Image-guided ablation system and method for monitoring an ablation procedure

An imaging and ablation assembly configured to be mounted to a surgical tool, comprising:

• a body having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion;
• at least one ablation element disposed at said distal end portion;
• and
• an ultrasound imaging transducer disposed proximate said ablation element, wherein said ultrasound imaging transducer is pivotally attached to one of said body and said ablation element to allow said ultrasound imaging transducer to articulate between at least a stowed position and a deployed position.

An image-guided ablation system, comprising:

• a surgical tool including an elongate shaft having a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, a handle disposed at said proximal end portion, a lumen disposed therein extending between said proximal end portion and said distal end portion;
• an ablation subsystem including
• at least one ablation element coupled to said elongate shaft at said distal end portion thereof, and
• an ablation power source electrically connected to said ablation element;
• and
• an imaging subsystem including
• an ultrasound imaging transducer disposed at said distal end portion of said elongate shaft proximate said ablation element, wherein said ultrasound imaging transducer is pivotally attached to one of said elongate shaft and said at least one ablation element to allow said ultrasound imaging transducer to articulate between at least a stowed position and a deployed position, said ultrasound imaging transducer configured to acquire image data relating to at least an anatomical structure;
• a processor electrically connected to said ultrasound imaging transducer, said processor configured to receive said image data acquired by said ultrasound imaging transducer and to generate an image corresponding thereto;
• and
• a display electrically connected to said processor configured to display said image generated by said processor.

A method of monitoring the ablating action of an ablation device, said method comprising:

• providing an ultrasound-based imaging system comprising an ultrasound imaging transducer, a processor, and a display monitor, said ultrasound imaging transducer operative to collect image data relating to gaseous microbubbles created in tissue being subjected to the ablating action;
• collecting image data relating to said gaseous microbubbles created in tissue that is disposed within a field of view of said ultrasound imaging transducer;
• processing, by said processor of said imaging system, said image data to generate a microbubble map corresponding to said collected image data;
• and
• displaying said generated microbubble map on said display monitor of said imaging system, thereby providing an indication of the tissue that has been ablated by the ablating action.

A method of monitoring the ablating action of an ablation device, said method comprising:

• providing an ultrasound-based imaging system comprising an ultrasound imaging transducer, a processor, and a display monitor, said ultrasound imaging transducer operative to collect image data relating to the elasticity of tissue being subjected to the ablating procedure;
• collecting image data relating to the elasticity of tissue disposed within a field of view of said ultrasound imaging transducer;
• processing, by said processor of said imaging system, said image data to generate a tissue-elasticity image corresponding to said collected image data;
• and
• displaying said generated tissue-elasticity image on said display monitor of said imaging system, thereby providing an indication of the tissue that has been ablated by the ablating action.