Methods and systems for controlled deployment of needles in tissue

Abstract

Needles are deployed in tissue under direct ultrasonic or other imaging. To aid in deploying the needle, a visual needle guide is projected on to the image prior to needle deployment. Once the needle guide is properly aligned, the needle can be deployed. After needle deployment, a safety boundary and treatment region are projected on to the screen. After confirming that the safety boundary and treatment regions are sufficient, the patient can be treated using the needle.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . A system for use during a surgical procedure, the system comprising:
 an ablation device comprising an array of multiple needles configured for conducting radiofrequency (RF) energy;   a controller; and   a first imaging device comprising an ultrasound probe, the first imaging device configured to be positioned in contact with an organ or other tissue structure within a patient, wherein the ultrasound probe is configured to provide an ultrasound image of an internal region of the organ or other tissue structure,   wherein the ultrasound probe and the ablation device are moveable independent of each other, and   wherein the controller is configured to generate visual information regarding a position of the ablation device, and to overlay the visual information regarding a position of the ablation device over the ultrasound image provided by the ultrasound probe.   
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the system is configured to deliver RF energy to the array of multiple needles of the ablation device sufficient to ablate a tissue mass within the patient, wherein the array of multiple needles are configured to be deployed within the tissue mass. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 3 , further comprising a foot pedal actuatable to deliver RF energy to the array of multiple needles. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein the system is configured to conduct RF energy from the array of multiple needles, through the tissue mass, to a dispersive electrode affixed to the patient's thigh. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 2 , further comprising a graphical user interface. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein the graphical user interface is configured to display fibroid data. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein the fibroid data comprises a numbered identification of fibroids at different positions on a map. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein the graphical user interface displays one or more of a temperature and an impedance. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein the system is configured to deliver RF energy to the tissue mass while monitoring a tissue temperature.