isofluorophate, acetazolamide, methazolamide, bendroflumethiazide, chloropromaide, tolazamide, chlormadinone acetate, phenaglycodol, allopurinol, aluminum aspirin, methotrexate, acetyl sulfisoxazole, erythromycin, hydrocortisone, hydrocorticosterone acetate, cortisone acetate, dexamethasone and its derivatives such as betamethasone, triamcinolone, methyltestosterone, 17-S-estradiol, ethinyl estradiol, ethinyl estradiol 3-methyl ether, prednisolone, 17-oc-hydroxyprogesterone acetate, 19-nor-progesterone, norgestrel, norethindrone, norethisterone, norethiederone, progesterone, norgesterone, norethynodrel, aspirin, indornethacin, naproxen, fenoprofen, sulindac, indoprofen, nitroglycerin, isosorbide dinitrate, propranolol, timolol, atenolol, aiprenolol, cimetidine, clonidine, imipramine, levodopa, chlorpromazine, methyldopa, dihydroxyphenylalanine, theophylline, calcium gluconate, ketoprofen, ibuprofen, cephalexin, erythromycin, haloperidol, zomepirac, ferrous lactate, vincamine, diazepam, phenoxybenzamine, diltiazem, mitrinone, capropril, mandol, quanbenz, hydrochlorothiazide, ranitidine, flurbiprofen, fenufen, fluprofen, tolmetin, alciofenac, mefenamic, flufenamic, difiuinal, nimodipine, nitrendipine, nisoldipine, nicardipine, felodipine, lidoflazine, tiapamil, gallopamul, amlodipine, mioflazine, lisinoipril, enalapril, enalaprilat, captopril, ramipril, famotidine, nizatidine, sucralfate, etintidine, tetratolol, minoxidil, chlordazepoxide, diazepam, amitriptyline, and imipramine; opioids such as meperidine, hydrocodone, oxycodone, and semi-synthetic opioids such as oxymorphone, hydromorphone, opiates such as morphine and codeine, opioid antagonists such as without limitation naltrexone, nalbuphine, naloxone as well as opioid agonist/antagonist compounds such as buprenorphine, and synthetic analgesics such as methadone, tramadol, fentanyl and sufentanil.

[0056] Some other examples of drug agents which may be delivered by devices according to embodiments of the present disclosure include vitamin and supplements such as vitamins B-12 (cyanocobalamin) and D2, anti-virals such as without limitation acyclorvir and zidovudine; proteins and peptides such as without limitation insulin, colchicine, glucagon, thyroid stimulating hormone, parathyroid and pituitary hormones, calcitonin, renin, prolactin, corticotrdphin, thyrotropic hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, chorionic gonadotropin, gonadotropin releasing hormone, bovine somatotropin, porcine somatotropin, oxytocin, vasopressin, GRE, prolactin, somatostatin, lypressin, pancreozymin, luteinizing hormone, LHRH, LHRH agonists and antagonists, leuprolide, interferons, interleukins, growth hormones such as human growth hormone, bovine growth hormone and porcine growth hormone, fertility inhibitors such as the prostaglandins, fertility promoters, growth factors, coagulation factors, human pancreas hormone releasing factor, analogs and derivatives of these compounds, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts of these compounds, or their analogs or derivatives. On the molecular level, the various forms of the beneficial agent may include uncharged molecules, molecular complexes, and pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition and base addition salts such as hydrochlorides, hydrobromides, acetate, sulfate, laurylate, oleate, and salicylate. Examples of acidic compounds which may be delivered by devices according to embodiments of the present disclosure include salts of metals, amines or organic cations. Derivatives such as esters, ethers and amides may also be used.

[0057] A drug agent for delivery by devices according to embodiments of the present disclosure may be used alone or mixed with other agents. A drug agent for delivery by the presently-disclosed devices may include pharmaceutically acceptable excipients, polymeric carriers and/or additional ingredients, such as antioxidants, stabilizing agents, permeation enhancers, polysaccharides, proteins, nucleotides like aptamers, and fatty acids, etc., and fabricated into different forms, such as solution, suspension, gel, colloidal dispersion like liposome, or micro- and nano-particles for controlled delivery of the drug agent. A drug agent for delivery by the presently-disclosed devices may include a thermo-sensitive metal depositor or any such compound that increases the sensitivity of the target tissue, e.g., tumor, to ablation.

[0058] A drug agent for delivery by the presently-disclosed devices may include a cryoablation agent, e.g., liquid nitrogen, and may prove complementary to thermal ablation that uses electrosurgical energy at RF or microwave frequencies.

[0059] The above-described devices provide to the capability to operate with two or more different modalities (e.g., ablation and drug delivery), without any fundamental change to the device architecture, manufacturing process etc. for the ablation device.

[0060] The above-described systems and drug-delivery devices coupled to ablation devices may offer improved anti-cancer efficacy with RF ablation (or microwave ablation) and localized drug delivery capabilities integrated into a dual medical device. In accordance with the above-described systems and ablation devices, an approach is taken to deliver drug formulation(s) locally when the anatomical access has already been obtained for the purpose of RF or microwave ablation, which, in turn, presents the prospect of reduced side-effects associated with systemic administration of the same drug molecule(s).

[0061] In accordance with the above-described systems and ablation devices, heat activated drugs may be delivered to the periphery of the tumor, which may not get as hot as the center of the tumor, to ensure adequate margins. The above-described systems and ablation devices may be used to kill tumors from the inside out, wherein the temperature at the periphery may not be high enough to destroy the tumor through ablation (e.g., in some cases, requiring temperatures of at least 55 C.), but at high enough temperature (e.g., in some cases, temperatures of about 45 C.) to activate one or more drugs delivered by the above-described ablation devices, which may take care of killing the tumor edges.

[0062] Although embodiments have been described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings for the purpose of illustration and description, it is to be understood that the inventive processes and apparatus are not to be construed as limited thereby. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that various modifications to the foregoing embodiments may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure.