User interface and locking function for positioning multiple components within the body.

Abstract

To provide a user interface and lock features for positioning multiple components within a body.SOLUTION: Disclosed embodiments include apparatuses, systems and methods for positioning electrodes. An apparatus includes a primary electrode defining a lumen, an elongated secondary electrode slidably receivable within the lumen, and a sheath configured to slidably receive the electrodes and to convey the electrodes toward a target region. A housing is coupled with the sheath and movably mounted to propel the sheath relative to the target region. A primary actuator is coupled with the primary electrode to propel the primary electrode relative to the sheath. A secondary actuator is coupled with the secondary electrode and movably coupled with the primary actuator to be slidable with the electrodes in concert.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

【Technical Field】 【0001】 (Claim of Priority) This application claims the priority and benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 945,825, filed on December 9, 2019, with the title "USER INTERFACE AND LOCK FEATURES FOR POSITIONING MULTIPLE COMPONENTS WITHIN A BODY", U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 945,836, filed on December 9, 2019, with the title "HELICAL GUIDE CHANNEL WITH VARIABLE PITCH", and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 945,843, filed on December 9, 2019, with the title "SLIDABLE COUPLING TO CONNECT DEVICES". 【0002】 (Field of the Invention) This disclosure relates to user interfaces and lock features for positioning multiple components within a body. 【Background Art】 【0003】 The description in this section merely provides background information related to this disclosure and may not constitute prior art. 【0004】 Inserting and manipulating thin elements inside a living body or other object enables minimally invasive, state-of-the-art types of analysis, diagnosis, and treatment for those bodies or objects. As two examples, endoscopic imaging and catheter procedures have enabled the evaluation and treatment of numerous internal injuries without invasive surgery. 【0005】 Electrosurgical procedures also provide minimally invasive therapy by selectively applying an electric current to selected tissue. Electrosurgical procedures involve inserting one or more electrodes through an opening or small incision, and then extending those electrodes to a desired location within the patient's body. Radiofrequency ("RF") current is then applied to the electrodes to coagulate, ablate, or otherwise treat the tissue at that location. Unipolar electrosurgical devices involve the insertion of one electrode that electrically interacts with a second electrode electrically connected to the patient's body. Bipolar electrosurgical devices involve the placement of two electrodes at the location within the patient's body where the procedure is to be performed. 【0006】 Positioning one or two electrodes at desired locations within a patient's body is a crucial part of electrosurgical procedures. Moving and holding electrodes in place can present challenges to healthcare professionals managing the procedure, especially when it's necessary to move or hold two or more electrodes independently of each other. Furthermore, positioning one or more electrodes may involve following a specific sequence of electrode placement procedures, so assisting operators in properly following this sequence is also important. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve] 【0007】 This invention relates to a user interface and locking function for positioning multiple components within the body. [Means for solving the problem] 【0008】 The disclosed embodiments include instruments, systems, and methods for controlling the movement of multiple components within a body; instruments, systems, and methods for propelling an elongated instrument using a rotary actuator guided by a helical path of varying pitch; and instruments, systems, and methods for coupling a device such as a user interface for controlling the movement of multiple components within a body to another device. 【0009】 In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes an elongated primary electrode defining a lumen internally, an elongated secondary electrode slidably housed within the lumen, and a sheath configured to slidably house the primary electrode internally, the sheath further configured to transport the primary and secondary electrodes to a target site. A housing is operably coupled to the sheath and movably mounted to slidably propel the sheath toward the target site. A primary actuator is operably coupled to the primary electrode and slidably coupled to the housing to propel the primary electrode toward the sheath. A secondary actuator is operably coupled to the secondary electrode and movably coupled to the primary actuator and slidably with the primary actuator to cooperate with the primary electrode to propel the secondary electrode. The secondary actuator is rotatable independently of the primary actuator and moves along a helical path to propel the secondary electrode toward the target site independently of the primary electrode. 【0010】 In another exemplary embodiment, a system for treating tissue at a target site includes a power supply configured to selectively supply power between a first and a second pole via a two-pole electrical cable. The electrode control device includes an elongated primary electrode defining a lumen inside, an elongated secondary electrode slidably housed within the lumen, and a sheath configured to slidably house the primary electrode inside, the sheath further configured to transport the primary and secondary electrodes to the target site. A housing is operably coupled to the sheath and movably mounted to slidably propel the sheath toward the target site. A primary actuator is operably coupled to the primary electrode and slidably coupled to the housing to propel the primary electrode toward the sheath. A secondary actuator is operably coupled to the secondary electrode and movably coupled to the primary actuator and slidably with the primary actuator to propel the secondary electrode in cooperation with the primary electrode. The secondary actuator is rotatable independently of the primary actuator and moves along a helical path to propel the secondary electrode toward the target site independently of the primary electrode. 