Gynecological ablation system with laparoscopic and ultrasound 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 - 30 . (canceled)  
     
     
         31 . A surgical system for ablating pelvic tumors in a patient, the system comprising: 
 an ablation device configured for insertion into a pelvic region of a patient for direct ablation of the pelvic tumors such that contact with normal tissue outside the pelvic tumor is avoided, wherein the ablation device includes a tip and three or more electrodes deployable from the tip;    an energy source coupled to the ablation device for providing energy to the ablation device;    a laparoscope disposed in a configuration to confirm insertion of the three or more electrodes within a pelvic tumor of the patient to avoid contact with normal tissue outside of the pelvic tumor, said laparoscope being spaced apart from said ablation device; and    an intra-abdominal ultrasound probe disposed in a configuration for observing a location of the three or more electrodes completely within the pelvic tumor of the patient.    
     
     
         32 . The surgical system of  claim 31 , wherein the laparoscope and the intra-abdominal ultrasound probe are operably coupled to at least one monitor, the at least one monitor being located along a first side of an operating table, and wherein the energy source is located adjacent the at least one monitor along the first side of the operating table.  
     
     
         33 . The surgical system of  claim 31 , wherein the energy source is selected from the group consisting of an RF energy source, a microwave energy source, a light energy source, and an acoustic energy source.  
     
     
         34 . The surgical system of  claim 31 , wherein the pelvic tumor is a uterine fibroid.  
     
     
         35 . Apparatus as in  claim 31 , further comprising a manipulator for mechanically engaging the uterus and changing the position of said uterine fibroid.