Interference No. 104,290
organ by ablation of the tumor. EX-SO04 . 4 Inside the probe are
undeployed rf electrodes which may be deployed to penetrate an
organ and surround a selected mass of tissue. To practice the
treatment regime, the probe is advanced through an organ to the
vicinity of a tumor. The electrodes are extended from the probe
into a three-dimensional deployed position to surround the
selected mass which includes the tumor. The deployed electrodes
act as conductors for the rf electric current.
The count reads as follows:
R probe system comprising:
an elongate member with a distal end and a proximal
end;
a handle at the proximal end of the elongate member;
and
an electrode deployment device positioned at least
partially in the elongate member and including a plurality of
retractable electrodes that are inserted into tissue, penetrate
tissue and surround a selected mass, each electrode having a
nondeployed state when positioned in the elongate membe 'r and a
distended deployed state when advanced from the elongate member
defining an ablation volume between deployed electrodes, each
deployed electrode having at least one radii of curvature; and
wherein the electrodes are advanceable in and out of
the elongate member.
' The following abbreviations are used throughout. The
LeVeen Record, exhibits and briefs are abbreviated LR, LX-, and
LB, respectively. Likewise, the Edwards Record, exhibits and
briefs are abbreviated ER, EX-, and EB.
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