【0011】 In a further exemplary embodiment, the method includes moving the distal end of a sheath containing a primary electrode and a secondary electrode to an adjacent portion of a target site. A primary actuator operably coupled to the primary electrode and a secondary actuator operably coupled to the secondary electrode and movably engaged with the primary actuator are slid to a first position to propel the distal ends of the primary and secondary electrodes toward the target site. The secondary actuator is rotated relative to the primary actuator to move the secondary actuator to a second position along a helical path, independently of the primary actuator, thereby propelling the distal end of the secondary electrode toward the target site, independently of the primary electrode. 【0012】 In an additional exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes an elongated tool that is movable along an axis. A rotatable actuator is operably coupled to the proximal end of the tool to propel the tool, causing it to move along the axis in response to the rotation of the rotatable actuator. A guide is operably coupled to the rotatable actuator, which defines a substantially helical path about the axis to guide the movement of the rotatable actuator, the pitch of which varies to reduce the distance the actuator travels along the axis per revolution of the actuator. 【0013】 In another additional exemplary embodiment, the system includes an elongated primary electrode defining a lumen internally. An elongated secondary electrode is slidably housed within the lumen. A sheath is configured to slidably house the primary electrode internally, and the sheath is further configured to transport the primary and secondary electrodes toward a target site. A housing is operably coupled to the sheath and movably mounted to slidably propel the sheath toward the target site. A primary actuator is operably coupled to the primary electrode and slidably coupled to the housing to propel the primary electrode toward the sheath along its axis. The primary actuator includes a guide defining a substantially helical path, the pitch of which varies to reduce the movement of the guide member toward the axis per revolution of the guide member around the helical path. A secondary actuator is operably coupled to the secondary electrode and rotatably housed within the guide of the primary actuator. The secondary actuator supports a guide member configured to engage with the helical path. The secondary actuator is rotatable relative to the primary actuator and propels the secondary electrode toward the primary electrode. 【0014】 In a further additional exemplary embodiment, the method includes coupling an elongated tool at its proximal end to an actuator that is movable along an axis. The tool is propelled by rotatably moving the actuator through a substantially helical path around the axis, the helical path having a pitch that varies such that the distance the actuator travels along the axis per revolution of the actuator is varied. 【0015】 In another additional embodiment, the lock body defines an opening having a first section having a first width and a second section having a second width less than the first width, and the lock body is slidably mounted on one of a first device supporting a first coupling and a second device supporting a second coupling. One of the first and second couplings is configured to support a flange having a flange width less than the first width and greater than the second width. A sliding mounting mechanism is configured to slidably secure the lock body to one of the first and second devices. The sliding mounting mechanism is further configured to allow the lock body to slide between an open position in which the first section can be positioned to allow the first coupling to be inserted into the second coupling to form a connection and a closed position in which the edge of the lock body around the second section abuts against the flange so as to prevent the coupling supporting the flange from being pulled out of the connection. 【0016】 In another additional exemplary embodiment, the system includes an elongated primary electrode defining a lumen internally. An elongated secondary electrode is slidably housed within the lumen. A sheath slidably houses the primary electrode and is configured to transport the primary and secondary electrodes toward a target site. A housing is operably coupled to the sheath and movably mounted to slidably propel the sheath toward the target site. A primary actuator is operably coupled to the primary electrode and movably coupled to the housing to propel the primary electrode toward the sheath. A secondary actuator is operably coupled to a second electrode and movably coupled to the primary actuator, and the secondary actuator is independently movable relative to the primary actuator to propel the secondary electrode toward the primary electrode. A first coupling is supported by the housing and configured to engage with a second coupling to support a flange having a flange width, the second coupling extending from the device, through which the sheath and electrode are transported toward the target site. The lock body defines an opening having a first section having a first width greater than the flange width and a second section having a second width less than the flange width. A sliding mounting mechanism is configured to slidably secure the lock body to the housing. The sliding mounting mechanism is further configured to allow the lock body to slide between an open position in which the first section can be positioned to allow the first coupling to insertably accommodate the second coupling to form a connection, and a closed position in which the edge of the lock body around the second section abuts against the flange, preventing the coupling supporting the flange from being pulled out of the connection. 【0017】 In a further additional exemplary embodiment, the method includes positioning the lock body in an open position, the lock body defining an opening having a first section having a first width and a second section having a second width less than the first width. The lock body is slidably mounted on one of a first device supporting a first coupling and a second device supporting a second coupling. The first section is positioned between the first coupling and the second coupling when the lock body is positioned in the open position. The connection is formed by inserting the first coupling into the second coupling such that one of the first and second couplings supports a flange having a flange width less than the first width and greater than the second width. The lock body is then repositioned to a closed position such that the edge of the lock body around the second section abuts against the flange to prevent the flange from being pulled out of the connection. 【0018】 Further features, advantages, and application areas will become apparent from the descriptions provided herein. It should be understood that the descriptions and specific examples are intended for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. 