Probe

Abstract

A probe for thermoablation is provided with an insulating hose at whose distal end a metal electrode is provided whose spatial extent is changeable. The metal electrode is formed by flexible arms which are electrically connected to a terminal for the supply of a radio frequency current.

1 . A probe ( 14 ) for radio frequency thermoablation having an insulating hose ( 18 ) at whose distal end a metal electrode ( 16 ) is provided whose spatial extent is changeable from a cylindrical shape into a star shape, with the metal electrode ( 16 ) being formed by a plurality of flexible arms ( 26 ) whose distal and proximal ends are connected to one another, with the distal and/or the proximal ends of the arms ( 26 ) being electrically connected to a terminal for the supply of a radio frequency current.  
     
     
         2 . A probe in accordance with  claim 1 , characterized in that the shape of an arm ( 26 ) differs approximately at its center ( 11 ) from its shape at both ends.  
     
     
         3 . A probe in accordance with  claim 1 , characterized in that the outer contour of an arm ( 26 ) is approximately of spiral shape, zig-zag shape, wave shape or meander shape approximately at its center ( 11 ) and is a straight line at its two ends.  
     
     
         4 . A probe in accordance with  claim 1 , characterized in that the distal and the proximal ends of the arms ( 26 ) are adjustable relative to one another with the aid of an actuation device ( 34 ,  38 ) provided at a proximal region of the hose ( 18 ).  
     
     
         5 . A probe in accordance with  claim 1 , characterized in that the proximal ends of the arms ( 26 ) are connected to a flexible cannula ( 32 ) which is guided inside the hose ( 18 ).  
     
     
         6 . A probe in accordance with  claim 1 , characterized in that the distal ends of the arms ( 26 ) are connected to a flexible adjustment element ( 36 ) which is guided inside the hose ( 18 ).  
     
     
         7 . A probe in accordance with  claim 1 , characterized in that a temperature sensor is arranged in the region ( 28 ) of the distal ends of the arms ( 26 ).  
     
     
         8  A probe in accordance with  claim 1 , characterized in that its proximal end is provided with a connection ( 40 ) for flushing liquid.  
     
     
         9 . A method for the manufacture of an electrode for a probe in accordance with  claim 1 , characterized in that micro-cuts are introduced into an areal blank or into a cylindrical cannula of electrically conductive material, the micro-cuts extending parallel to one another and in each case not extending up to the rim of the blank or of the cannula at their ends.  
     
     
         10 . A method in accordance with  claim 9 , characterized in that the micro-cuts are formed in a spiral shape, a meander shape, a wave shape or a zig-zag shape in a middle section.  
     
     
         11 . A method in accordance with  claim 9 , characterized in that the thickness of the micro-cuts is selected to be larger in a middle section and smaller in end sections.