| abstract |
The invention provides a transurethral ablation device comprising a catheter sized for insertion into a urethra of a male patient. A distal end of the catheter defines a lateral cavity. A vacuum line applies vacuum pressure to the cavity to capture a portion of the urethra and a portion of the prostate into the cavity. An ablation probe has a distal tip mounted within the catheter adjacent the cavity, and is movable for insertion into the captured portion of the prostate. The ablation probe can be inserted with an orientation substantially parallel to the urethral wall. Alternatively, multiple ablation probes can be provided for simultaneous use in ablating tissue with a target site in the prostate. A suction cannula may be used to remove ablated tissue from the target site. |