【0019】 The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. The elements in the drawings are not necessarily to a specific scale and are focused on illustrating the principles of the disclosed embodiments. The drawings include: [Brief explanation of the drawing] 【0020】 [Figure 1] This is a block diagram of a schematic form of part of an exemplary system for treating tissue. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram showing the positioning of the sheath, primary electrode, and distal end of the secondary electrode relative to the target site. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram showing the positioning of the sheath, primary electrode, and distal end of the secondary electrode relative to the target site. [Figure 4]A schematic diagram of the positioning of the distal ends of the sheath, the primary electrode, and the secondary electrode with respect to the target site. [Figure 5] A schematic diagram of the positioning of the distal ends of the sheath, the primary electrode, and the secondary electrode with respect to the target site. [Figure 6A] A schematic diagram of the movement of the sheath actuator for positioning the sheath with respect to the target site. [Figure 6B] A schematic diagram of the positioning of the distal ends of the sheath, the primary electrode, and the secondary electrode with respect to the target site corresponding to the position of the sheath actuator in FIG. 6A. [Figure 7A] A schematic diagram of the movement of the sheath actuator for positioning the sheath with respect to the target site. [Figure 7B] A schematic diagram of the positioning of the distal ends of the sheath, the primary electrode, and the secondary electrode with respect to the target site corresponding to the position of the sheath actuator in FIG. 7A. [Figure 8] A side view of an exemplary sheath actuator and sheath lock. [Figure 9] A cross-sectional view of the sheath actuator and sheath lock of FIG. 8. [Figure 10] A side view of an embodiment of a user interface for positioning a plurality of components with respect to a target site. [Figure 11] An exploded view of the user interface of FIG. 10. [Figure 12A] A side view of an embodiment of the user interface of FIG. 10 being operated to position a plurality of components with respect to a target site. [Figure 13A] A side view of an embodiment of the user interface of FIG. 10 being operated to position a plurality of components with respect to a target site. [Figure 14A] A side view of an embodiment of the user interface of FIG. 10 being operated to position a plurality of components with respect to a target site. [Figure 15A]This is a side view of one embodiment of the user interface shown in Figure 10, which is being operated to position multiple components relative to a target site. [Figure 16A] This is a side view of one embodiment of the user interface shown in Figure 10, which is being operated to position multiple components relative to a target site. [Figure 17A] This is a side view of one embodiment of the user interface shown in Figure 10, which is being operated to position multiple components relative to a target site. [Figure 18A] This is a side view of one embodiment of the user interface shown in Figure 10, which is being operated to position multiple components relative to a target site. [Figure 19A] This is a side view of one embodiment of the user interface shown in Figure 10, which is being operated to position multiple components relative to a target site. [Figure 20A] This is a side view of one embodiment of the user interface shown in Figure 10, which is being operated to position multiple components relative to a target site. [Figure 21A] This is a side view of one embodiment of the user interface shown in Figure 10, which is being operated to position multiple components relative to a target site. [Figure 12B] This is a schematic diagram showing the positioning of the distal ends of the sheath, primary electrode, and secondary electrode relative to the target site, corresponding to the positions of the user interface components in Figure 12A. [Figure 13B] This is a schematic diagram showing the positioning of the distal ends of the sheath, primary electrode, and secondary electrode relative to the target site, corresponding to the positions of the user interface components in Figure 13A. [Figure 14B] This is a schematic diagram showing the positioning of the distal ends of the sheath, primary electrode, and secondary electrode relative to the target site, corresponding to the positions of the user interface components in Figure 14A. [Figure 15B] This is a schematic diagram showing the positioning of the distal ends of the sheath, primary electrode, and secondary electrode relative to the target site, corresponding to the positions of the user interface components in Figure 15A. [Figure 16B] This is a schematic diagram showing the positioning of the distal ends of the sheath, primary electrode, and secondary electrode relative to the target site, corresponding to the positions of the user interface components in Figure 16A. [Figure 17B] This is a schematic diagram showing the positioning of the distal ends of the sheath, primary electrode, and secondary electrode relative to the target site, corresponding to the positions of the user interface components in Figure 17A. [Figure 18B] This is a schematic diagram showing the positioning of the distal ends of the sheath, primary electrode, and secondary electrode relative to the target site, corresponding to the positions of the user interface components in Figure 18A. [Figure 19B] This is a schematic diagram showing the positioning of the distal ends of the sheath, primary electrode, and secondary electrode relative to the target site, corresponding to the positions of the user interface components in Figure 19A. [Figure 20B] This is a schematic diagram showing the positioning of the distal ends of the sheath, primary electrode, and secondary electrode relative to the target site, corresponding to the positions of the user interface components in Figure 20A. [Figure 21B] This is a schematic diagram showing the positioning of the distal ends of the sheath, primary electrode, and secondary electrode relative to the target site, corresponding to the positions of the user interface components in Figure 21A. [Figure 22] This is a side view of a guide sleeve defining a helical groove with a varying pitch for guiding a rotatable actuator. [Figure 23] Figure 22 is a side view of the guide sleeve portion. [Figure 24] This is a side view of a wire having different cross-sections along its length. [Figure 25] This is a side view of a wire having different cross-sections along its length. [Figure 26] Figures 24 and 25 are cross-sectional views of the wire. [Figure 27] This is an exploded view of a coupling device used to join devices together. [Figure 28] Figure 27 is a side view of the lock body of the coupling. [Figure 29]This is a flowchart illustrating an example of how to position components using a user interface. [Figure 30] This is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of propelling a tool using a rotary actuator guided by a spiral path with varying pitch. [Figure 31] This is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of joining devices together using a slidably mounted locking body. [Modes for carrying out the invention] 【0021】 The following description is purely illustrative and is not intended to limit the disclosure, application, or use of this disclosure. It should be noted that the first digit of a three-digit reference number and the first two digits of a four-digit reference number correspond to the first digit of a one-digit figure number and the first two digits of a two-digit figure number, respectively, in which the element first appears. 