Device to reduce steam pops and increase tissue stability during radiofrequency ablation
The present invention is directed to a system for delivering radiofrequency ablation energy to an area or volume of tissue. The system includes a wrap, where a stiffening element surrounds an opening in the wrap, where the stiffening element transfers radial compression to the area or volume of tissue, where the radial compression increases stability of the area or volume of tissue; and at least one radiofrequency ablation probe having an active electrode, where the at least one radiofrequency ablation probe is connected to a radiofrequency generator via a lead. A device that includes a wrap and a method of delivering radiofrequency ablation energy to a volume of tissue via the device are also described.
1. A system for delivering radiofrequency ablation energy to a volume of tissue, the system comprising:
a wrap comprising a stiffening element that surrounds an opening in the wrap, wherein the stiffening element transfers radial compression to the volume of tissue to increase stability of the volume of tissue; and
a radiofrequency ablation probe having an active electrode, wherein the radiofrequency ablation probe is connected to a radiofrequency generator via a lead, wherein the transfer of radial compression to the volume of tissue improves contact between the volume of tissue and the active electrode of the radiofrequency ablation probe.
2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the wrap comprises an elastic material and fastening means.
3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the opening facilitates insertion of the active electrode of the radiofrequency ablation probe into the volume of tissue and further wherein at least a portion of the stiffening element comprises a radiopaque material.
4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the wrap facilitates immobilization of the volume of tissue, wherein the wrap is adjustable to accommodate limb diameters ranging from 8 inches (20.32 centimeters) to 40 inches (101.6 centimeters).
5. The system of claim 4 , wherein the volume of tissue is located at a knee of a patient, wherein a bend in the knee of the patient is maintained at an angle ranging from 70° to 180°.
6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the radiofrequency ablation probe includes a radiopaque marker adjacent the active electrode.
7. A method of delivering radiofrequency ablation energy to a volume of tissue, the method comprising:
providing radial compression to the volume of tissue using a wrap secured about the volume of tissue, wherein the wrap has an opening formed therein and comprises a stiffening element surrounding the opening;
inserting a radiofrequency ablation probe into the volume of tissue through the opening, the radiofrequency ablation probe comprising an active electrode; and
delivering energy to the volume of tissue through the active electrode of the radiofrequency ablation probe to form a lesion, wherein the radial compression due to the wrap reduces gas buildup at the lesion, wherein the stiffening element transfers radial compression to the volume of tissue, wherein the radial compression increases stability of the volume of tissue, wherein the transfer of radial compression to the volume of tissue improves contact between the volume of tissue and the active electrode of the radiofrequency ablation probe.
8. The method of claim 7 , wherein the radiofrequency ablation probe is secured about the volume of tissue via fastening means.
9. The method of claim 7 , wherein the volume of tissue is immobilized by the wrap, wherein the wrap is adjustable to accommodate limb diameters ranging from 8 inches (20.32 centimeters) to 40 inches (101.6 centimeters).
10. The method of claim 7 , wherein the volume of tissue is located at a knee of a patient, wherein a bend in the knee of the patient is maintained at an angle ranging from 70° to 180°.
11. The method of claim 7 , wherein at least a portion of the stiffening element comprises a radiopaque material, wherein the radiopaque material facilitates location of the radiofrequency ablation probe during insertion of the radiofrequency ablation probe into the volume of tissue.