Helical device and method for aiding the ablation and assessment of tissue

Abstract

A helical needle is attached to a surgical probe to aid in the insertion of the probe into a tissue mass. The tip of the helical needle penetrates the tissue mass in advance of the tip of the probe. The probe is rotated to push the helical shaft of the needle into the tissue mass in the direction of rotation. As the helical shaft advances into the tissue mass, the probe advances with it. Rotating the probe in the opposite direction causes the helical needle and probe to withdraw from the tissue mass. Rotation of the probe and needle is more effective in penetrating rubbery and calcified growths than the conventional method of pushing the probe, and it enables the precise placement of the probe. The helical needle also enables insertion of the probe in situations where an inconvenient angle of entry makes it difficult to push the probe along.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.