【0022】 The following description, by example only and without limitation, illustrates various embodiments of user interfaces for positioning electrodes for electrosurgical instruments, as well as systems including such user interfaces and methods of using them. As will be described in detail below, electrosurgical procedures involve positioning first and second electrodes at a target site to which an electrical procedure, such as an ablation procedure, will be applied. Specifically, user interfaces and methods of using them may be used to ablate and / or coagulate tissue, to remove damage, and to perform other medical procedures inside the lungs. 【0023】 It will be understood that various embodiments of the user interface described herein can help simplify the process of electrode positioning and holding the electrodes in place. As described later, various embodiments of the user interface achieve selective positioning and locking of the electrodes in place by pressing a release device, sliding one actuator, and rotating another actuator. 【0024】 Referring to Figure 1, a system 100 is provided for treating tissue at a target site in a patient (not shown in Figure 1). System 100 may optionally be a bipolar or unipolar radio frequency (RF) system for treating the patient's tissue. However, various embodiments described herein are configured to support the implementation of a bipolar treatment system by positioning two electrodes at the target site, thereby allowing the current to selectively pass through a specific target site in the patient. Specifically, system 100 may be used for soft tissue coagulation and / or ablation during percutaneous and / or endoscopic surgical procedures, such as bronchoscopic surgical procedures for partial and / or complete ablation of cancerous and / or noncancerous organ lesions. As further described, the tissue is treated by positioning one or more electrodes in close proximity to the tissue to be treated and passing an electric current through the tissue. 【0025】 In some embodiments, the system 100 includes a user interface 102, an electrosurgical radio frequency (RF) generator acting as a switchable current source 114, an infusion pump 116, and an electrosurgical instrument or device 118, for example, without limitation, a bronchoscope, or any other electrosurgical instrument or endoscopic instrument as desired for a particular application. The user interface 102 may be coupled to the electrosurgical instrument 118 using a coupler 150. The electrosurgical instrument 118 may be used to transport an electrode (not shown in Figure 1) through a sheath 103, and the user interface 102 may be used to manipulate the position of the electrode at a target site. 【0026】 The user interface 102 electrically communicates with a switchable current source 114 through a conductor 130. In some embodiments, the conductor 130 is connected to a bipolar outlet 131 in the switchable current source 114 when the system is operating in bipolar mode. The conductor 130 may be coupled to the outlet 131 using an electrical connector 134 configured to electrically engage with the outlet 131. As further described below with reference to Figure 11, the conductor 130 may be detachably or permanently coupled to the user interface 102, and a flexible electrical coupler (not shown in Figure 1) associated with the user interface 102 electrically couples the current to the electrodes. In some other embodiments, the system 100 can be operated in unipolar mode when the conductor 130 is connected to a secondary outlet 133 using an adapter (not shown in Figure 1). 【0027】 The user interface 102 is further connected to the injection pump 116 by a tube 132 that facilitates the flow of a conductive fluid, such as saline solution, from the injection pump 116 to the user interface 101. As will be further described below with reference to Figure 11, the user interface 102 may also include a flexible fluid coupling (not shown in Figure 1) that receives the flow of conductive fluid from the injection pump 116 and delivers the conductive fluid into the interior of the primary electrode, where it can be delivered to a target site. 【0028】 The switchable current source 114 may be operated using a foot-operated unit 120 electrically connected to the switchable current source 114. The foot-operated unit 120 may include a pedal 122 that instructs the switchable current source 114 to apply a current to one or more electrodes to cut, ablate, or otherwise treat tissue, and a pedal 124 that instructs the switchable current source 114 to apply a lower current to one or more electrodes to coagulate tissue. 【0029】 In various embodiments, the electrosurgical instrument 118 includes an insertion tube 119 that allows insertion of a sheath 103 into the body (not shown) through an orifice or incision. The distal end 105 of the sheath 103 is delivered to the target site where the procedure is to be performed. The sheath 103 contains an electrode (not shown) and transports it to the desired procedure location. As will be further described with reference to Figures 6A to 21B, the positioning of the distal end 105 of the sheath 103 and the distal end of the electrode (not shown in Figure 1) can be controlled by a user interface 102 housed in the electrosurgical instrument 118. 【0030】 Referring to Figures 2-5, the distal end of the component used to perform the procedure is positioned relative to the target site 202 using various embodiments of the user interface 102. The target site 202 may include the site of injury or any part of the tissue to be treated within the body. Various embodiments of the user interface 102 described below can position components as described with reference to Figures 2-5 and further described with reference to Figures 6A-21B. The description of Figures 2-5 is provided as a starting point for illustrating the applications in which various embodiments of the user interface 102 may be used to deploy these components. 