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Abstract

This patent application is a continuation-in-part of the patent application of the present authors related to target volume ablation in the body using a cooled-tip tissue-heating probe such as a fluid cooled (perfusion cooled) high frequency electrode. The present application relates in part to examples of specific embodiments of high frequency and radiofrequency electrode designs and heating and cooling system designs. It further describes embodiments in conjunction with 3-D or 2-D image data and computer graphic workstions to control, monitor, and pre-plan the process of target ablation. Specific examples of cooled-tip electrode constructions will be given which have utility for percutaneous or intraoperative cancerous tumor ablation. Cooled tip electrode systems with modular or separable components involving an insertion cannula, a radiofrequency electrode element, a cooling element, and a thermo-monitoring and/or radiofrequency connection electrode will be given. A high frequency and cooling system which is controlled and regulated based on the 'thermally clamped tip' concept together with control of power, current, or other high frequency power parameters to pre-plan and control lesion size will be shown. Pre- or contemporaneous monitoring methods using CT, MR, ultrasound, and acoustic imaging or monitoring modalities in conjugation with the cooled tip high frequency ablation system will be exemplified. Variations in electrode design for specific target sites in the body will be described and illustrated.

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First Claim