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Abstract

A medical probe for the treatment by radio frequency ablation of tissue in a human comprising an elongate probe member having proximal and distal extremities. The elongate probe member has a longitudinal axis and at least one passage extending from the proximal extremity to the distal extremity. A guide cannula is mounted in the at least one passage of the elongate probe member and has proximal and distal extremities with the distal extremity of the guide cannula being in the vicinity of the distal extremity of the elongate probe member. The guide cannula has an opening in the distal extremity and a lumen extending from the proximal extremity to the opening in the distal extremity. A stylet is slidably disposed in the lumen of the guide cannula and includes a radio frequency electrode having a distal portion and a layer of insulating material disposed around the radio frequency so that at least the distal portion is exposed. A handle is coupled to the proximal extremity of the elongate probe member. The distal extremity of he guide cannula has a bendable distal portion. The handle includes a first actuator for causing the distal portion of the guide cannula to bend at an angle to the longitudinal axis so that the opening faces the tissue and a second actuator secured to the stylet for advancing the radio frequency electrode and the layer of insulating material from the opening in the guide cannula into the tissue.

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First Claim