【0031】 In various embodiments, the secondary electrode 211 is slidably housed within the primary electrode 207, and the primary electrode 207 is slidably housed within the sheath 203. Components contained within other components are represented by dashed lines in Figures 2 to 5. In various embodiments, the primary electrode 207 is in the form of a needle, and its distal end 209 is configured to perforate tissue, such as tissue containing the target site 202. Perforating the tissue at the target site 202 with the primary electrode makes it easy to position the distal end 209 of the primary electrode 207 at a desired location and to transport the secondary electrode 211 to a desired location. In various embodiments, while the secondary electrode 211 is moved separately by operating the user interface, the primary electrode 207 and the secondary electrode 211 cooperate to move simultaneously and simultaneously over the same distance, toward each other and together with the sheath 203. 【0032】 Referring to Figure 2, the sheath 103, primary electrode 207, and secondary electrode 211 are initially positioned near the target site 202. The sheath 103 and the electrodes 207 and 211 housed within it may be transported to this location using a bronchoscope or other electrosurgical device 118, as previously described with reference to Figure 1. The distal end 105 of the sheath 103 is positioned near the target site 202. The primary electrode 207 is slidably housed within the sheath 103 with its distal end 209 located at or near the distal end 105 of the sheath 103. Specifically, Figure 2 shows, for example, the distal end 209 of the primary electrode 207 positioned in front of the distal end 105 of the sheath 103. Next, the secondary electrode 211 is slidably received within the primary electrode 207, with its distal end 213 positioned only within the distal end 209 of the primary electrode 207. 【0033】 Referring to Figure 3, the sheath 103, primary electrode 207, and secondary electrode 211 are positioned once the sheath 103 approaches the target site 202. The sheath 103 may also be moved toward the target site 202 using a sheath actuator, as described below with reference to Figures 6A to 7B. In contrast to Figure 2, in Figure 3 the distal end 105 of the sheath 103 is closer to the target site 202. Since the primary electrode 207 and secondary electrode 211 were not moved separately by the operation of a user interface (not shown), the primary electrode 207 and secondary electrode 211 move in cooperation with the sheath 103, moving the same distance in the same direction as the sheath 103. The distal end 209 of the primary electrode 207 remains positioned so as not to reach the distal end 105 of the sheath 103, and the distal end 213 of the secondary electrode 211 remains positioned just inside the distal end 209 of the primary electrode 207. 【0034】 Referring to Figure 4, the sheath 103, primary electrode 207, and secondary electrode 211 are positioned once the primary electrode 207 extends from the sheath 103 into the target site 202. In various embodiments, the secondary electrode 211 moves in cooperation with the primary electrode 207 as the primary electrode 207 extends beyond the distal end 105 of the sheath 103. Thus, as shown in Figure 4, the secondary electrode 211 moves in the same direction and along the same distance as the primary electrode 207. The distal end 213 of the secondary electrode 211 remains positioned only within the distal end 209 of the primary electrode 207. 【0035】 Referring to Figure 5, the sheath 103, primary electrode 207, and secondary electrode 211 are positioned once the secondary electrode 211 extends from the primary electrode 207. The distal end 213 of the secondary electrode 211 is deployed from the primary electrode 207 to a position across the target site 202. In certain embodiments, the secondary electrode 211 is configured as a coil-windable wire confined within the primary electrode 207 in a straightened shape. The secondary electrode 211 is formed of an alloy such as nitinol, nickel-titanium alloy, or other “shape memory” alloy, which can recover a specific shape after being released from its confined position. When the user interface 102 (not shown in Figure 5) is operated to extend the secondary electrode 211 independently from the primary electrode 207, a portion of the secondary electrode 211 is coiled. As a result, the distal end 213 of the secondary electrode 211 spirals into the tissue at the target site 202. The spiral progression of the distal end 213 of the secondary electrode 211 may help to fix the position of the distal end 213 of the secondary electrode 211 during the procedure. 【0036】 Referring still to Figure 5, the insulating section 515 of the secondary electrode 211 does not reach the distal end 213 of the secondary electrode 211. The insulator 515 electrically insulates the secondary electrode 211 from the primary electrode 207 so that when current is applied to the primary electrode 207 and the proximal end (not shown) of the secondary electrode 211, the current can flow only between the distal end 209 of the primary electrode 207 and the uninsulated distal end 213 of the secondary electrode 211. 【0037】 As will be further described below, various embodiments of the user interface 102 facilitate the movement of the primary electrode 207 and the secondary electrode 211 in cooperation with the sheath 103 when the sheath is positioned adjacent to the target site 202, as described with reference to Figure 3. Various embodiments of the user interface also facilitate the movement of the primary electrode 207 and the secondary electrode 211 in cooperation when the primary electrode 207 and the secondary electrode 211 extend beyond the distal end 105 of the sheath 103, as described with reference to Figure 4. To this end, various embodiments of the user interface 102 may prevent the movement of the secondary electrode 211 independently of the primary electrode 207 until the primary electrode 207 extends beyond the distal end 105 of the sheath 103. Once the primary electrode 207 is extended, various embodiments of the user interface facilitate the movement of the secondary electrode 211 independently of the primary electrode 207, enabling separate positioning of the secondary electrode, as described with reference to Figure 5. Furthermore, once the primary electrode 207 is deployed to the desired position, various embodiments of the user interface may prevent the primary electrode 207 from moving while the secondary electrode 211 is deployed separately and / or once the secondary electrode 211 is in the desired position. Embodiments of the user interface 102 for coordinating the movement of the sheath 103 and electrodes 207 and 211 are described below with reference to Figures 6A to 20. 