Localization element with energized tip

A tissue-localizing device comprising:

• a locator element having a distal portion and an electric conductive surface region, said locator element further being adapted to penetrate tissue so that the distal portion of the locator element forms at least a partial loop that defines a volume of tissue when said locator element is deployed in tissue;
• and
• a power supply capable of generating a RF electric current;
• an electric conductive member adapted for connection to tissue;
• a first electric conductive path connecting said power supply to said electric conductive region.
• a second electric conductive path connecting said power supply to said electric conductive member.

A method of placing a locator element in a mammalian tissue, comprising the steps of:

• a.) connecting an electric conducting pad to a surface on a mammalian body;
• b.) penetrating through a tissue on said mammalian body with a sleeve containing a locator element at least partially disposed in a lumen defined by said sleeve, said locator element having a distal portion, the distal portion having an electric conductive surface region;
• c.) advancing said locator element through said sleeve and penetrating the tissue so that the distal portion of the locator element forms a partial loop such that said locator element when fully deployed substantially surrounds a volume of tissue next to the sleeve;
• and
• d.) energizing said locator element with an electric current while said locator element is being advanced through the tissue.

A method of placing a locator element in a mammalian tissue, comprising the steps of:

• a.) penetrating into a tissue with a sleeve containing a locator element at least partially disposed in a lumen defined by said sleeve, said locator element having a distal portion, the distal portion further having a first electric conductive region, wherein said sleeve further having a second electric conductive region;
• b.) advancing said locator element through said sleeve and penetrating the tissue so that the distal portion of the locator element forms at least a partial loop such that said locator element when fully deployed substantially surrounds a volume of tissue next to the sleeve;
• and
• c.) allowing a current to flow between said fist electric conductive region and said second electric conductive region.

A method of placing a locator element in a mammalian tissue, comprising the steps of:

• a.) penetrating through tissue with a sleeve containing a locator element at least partially disposed in a lumen defined by said sleeve, said locator element having a distal portion, the distal portion having an electric conductive surface region, said locator element further being adapted to penetrate tissue so that the distal portion of the locator element forms at least a partial loop that defines a volume of tissue when said locator element is deployed in tissue;
• b.) advancing the locator element into the tissue;
• and
• c.) applying an alternating current to said electric conductive region.