Intraoperative endocardial and epicardial ablation probe

Abstract

An elongate, malleable ablation probe including an elongate malleable body and a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart electrodes disposed at a distal end thereof. The electrodes are separated one from another by insulative material. In one embodiment, a malleable insert is provided for insertion into a flexible longitudinal sleeve, the flexible longitudinal sleeve conforming to the shape of the malleable insert upon such insertion. In other embodiments, a malleable core is surrounded by a flexible body, the electrodes being mounted to the body.

1 .- 12 . (canceled)  
   
   
       13 . A probe for ablating tissue, comprising: 
 a relatively rigid body;    at least one flat, elongate electrode formed in a surface of a distal portion of said rigid body; and    at least one electrical conductor connected with said electrode for delivery of RF energy thereto.    
   
   
       14 . A probe according to  claim 13 , wherein said electrodes are linearly arranged.  
   
   
       15 . A probe according to  claim 13 , further comprising a plurality of temperature sensing devices, each of which is connected to a respective one of said plurality of electrodes.  
   
   
       16 . A probe according to  claim 15 , wherein at least two conductors of said plurality of conductors are connected to each of said electrodes, and wherein one of said conductors comprises a thermocouple as said temperature sensing device.  
   
   
       17 . A probe according to  claim 13 , wherein one or more prongs are connected with each of the electrodes, wherein said one or more prongs is used to puncture said body and is capable of being bent.  
   
   
       18 . A probe according to  claim 13 , wherein said body is made of insulative material.