【0038】 Referring to Figures 6A and 6B, the user interface 102 includes a sheath actuator 604 used to position the distal end 105 of the sheath 103, as previously described with reference to Figure 3. The user interface 102 is coupled to the electrosurgical instrument 118 using a coupler 150, as previously described with reference to Figure 1. The electrosurgical instrument 118, such as a bronchoscope or another minimally invasive device used to perform a diagnostic or therapeutic task, transports the sheath 103 into the body (not shown in Figures 6A and 6B) near the target site 202. 【0039】 Referring again to Figure 6A, the user interface 102 includes a sheath actuator 604 and a sheath lock 606 configured to move the sheath 103 so that the distal end 105 of the sheath 103 is positioned in a desired location relative to the target area 202. In some embodiments, the sheath actuator 604 may be a sliding mechanism incorporating a sliding sleeve 612. At one end, the sliding sleeve 612 is slidably housed inside the collar 614 at the end of the housing 610 of the user interface 102. At the opposite end, the sliding sleeve 612 is coupled to the coupling 150. The sliding sleeve 612 may be locked in place in the collar 614 by the sheath lock 606. The sheath lock 606 may include a wing nut, a spring-loaded locking pin, or another mechanism configured to mechanically engage with the sliding sleeve 612 to fix the sliding sleeve 612, and subsequently the sheath 103, in place at the desired location. In some other embodiments, the sheath actuator 604 may be part of, for example, an electrosurgical instrument 118. Any such embodiment of the sheath actuator 604 may facilitate the movement of the sheath 103, as will be described later. 【0040】 Referring to Figure 6B, before engaging the sheath actuator 604 to extend the sheath 103, the sheath 103, and the primary electrode 207 and secondary electrode 211 housed within it, are positioned near the target site 202, as shown in Figure 2. 【0041】 Referring to Figures 7A and 7B, the operation of the sheath actuator 604 illustrates an example of how the sheath 103 can be unlocked and moved to the position described above, referring to Figure 3. In the configuration shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the sheath actuator 604 is operated to allow the sheath 103 to move a distance of 719 and approach the target site 202. Specifically, the sheath lock 606 of the sheath actuator 604 is released, allowing the sliding sleeve 612 to move within the collar 614. The housing 610 of the user interface 102 is then moved a distance of 719 relative to the electrosurgical device 118, moving the sheath 103 by the same distance of 719 toward the target site 702. Once the distal end 105 of the sheath 103 reaches the desired position relative to the target site 202, the sliding sleeve 612 can be locked in place in the collar 614 by the sheath lock 606. In various embodiments of the user interface 102, electrodes 207 and 211 move with the housing 610, so when the housing 610 moves and the sheath 103 is repositioned, electrodes 207 and 211 move in cooperation with the sheath 103. Thus, as shown in Figure 7B, electrodes 207 and 211 move with the sheath 203 while the distal end 105 of the sheath 103 advances toward the target site 202. As shown in Figure 6B, the distal end 209 of the primary electrode 207 remains inside the distal end 105 of the sheath 103, and the distal end 213 of the secondary electrode 211 remains inside the distal end 209 of the primary electrode 207. 【0042】 Referring to Figure 8, in the exemplary sheath actuator 604 and sheath lock 606, the sliding sleeve 612 is slidably housed inside the collar 614 of the housing 610. The sliding sleeve 612 is fixedly mounted to a coupling 150 that engages the user interface 102 with an electrosurgical instrument (not shown in Figure 8). The sheath lock 606 in the embodiment of Figure 8 is a wing nut that may be loosened to allow movement of the collar 614, which is fixedly mounted to the coupling 150, in order to move the sheath (not shown in Figure 8), as described above with reference to Figures 6A to 7B. After operating the housing 610 to slide the collar 614 against the sliding sleeve 612 and move the distal end 105 of the sheath 103 to the desired position, as described with reference to Figure 7B, the sheath lock 606 is re-engaged, for example by turning the wing nut, to fix the position of the sheath. 【0043】 Referring to Figure 9, the sheath 103 and electrodes 207 and 211 extend through the sliding sleeve 612. As a result, movement of the housing 610, to which the sheath 103 and electrodes 207 and 211 are operably coupled, results in movement of the sheath 103 and electrodes 207 and 211. The distal end 907 of the sheath lock 606, which extends through the collar 614, mechanically engages with the sliding sleeve 612 to control the movement of the sliding sleeve 612. By releasing the sheath lock 606, for example by loosening a wing nut, the housing 610 is moved, as described with reference to Figure 7A, allowing the sliding sleeve 612 to slide relative to the collar 614. By securing the sheath lock 606 by tightening the wing nut, the sliding sleeve 612 is mechanically fixed in place relative to the collar 614, preventing further movement of the sliding sleeve 612, thereby fixing the distal end 105 of the sheath 103 in place. 【0044】 Referring to Figure 10, in various embodiments, the user interface 102 includes a control surface for positioning the sheath 103 and electrodes 207 and 211 (neither of which are shown in Figure 10). The user interface 102 includes a housing 610 that supports components that move parallel to an axis 1001 or rotate along a curve 1003 about the axis 1001, as will be described later. The user interface 102 includes a sheath actuator 604, which includes a collar 614 that houses a sliding sleeve 612 (completely housed inside a collar 614 and therefore not shown in Figure 10), and a sheath lock 606. The sheath actuator 604 connects the housing 610 to a coupler 150, which then connects the user interface 102 to an electrosurgical device (not shown in Figure 10). As will be described in more detail below, the user interface 102 includes a primary actuator 1010 that controls the movement of a primary electrode 207 (not shown in Figure 10) and a secondary actuator 1020 that controls the movement of a secondary electrode 211 (not shown in Figure 10). 