Apparatus for thermal treatment of tissue

Abstract

An apparatus for thermal treatment of tissue, includes an outer member having a frame dimensioned for engagement with the hand of a surgeon and an elongated portion connected to the frame and extending distally therefrom. The elongated portion defines a longitudinal axis and has an axial opening. An electromagnetic probe assembly is releasably mounted to the outer member. The electromagnetic probe assembly includes a handle and an electromagnetic probe connected to the handle. The electromagnetic probe is at least partially positionable within the axial opening of the elongated portion and is adapted for reciprocal longitudinal movement therewithin between a non-deployed position and a deployed positions. A manually operable release member releasably mounts the electromagnetic probe assembly to the outer member. The release member is dimensioned and positioned for manual manipulation to move between a first position engaging the electromagnetic probe assembly and preventing release thereof from the outer member, and a second position releasing the electromagnetic probe assembly to thereby facilitate assembly and disassembly of the electromagnetic probe assembly with respect to the outer member.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.