System and method for performing an electrosurgical procedure using an ablation device with an integrated imaging device

#1. Technical Field

#The present disclosure relates to energy-based apparatuses, systems and methods. More particularly, the present disclosure is directed to a system and method for performing an electrosurgical procedure using an ablation system including an integrated imaging device.

#2. Background of Related Art

#Various embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to the drawings wherein:

#FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a microwave ablation device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

#FIGS. 2A and 2B are schematic views of the microwave ablation device of FIG. 1 connected to a generator according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

#Particular embodiments of the present disclosure are described hereinbelow with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the present disclosure in unnecessary detail. In the discussion that follows, the term “proximal” will refer to the portion of a structure that is closer to a user, while the term “distal” will refer to the portion of the structure that is farther from the user.

#Generally, the present disclosure relates to the use of an ablation device having an integrated imaging device, such as an ultrasound transducer adapted to generate image data by generating sound waves within the ultrasound frequency range toward a desired imaging site and subsequently receiving echoing of such sound waves from the desired imaging site. The ability to radially visualize target tissue before, during, and/or after an ablation procedure in three dimensions allows a user to accurately place the ablation device within the target tissue and, further, to monitor ablation progress.

#An ablation device (e.g., a microwave ablation device) in accordance with the present disclosure is referred to in the figures as reference numeral 10. While a microwave ablation device is described herein, it is contemplated that the present disclosure may also be used in connection with other types of ablation devices and other instruments, such as introducers. Such ablation devices may include an antenna and/or an electrode.