Thermal feedback systems and methods of using the same

Abstract

A system for providing feedback during an electrosurgical procedure on a target tissue is provided. The system includes an electrosurgical energy source; an electrode probe assembly connected to the electrosurgical energy source, wherein the electrode probe assembly includes at least one electrode assembly having a needle configured to deliver electrosurgical energy to the target tissue; at least one thermal feedback assembly connected to the electrosurgical energy source, wherein each thermal feedback assembly includes at least one temperature sensor assembly; and a hub configured to selectively support the electrode probe assembly and each thermal feedback assembly such that the needle of the electrode probe assembly and each temperature sensor assembly of each thermal feedback assembly are proximate one another when disposed proximate the target tissue.

1 - 11 . (canceled) 
     
     
         12 . A thermal feedback system comprising:
 an antenna assembly configured to couple to an electrosurgical generator and deliver electrosurgical energy to tissue;   a thermal feedback assembly including a hub and a plurality of temperature sensor assemblies and configured to measure a temperature of tissue during delivery of electrosurgical energy to tissue, the hub configured to support the antenna assembly and position the antenna assembly a preconfigured distance from each temperature assembly of the plurality of temperature assemblies.   
     
     
         13 . The thermal feedback system according to  claim 12 , wherein the thermal feedback assembly is configured to measure temperature proximate a distal portion of the antenna assembly. 
     
     
         14 . The thermal feedback system according to  claim 12 , wherein the antenna assembly includes an inner tube configured to circulate coolant fluid therethrough. 
     
     
         15 . The thermal feedback system according to  claim 12 , wherein the antenna assembly includes a distal radiating portion configured to deliver microwave energy. 
     
     
         16 . The thermal feedback system according to  claim 12 , wherein each temperature assembly of the plurality of temperature assemblies is positioned relative to the antenna assembly to form a linear array. 
     
     
         17 . The thermal feedback system according to  claim 12 , wherein each temperature assembly of the plurality of temperature assemblies is positioned relative to the antenna assembly to form a rectilinear array. 
     
     
         18 . The thermal feedback system according to  claim 12 , wherein the plurality of temperature assemblies includes a first temperature assembly and a second temperature assembly disposed on opposed sides of the antenna assembly. 
     
     
         19 . The thermal feedback system according to  claim 18 , wherein the first temperature assembly is positioned a first distance from the antenna assembly and the second temperature assembly is positioned a second, greater, distance from the antenna assembly. 
     
     
         20 . The thermal feedback system according to  claim 12 , wherein the plurality of temperature assemblies includes a first plurality of temperature assemblies and a second plurality of temperature assemblies disposed on opposed sides of the antenna assembly. 
     
     
         21 . The thermal feedback system according to  claim 12 , wherein each temperature assembly of the plurality of temperature assemblies is positioned relative to the antenna assembly to form a triangular array. 
     
     
         22 . The thermal feedback system according to  claim 12 , wherein each temperature assembly of the plurality of temperature assemblies forms a rigid cannula with a tapered distal tip for insertion through tissue. 
     
     
         23 . A thermal feedback system comprising:
 an electrosurgical generator configured to generate electrosurgical energy;   an antenna assembly configured to couple to the electrosurgical generator and deliver electrosurgical energy to tissue;   a thermal feedback assembly including a hub and a plurality of temperature sensor assemblies and configured to measure a temperature of tissue during delivery of electrosurgical energy to tissue, the hub configured to support the antenna assembly and position the antenna assembly a preconfigured distance from each temperature assembly of the plurality of temperature assemblies.   
     
     
         24 . The thermal feedback system according to  claim 23 , wherein the thermal feedback assembly is configured to measure temperature proximate a distal portion of the antenna assembly. 
     
     
         25 . The thermal feedback system according to  claim 23 , wherein the antenna assembly includes an inner tube configured to circulate coolant fluid therethrough. 
     
     
         26 . The thermal feedback system according to  claim 23 , wherein the antenna assembly includes a distal radiating portion configured to deliver microwave energy. 
     
     
         27 . The thermal feedback system according to  claim 23 , wherein each temperature assembly of the plurality of temperature assemblies is positioned relative to the antenna assembly to form a linear array. 
     
     
         28 . The thermal feedback system according to  claim 23 , wherein each temperature assembly of the plurality of temperature assemblies is positioned relative to the antenna assembly to form a rectilinear array. 
     
     
         29 . The thermal feedback system according to  claim 23 , wherein the plurality of temperature assemblies includes a first temperature assembly and a second temperature assembly disposed on opposed sides of the antenna assembly. 
     
     
         30 . The thermal feedback system according to  claim 29 , wherein the first temperature assembly is positioned a first distance from the antenna assembly and the second temperature assembly is positioned a second, greater, distance from the antenna assembly. 
     
     
         31 . The thermal feedback system according to  claim 23 , wherein the plurality of temperature assemblies includes a first plurality of temperature assemblies and a second plurality of temperature assemblies disposed on opposed sides of the antenna assembly.