Vacuum coagulation probes

Abstract

Methods for using a surgical device integrating a suction mechanism with a coagulation mechanism for improving lesion creation capabilities. The device comprises an elongate member having an insulative covering attached about means for coagulating soft tissue with at least one diagnostic element coupled to an energy transfer element of the device. Openings through the covering expose regions of the coagulation-causing elements and are coupled to lumens in the elongate member which are routed to a vacuum source and a fluid source to passively transport fluid along the contacted soft tissue surface in order to push the maximum temperature deeper into tissue.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A surgical device for creating a linear or curvilinear coagulation lesion in a soft tissue of an organ, the device comprising:
 a body having a housing at a distal end, the housing having an elongated opening;   an energy transfer element located within the housing and having an exposed portion at the opening in the housing, wherein the energy transfer element comprises a helical electrode, wherein the helical electrode comprises a plurality of turns forming an electrode surface; and   a first diagnostic element assembly and a second diagnostic element assembly positioned within the helical electrode and mounted directly on the energy transfer element, wherein the first diagnostic element assembly and the second diagnostic element assembly are spaced apart from each other and each comprise a flexible base member that fits on the energy transfer element, wherein at least one diagnostic electrode is placed on the flexible base member, wherein the at least one diagnostic electrode is located entirely within a gap between adjacent turns of the plurality of turns of the helical electrode.