【0045】 The primary actuator 1010 includes a pressable actuator lock 1012 extending through an actuator opening 1014 within the primary actuator 1010. The primary actuator 1010 is slidably engaged with the housing 610. The actuator lock 1012 is hinged or flexibly attached to the primary actuator 1010. By pressing the actuator lock 1012, the actuator lock 1012 partially moves through the actuator opening 1014 and the corresponding opening or recess in the housing 610 (not shown in Figure 10), and the primary actuator 1010 is disengaged from the housing 610. As a result, by pressing the actuator lock 1012, the primary actuator 1010 becomes capable of sliding along the axis 1001, as will be further described below. The secondary actuator 1020 includes an actuator knob 1022 that can be engaged to rotate the secondary actuator 1020 along a curve 1003 about the axis 1001, as will also be further described below. As will be further explained below, in various embodiments, the actuator interlock restricts the movement of the secondary actuator 1020 until the primary actuator 1010 moves and extends the primary electrode 207 (not shown in Figure 10), and once the secondary actuator 1020 has moved and extended the secondary electrode 211, the movement of the primary actuator 1010 is restricted. 【0046】 Referring to Figure 11, the various components of the user interface 102, including portions of the housing 610, the primary actuator 1010, and the secondary actuator 1020, illustrate the interrelationships of the components in various embodiments. The housing 610 (Figure 10) includes a first housing section 1131 and a second housing section 1133. The housing sections 1131 and 1133 have hollow interiors to accommodate other components configured internally and to allow their movement. The first housing section 1131 internally supports a lock rack 1128 that engages with the actuator lock 1012. More specifically, the lock rack 1128 includes a recess having an opening facing inward into the housing 610, allowing selective engagement with the actuator lock 1012. The second housing section 1133 may also include a depth scale 1134 that can be used to visually measure the position of the primary electrode 207 based on the position of the primary actuator 1010 relative to the housing 610. As previously mentioned with reference to Figures 6A to 9, the second housing section 1133 supports the sheath lock 606, which is part of the sheath actuator 604, by screw fastening. Housing sections 1131 and 1133 are interlocking sections that can be joined together by adhesive or fasteners such as screws (not shown in Figure 11). 【0047】 In various embodiments, primary actuator sections 1111 and 1113 are slidably housed around housing sections 1131 and 1133. The primary actuator sections 1111 and 1113 have a substantially hollow interior for slidably housing the housing sections 1131 and 1133 between them. The first primary actuator section 1111 defines an actuator opening 1014 for housing an actuator lock 1012. The actuator lock 1012 has a base 1124 that can be fixedly fixed to the first primary actuator section 1111, and when the actuator lock 1012 is pressed, the actuator lock 1012 rotates around the base and enters into an opening or recess (not shown in Figure 11) in the housing 610. At the opposite end of the base 1124, the actuator lock 1012 also supports a pin support 1126, which holds a pin 1127 that engages with the lock rack 1128 of the first housing section 1131 when the actuator lock 1012 is not pressed. 【0048】 In various embodiments, the actuator lock 1012 is biased to the locked position, and when the actuator lock 1012 is released, the pin support 1126 engages the pin 1127 with the lock rack 1128. The actuator lock 1012 may be biased by its rigidity to return it to its undeformed position when the actuator lock 1012 is released. Alternatively, the actuator lock 1012 may be spring-biased by a spring actuator (not shown) positioned between the actuator lock 1012 and the housing 610. The primary actuator sections 1111 and 1113 can be joined by adhesive or fasteners such as screws (not shown in Figure 11). 【0049】 Another part of the primary actuator 1010 is a secondary actuator guide consisting of guide sections 1151 and 1153 that can be coupled to the primary actuator sections 1111 and 1113. As will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 22 and 23, the guide sections 1151 and 1153 are bondable at their ends and define a helical groove between their corresponding edges that accommodates guide members 1136 and 1138 extending outward from the secondary actuator sections 1121 and 1123. Referring to Figure 10, the engagement of the guide members 1136 and 1138 with the helical groove defined by the edges of the guide sections 1151 and 1153 causes the secondary actuator 1020 to advance along the axis 1001 as the secondary actuator 1020 rotates over a curve 1003 about the axis 1001. 【0050】 In various embodiments, the secondary actuator sections 1121 and 1123 are rotatably mounted between the housing sections 1131 and 1133. The secondary actuator sections 1121 and 1123 are substantially hollow to accommodate other components of the user interface 102 between them. As previously mentioned, each of the secondary actuator sections 1121 and 1123 supports outwardly facing guide members 1136 and 1138 that engage with helical grooves defined by the edges of the guide sections 1151 and 1153. As will be further described below with reference to Figures 16A and 17A, the ends 1129 and 1139 of each of the secondary actuator sections 1121 and 1123 are molded to engage with the actuator knob 1022 used to rotate the secondary actuator 1020. The secondary actuator sections 1121 and 1123 can be joined by adhesive or fasteners such as screws (not shown in Figure 11). 【0051】 In various embodiments, the primary actuator 1010 and the secondary actuator 1020 include an actuator interlock to control the relative movement of actuators 1010 and 1020. In various embodiments, one side 1121 of the first secondary actuator may support a recess 1137 and a locking member 1139 for controlling the relative movement of the primary actuator 1010 and the secondary actuator 1020. The recess 1137 may be configured to accommodate a pin support 1126 extending from the actuator lock 1012, allowing the actuator lock 1012 to be pressed and the primary actuator 1010 to move forward. However, after the primary actuator 1010 has moved, the actuator lock 1012 has been released, and the secondary actuator 1020 has been rotated, the recess 1137 is displaced from beneath the pin support 1126 as a result of the rotation of the secondary actuator 1020. As a result of the displacement, the body of the secondary actuator 1020 blocks the pin support 1126, thereby preventing the actuator lock 1012 from being pressed, so that the actuator lock 1012 is no longer pressable. However, after the secondary actuator 1020 is returned to its starting position, the recess 1137 rotates again below the pin support 1126, allowing the actuator lock 1012 to be pressed and enabling the primary actuator 1010 to move. 