Devices and methods for treatment of tissue

Abstract

Delivery systems, and methods using the same, having an ultrasound viewing window for improved imaging and a needle for ablation treatment of target tissues. In an embodiment, the target tissue is a fibroid within a female's uterus. In an embodiment, the delivery system includes a rigid shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and an axial passage extending through the rigid shaft. In an embodiment, the axial passage is configured for removably receiving the ultrasound imaging insert having an ultrasound array disposed a distal portion.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . An imaging and therapeutic delivery system comprising:
 a shaft having a distal end and a longitudinal axis, the distal end of the shaft being selectively deflectable between a first position parallel to the longitudinal axis and a second position at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis;   a plurality of radiofrequency (RF) ablation needles reciprocatably coupled to the shaft and configured to extend laterally away from the longitudinal axis of the shaft, one or more of the RF ablation needles having a tissue-penetrating tip at distal ends thereof; and   an ultrasonic imaging array carried by the distal end of the shaft, wherein the distal end of the shaft is selectively deflectable to the second position to deflect the ultrasonic imaging array away from the plurality of RF ablation needles.   
     
     
         3 . A system as in  claim 2  wherein the RF ablation needles are configured to at least partially diverge from one another as the RF ablation needles extend. 
     
     
         4 . A system as in  claim 2  wherein the ultrasonic imaging array is removable from the system. 
     
     
         5 . A system as in  claim 2  wherein the ultrasonic imaging array is sterilizable for reuse. 
     
     
         6 . A system as in  claim 2  wherein the ultrasonic imaging array is deflectable to image in a distally forward direction. 
     
     
         7 . A system as in  claim 2  further comprising a saline infusion port. 
     
     
         8 . A system as in  claim 2  wherein the plurality of RF ablation needles are reciprocatably coupled to the shaft at least partially along a translation axis offset from the longitudinal axis of the shaft. 
     
     
         9 . An imaging and therapeutic delivery system comprising:
 a shaft having a distal end and a longitudinal axis, the distal end of the shaft being selectively deflectable between a first position parallel to the longitudinal axis and a second position at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis;   a plurality of radiofrequency (RF) ablation needles reciprocatable relative to the shaft and configured to extend laterally away from the longitudinal axis of the shaft, one or more of the RF ablation needles having a tissue-penetrating tip at distal ends thereof; and   an ultrasonic imaging array carried by the distal end of the shaft, wherein the distal end of the shaft is selectively deflectable to the second position to deflect the ultrasonic imaging array to face a distally forward direction.   
     
     
         10 . A system as in  claim 9  wherein the RF ablation needles are configured to at least partially diverge from one another as the RF ablation needles extend. 
     
     
         11 . A system as in  claim 9  wherein the ultrasonic imaging array is removable from the system. 
     
     
         12 . A system as in  claim 9  wherein the ultrasonic imaging array is sterilizable for reuse. 
     
     
         13 . A system as in  claim 9  further comprising a saline infusion port. 
     
     
         14 . A system as in  claim 9  wherein the plurality of RF ablation needles are reciprocatably coupled to the shaft at least partially along a translation axis offset from the longitudinal axis of the shaft. 
     
     
         15 . An imaging and therapeutic delivery system comprising:
 a shaft having a distal end and a longitudinal axis, the distal end of the shaft being selectively deflectable between a first position parallel to the longitudinal axis and a second position at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis;   a plurality of radiofrequency (RF) ablation needles reciprocatably coupled to the shaft, one or more of the RF ablation needles being configured to extend in a linear path before diverging laterally outward relative to the shaft, and one or more of the RF ablation needles having a tissue-penetrating tip at distal ends thereof; and   an ultrasonic imaging array carried by the distal end of the shaft, wherein the distal end of the shaft is selectively deflectable to the second position to deflect the ultrasonic imaging array.   
     
     
         16 . A system as in  claim 15  wherein the RF ablation needles are configured to at least partially diverge from one another as the RF ablation needles extend out. 
     
     
         17 . A system as in  claim 15  wherein the ultrasonic imaging array is removable from the system. 
     
     
         18 . A system as in  claim 15  wherein the ultrasonic imaging array is sterilizable for reuse. 
     
     
         19 . A system as in  claim 15  wherein the ultrasonic imaging array is deflectable to image in a distally forward direction. 
     
     
         20 . A system as in  claim 15  further comprising a saline infusion port. 
     
     
         21 . A system as in  claim 15  wherein the plurality of RF ablation needles are reciprocatably coupled to the shaft at least partially along a translation axis offset from the longitudinal axis of the shaft.