Tissue ablation probes and methods for treating osteoid osteomas

Abstract

A method of treating bone tissue (e.g., a tumor, such as an osteoid osteoma) is provided. The method comprises introducing an ablation probe into bone tissue, deploying at least one ablative element transversely from the probe into the bone tissue, and convoying ablation energy from the ablative element(s) to ablate the bone tissue. In one method, the ablative element(s) comprises a pair of ablative elements, in which case, the ablative elements are transversely deployed from the ablation probe in opposite directions. In another method, the ablative element(s) comprises a plurality of ablative elements, in which case, the ablative elements are transversely deployed outward from the ablation probe in a plane. The ablation energy conveyed from the ablative element(s) may have a non-spherical profile, e.g., an elongated profile, to match a non-spherical profile of the bone tissue to be treated.

1 - 46 . (canceled) 
     
     
         47 . A tissue ablation probe, comprising:
 a cannula comprising a proximal portion and a distal portion; and   a plurality of ablative elements;   wherein the proximal and distal portion of the cannula are coupled to each other by plurality of ablative elements; and   wherein distally advancing the cannula proximal portion relative to the cannula distal portion urges the plurality of ablative elements to bow radially outward from the cannula.   
     
     
         48 . The tissue ablation probe of  claim 47 , wherein the plurality of ablative elements comprise four ablative elements separated from one another by approximately 90 degrees. 
     
     
         49 . The tissue ablation probe of  claim 47 , wherein the plurality of ablative elements comprise a cage electrode array. 
     
     
         50 . The tissue ablation probe of  claim 47 , wherein the plurality of ablative elements have an elliptical profile when bowed radially outward from the cannula. 
     
     
         51 . The tissue ablation probe of  claim 47 , wherein the plurality of ablative elements have a spherical profile when bowed radially outward from the cannula. 
     
     
         52 . The tissue ablation probe of  claim 47 , wherein the plurality of ablative elements have a non-spherical profile when bowed radially outward from the cannula. 
     
     
         53 . The tissue ablation probe of  claim 47 , wherein the plurality of ablative elements have an elongated profile when deployed radially outward. 
     
     
         54 . The tissue ablation probe of  claim 47 , wherein incrementally advancing the cannula proximal portion relative to the cannula distal portion urges the plurality of ablative elements to incrementally bow radially outward from the cannula. 
     
     
         55 . The tissue ablation probe of  claim 47 , wherein a proximal end of each of the plurality of ablative elements is coupled to the proximal portion of the cannula, and a distal end of each of the plurality of ablative elements is coupled to the distal portion of the cannula, thereby constraining the plurality of ablative elements. 
     
     
         56 . The tissue ablation probe of  claim 47 , wherein the plurality of electrodes are coupled to a power source. 
     
     
         57 . A tissue ablation probe, comprising:
 a cannula comprising a proximal portion and a distal portion slidable relative to each other to deploy at least one ablative element, the at least one ablative element extending transversely from the cannula when deployed.   
     
     
         58 . The tissue ablation probe of  claim 57 , wherein the at least one ablative element is mounted on an inner probe shaft. 
     
     
         59 . The tissue ablation probe of  claim 57 , wherein the at least one ablative element comprises a pair of ablative elements configured to be transversely deployed from the cannula in opposite directions. 
     
     
         60 . The tissue ablation probe of  claim 57 , further comprising a seal formed between the proximal portion and distal portions when said proximal and distal portions are in contact with one another. 
     
     
         61 . The tissue ablation probe of  claim 57 , wherein sliding the cannula proximal portion away from the cannula distal portion exposes an opening between the cannula proximal portion and the cannula distal portion. 
     
     
         62 . The tissue ablation probe of  claim 61 , wherein the at least one ablative element comprises a pair of ablative elements configured to be transversely deployed through the cannula opening in opposite directions. 
     
     
         63 . The tissue ablation probe of  claim 62 , wherein the pair of ablative element are incrementally deployed. 
     
     
         64 . The tissue ablation probe of  claim 57 , wherein the at least one ablative element includes a plurality of ablative elements symmetrically arranged about a plane of the cannula. 
     
     
         65 . The tissue ablation probe of  claim 64 , wherein the plurality of ablative elements are transversely deployed in opposite directions. 
     
     
         66 . The tissue ablation probe of  claim 64 , wherein the plurality of ablative elements are incrementally deployed in opposite directions.