Thermocouple radio frequency lesion electrode

摘要: A radio frequency (rf) lesion electrode design with a thermocouple temperature sensor in its distal uninsulated tip is described, having special features which enable it to be made very small diameters, flexible geometrics, close proximity of the tissue must measured, and accurate rapid response. The two metal elements are sides junction, junction itself located part on external surface electrode's lesioning tip, essentially direct physical contact heated. This externalized contrast all other monitoring rf electrodes date where sensors have been internalized, i.e., built inside not adjacent heated tissue. new makes possible small, sharpened-tip for micro surgical procedures such as making lesions spinal cord, cordotomies. Tip diameters much less than 0.3 mm practical, smaller previously achieved.