Importance

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Abstract

An apparatus for the radio-frequency (RF) thermal treatment of tissue, particularly, prostatic tissue is intended for use in conjunction with a conventional endoscope. The apparatus includes an elongate member having at least one passageway extending at least partially along its length, a delivery tube disposed within the passageway and having a memory portion comprised of a shape memory material, and being moveable within the passageway to extend the memory portion from the elongate member to permit the memory portion to assume a normal unstressed curved configuration, an electromagnetic probe disposed within the delivery tube and moveable within the delivery tube to extend a probe end portion beyond the delivery tube and within tissue. The electromagnetic probe has sufficient flexibility to follow the curved path defined by the memory portion of the delivery tube. The elongate member of the apparatus may further include a channel dimensioned to receive a conventional endoscope. Proximally positioned actuators permit selective movement of the delivery tube and electromagnetic probe. A system for thermal treatment of tissue includes a thermal treatment apparatus and an endoscope which is positioned within a working channel of the apparatus.

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First Claim