Varying the length of a temperature sensing element of a radiofrequency probe based on desired lesion size

Abstract

A method for preparing a cooled radiofrequency probe for use to treat tissue of a patient's body includes providing a plurality of cooled radiofrequency probes. Each of the plurality of cooled radiofrequency probes includes an elongate member with a distal region and a proximal region. The distal regions each have an electrically and thermally-conductive energy delivery device for delivering one of electrical and radiofrequency energy to the patient's body. The electrically and thermally-conductive energy delivery devices each have one or more internal lumens for circulating a cooling fluid therethrough and an electrically and thermally-conductive protrusion having a temperature sensing element. The temperature sensing elements of each protrusion extends from a distal end of the energy delivery device. Further, each of the temperature sensing elements has a different length that extends from the distal end of the energy delivery device. The method further includes determining at least one of a desired lesion size or a desired rate of power delivery required to treat the tissue. As such, the method includes selecting one of the probes from the plurality of cooled radiofrequency probes based on the length of the temperature sensing element thereof that achieves the desired lesion size or the desired rate of power delivery.