Ablation systems and methods using heat shunt networks

An ablation device comprising:

• an elongate body comprising a distal end;
• an ablation member positioned at the distal end of the elongate body, the ablation member defining an outer surface and an inner surface;
• a plurality of thermal shunt members placing a heat shunting element in thermal communication with the ablation member to selectively remove heat from at least a portion of the ablation member or tissue being treated by the ablation member when the ablation member is activated the heat shunting element of the at least a first one of the plurality of thermal shunt members extends at least partially through an interior of the ablation member to dissipate heat generated by the ablation member during use;
• a second one of the plurality of thermal shunt members being disposed proximal to the ablation member and a third one of the plurality of thermal shunt members being disposed distal to the ablation member, an outer surface of the third one of the plurality of thermal shunt members being substantially flush with the outer surface of the ablation member, the second one and the third one of the plurality of thermal shunt members being differently sized;
• and
• at least one fluid conduit extending at least partially through an interior of the elongate body, the first one of the plurality of thermal shunt members is in thermal communication with the at least one fluid conduit.

An ablation device comprising:

• an elongate body;
• an ablation member positioned at or proximate to a distal end of the elongate body, the ablation member defining an outer surface and an inner surface;
• a plurality of thermal shunt members in thermal communication with the ablation member, the plurality of thermal shunt members being configured to remove heat from at least a portion of the ablation member or tissue being treated by the ablation member when the ablation member is activated;
• a first one of the plurality of thermal shunt members at least partially through an interior of the ablation member to dissipate heat generated by the ablation member during use;
• a second one of the plurality of thermal shunt members being disposed proximal to the ablation member and a third one of the plurality of thermal shunt members being disposed distal to the ablation member, an outer surface of the third one of the plurality of thermal shunt members being substantially flush with the outer surface of the ablation member, the second one and the third one of the plurality of thermal shunt members being differently sized;
• and
• at least one fluid conduit extending at least partially through an interior of the elongate body, wherein the first one of the plurality of thermal shunt members is in thermal communication with the at least one fluid conduit.