Radiofrequency probes for tissue treatment and methods of use

A tissue ablation device, comprising:

• an introducer having a proximal portion and a distal portion;
• one or more RF electrodes movable between a nondeployed state within the introducer, and a deployed state in which the electrodes extend from the distal portion of the introducer;
• an electrode advancement element coupled to the RF electrodes and capable of moving the RF electrodes between the nondeployed state and the deployed state;
• and
• an occluder that occludes the distal portion of the introducer when the electrode device is in the nondeployed state, the occluder comprising a plug of biocompatible material, wherein the biocompatible material is selected from the group consisting of:
• collagen, gelatin, pectin, agar, arabic gum, xanthum gum, tragacanth gum, karaya alginic acid, karaya alginate salts, carrageenan, dextrin, starches, celluloses, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyethylene glycol, and mannans.

A method of ablating tissue in a subject, comprising:

• inserting an introducer into the subject;
• deploying a plurality of RF electrodes from the introducer into the subject's tissue;
• and
• applying RF energy to the RF electrodes;
• wherein prior to deployment of the RF electrodes, the introducer's distal end is occluded by an occluder, and the occluder comprises a plug of biocompatible material mounted for ejection from the distal end of the introducer when the electrodes are deployed.

A method of ablating tissue in a subject, comprising:

• inserting an introducer into the subject;
• deploying a plurality of RF electrodes from the introducer into the subject's tissue;
• and
• applying RF energy to the RF electrodes;
• wherein prior to deployment of the RF electrodes, the introducer's distal end is occluded by an occluder, the occluder comprising a plug of biocompatible material, wherein the biocompatible material is selected from the group consisting of:
• collagen, gelatin, pectin, agar, arabic gum, xanthum gum, tragacanth gum, karaya alginic acid, karaya alginate salts, carrageenan, dextrin, starches, celluloses, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyethylene glycol, and mannans.