Gynecological ablation system with insufflation assisted imaging

Abstract

A method for treating pelvic tumors, such as uterine leiomyomata, includes inserting an ablation apparatus into a pelvic region and positioning the ablation apparatus either proximate or into a pelvic tumor. The method further includes using a laparoscope and an imaging device, such as an ultrasound machine, to confirm the location of the pelvic tumor and placement of the ablation apparatus. Various ablation apparatuses may be used, including those with multiple needles or deployable arms that are inserted into the pelvic tumor and those without arms. The method further includes delivering electromagnetic energy or other energy through the ablation apparatus to the pelvic tumor to ablate the tumor. A surgical system for ablating pelvic tumors is also provided.

1 - 26 . (canceled)  
     
     
         27 . A surgical system for ablating pelvic tumors in a patient, the system comprising: 
 an ablation device for insertion into a pelvic region of a patient;    an energy source coupled to the ablation device for providing energy to the ablation device;    a laparoscope for insertion into the patient; and    an imaging device for observing a location of the ablation device within the patient,    wherein the laparoscope and the imaging device are connected to at least one monitor, the at least one monitor being located across the operating table from a surgeon and proximate the patient's waist, and wherein the energy source and the imaging device are located adjacent the first and second monitors and proximate the patient's knees.    
     
     
         28 . The surgical system of  claim 27 , wherein the imaging device is an ultrasound machine.  
     
     
         29 . The surgical system of  claim 27 , wherein the energy source is an RF energy source.  
     
     
         30 . (canceled)  
     
     
         31 . The surgical system of  claim 27 , wherein the imaging probe images a location of the ablation device within the pelvic region of the patient.  
     
     
         32 . The surgical system of  claim 27 , wherein the energy source is selected from the group consisting of a microwave energy source, a light energy source, and an acoustic energy source.  
     
     
         33 . The surgical system of  claim 27 , wherein the laparoscope and the intra-abdominal imaging probe are operably coupled to at least one monitor.  
     
     
         34 . The surgical system of  claim 32 , further comprising an operator control operably coupled to the energy source said operator control being a foot pedal.  
     
     
         35 . The surgical system of  claim 42 , wherein the pelvic tumor is a uterine fibroid.  
     
     
         36 . The surgical system of  claim 35 , further comprising a mechanical manipulator configured to engage and manipulate a uterus of the patient to position the uterine fibroid for ablation.  
     
     
         37 . The surgical system of  claim 36 , further comprising an insufflation device disposed in a configuration for insufflating the abdomen and creating an air pocket adjacent the uterus hosting the uterine fibroid, said air pocket creating a space extending from the ablation device to the laparoscope.  
     
     
         38 . A surgical system as in  claim 27 , wherein the pelvic tumor is a uterine fibroid and further comprising a manipulator for manipulating the position of the uterus.  
     
     
         39 . The surgical system of  claim 38 , further comprising an insufflation device disposed in a configuration for insufflating the abdomen and creating an air pocket adjacent the uterus hosting the uterine fibroid and extending to said laparoscope to allow imaging of the uterus by said laparoscope.  
     
     
         40 . The surgical system of  claim 27 , further comprising an insufflation device disposed in a configuration for insufflating the abdomen and creating an air pocket adjacent the uterus hosting the uterine fibroid, said air pocket defining a space between said ablation device and said laparoscope to allow imaging of said uterus by said laparoscope.  
     
     
         41 . The surgical system of  claim 40 , further comprising a manipulating device position to engage the uterus.  
     
     
         42 . The surgical system of  claim 41 , wherein said ablation device, laparoscope and ultrasound probe are positioned relative to each other so that when said ablation device is in said tumor, said ultrasound probe is in contact with a surface of the uterus hosting said tumor.