Methods and systems for enhancing ultrasonic visibility of energy-delivery devices within tissue

Abstract

In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, electrosurgical systems are provided generally including at least one energy-delivery device for delivering energy to tissue when inserted or embedded within tissue. The energy-delivery device can be a tissue ablation device, such as an ablation probe, needle, etc. for ablating tissue as commonly known in the art. The electrosurgical systems include at least one structure and/or operational characteristic for enhancing ultrasonic visibility of the energy-delivery devices within tissue during ultrasonography.

1 - 22 . (canceled) 
     
     
         23 . An energy-delivery device adapted to direct energy to tissue, comprising:
 a handle assembly; and   a shaft extending from the handle assembly and having a proximal portion and a distal portion, wherein the distal portion of the shaft defines an air cavity.   
     
     
         24 . The energy-delivery device of  claim 23 , wherein the air cavity extends circumferentially around the distal portion of the shaft. 
     
     
         25 . The energy-delivery device of  claim 23 , wherein the energy-delivery device is selected from the group consisting of an electrode, a probe, and an antenna. 
     
     
         26 . An energy-delivery device adapted to direct energy to tissue, comprising:
 a handle assembly;   a shaft extending from the handle assembly; and   at least one metallic wire positioned on the shaft.   
     
     
         27 . The energy-delivery device of  claim 26 , wherein the at least one metallic wire includes a plurality of metallic wires. 
     
     
         28 . The energy-delivery device of  claim 27 , wherein the plurality of metallic wires are a plurality of individual metallic loops encircling the energy-delivery device. 
     
     
         29 . The energy-delivery device of  claim 27 , wherein the plurality of metallic wires are in the form of a coil or spring. 
     
     
         30 . The energy-delivery device of  claim 26 , wherein the energy-delivery device is selected from the group consisting of an electrode, a probe, and an antenna. 
     
     
         31 . An energy-delivery device adapted to direct energy to tissue, comprising:
 a handle assembly; and   a shaft extending from the handle assembly, wherein the shaft includes a liquid therein.   
     
     
         32 . The energy-delivery device of  claim 31 , wherein the shaft defines a chamber, and wherein the liquid is provided within the chamber. 
     
     
         33 . The energy-delivery device of  claim 31 , wherein the energy-delivery device is selected from the group consisting of an electrode, a probe, and an antenna.