【0052】 Similarly, to prevent the secondary actuator 1020 from rotating before the primary actuator 1010 is moved to deploy the primary electrode 207, the locking member 1139 may engage a notch (not shown) in the housing 610. After the actuator lock 1012 is pressed and the primary actuator 1010 is moved relative to the housing 610 to deploy the primary electrode 207, the locking member 1139 releases the housing 610. It should be noted that as long as the actuator lock 1012 is pressed, the recess 1137 continues to accommodate the pin support 1126 and continues to prevent the secondary actuator 1020 from rotating. Once the actuator lock 1012 is disengaged, the secondary actuator 1020 is rotatable to deploy the secondary electrode 211, preventing the actuator lock 1012 from engaging and allowing the primary actuator 1010 to move. In short, the actuator interlock ensures that the primary actuator 1010 is moved to deploy the primary electrode 207 before the secondary actuator 1020 can be rotated. Next, once the primary actuator 1010 is moved and the primary electrode 207 is deployed, and the secondary actuator 1020 rotates from its starting position, the actuator interlock prevents the primary actuator 1010 and the primary electrode 207 from moving until the secondary actuator 1020 moves and retracts the secondary electrode 211 to its original position. 【0053】 The user interface 102 also includes a sheath fixture 1135 that can be housed between housing sections 1131 and 1133 and mechanically engages the housing 610 with the sheath 103. As a result, the sheath 103 extends or retracts with the movement of the housing 610, as described with reference to Figures 6A to 9. The user interface also includes electrode sliders coupled to the corresponding electrodes 207 and 211, respectively. The primary electrode slider 1145 is mechanically engageable by primary actuator sections 1113 and 1133, so that sliding the primary actuator 1010 advances or retracts the primary electrode slider 1145, thereby advancing or retracting the primary electrode 207, respectively. A secondary electrode slider (not shown in Figure 11), mechanically engageable by secondary actuator sections 1121 and 1123, is slidably housed inside the primary electrode slider 1145. Since the secondary actuator sections 1121 and 1123 move rotatably as described later, the secondary electrode slider is also rotatably housed between the secondary actuator sections 1121 and 1123. 【0054】 The flexible wire harness 1150 is configured to house one or more conductors of conductor 130 (Figure 1) at a port on the housing 610 (not shown in Figure 11), with each conductor electrically connected to flexible lead wires 1152 and 1154, each connected to one of the electrodes 207 and 211. The flexible lead wires 1152 and 1154 are configured to maintain an electrically connected state to the electrodes 207 and 211 as the proximal ends of electrodes 207 and 211 move within the user interface 102. 【0055】 In addition, the flexible fluid coupler 1160 extends from a fluid port (not shown in Figure 11) on the housing 610 to the interior of the primary electrode slider 1145, transporting fluid into a lumen defined inside the primary electrode 207. The fluid port receives the flow of conductive fluid by housing a tube 132 from the injection pump 116 (Figure 1) in the housing 610. The flexible fluid coupler 1160 is coiled within the housing 610, allowing for expansion and contraction of the fluid coupler 1160 as the primary electrode slider 1145 moves relative to the housing 610. 【0056】 As will be further described below with reference to Figures 27 and 28, the coupling 150 includes a sliding lock body 1180 slidably housed between a sliding fixture 1182 and a retaining ring 1184. The sliding fixture 1182 is coupled to the housing 610. As will be further described below, once the housing 610 is positioned to engage the electrosurgical device 118 (not shown in Figure 11), the lock body 1180 slides into place to secure the connection, as will be further described below with reference to Figures 27 and 28. 【0057】 Referring to Figures 12A to 21B, the operation of the user interface 102, as well as the corresponding movements of the sheath 103, primary electrode 207, and secondary electrode 211, are described. 【0058】 Referring to Figures 12A and 12B, the distal end 105 of the sheath 103 is positioned adjacent to the target site 202. As previously mentioned with reference to Figures 6A to 7B, in various embodiments, the sheath actuator 604 allows the sheath 103 to be positioned by releasing the sheath lock 606 and moving the housing 610. For example, referring again to Figures 6A to 7B, the position of the sheath 103 is controlled by sliding the slidable sleeve 612 within the collar 614 and then re-engaging the sheath lock 606 to fix the sheath 103 in the desired position. When the distal end 105 of the sheath 103 is deployed adjacent to the target site 202, the distal end 209 of the primary electrode 207 is located just inside the distal end 105 of the sheath 103. At the same time, the distal end 213 of the secondary electrode 211 is located just inside the distal end 209 of the primary electrode 207. Since the distal end 105 of the sheath 103 is positioned adjacent to the target site 202, the electrodes 207 and 211 may be moved to desired positions using the user interface 102. 【0059】 Referring to Figures 13A and 13B, in various embodiments, the positioning of electrodes 207 and 211 begins by pressing the actuator lock 1012 to allow movement of the primary actuator 1010. Pressing the actuator lock 1012 moves the actuator release unit 1012 in direction 1301, disengaging the primary actuator 1010 from the housing 610. Specifically, by pressing the actuator lock 1012, which is hinged or rotatably coupled to the primary actuator 1010 at the base 1124, the pin support 1126 moves the pin 1127 out of the recess facing inward in the lock rack 1128 on the housing 610. With the pin 1127 disengaged from the lock rack 1128, the primary actuator 1010 is movable relative to the housing 610 to move the primary electrode 207, as described with reference to Figures 14A and 14B. 【0060】 As mentioned above, the secondary actuator 1020 is rotatably engaged with the primary actuator 1020. Accordingly, even when the actuator lock 1012 is released to release the primary actuator 1010 from the housing 610, the secondary actuator 1020 remains engaged with the primary actuator 1010. Therefore, by pressing the actuator lock 1012, the primary actuator 1010 and the secondary actuator 1020 are allowed to move freely and collectively, so that the primary electrode 207 and the secondary electrode 211 can move collectively. 【0061】 Referring to Figures 14A and 14B, while the user continues to press the actuator lock 1012 in direction 1301, the primary actuator 1010 moves in direction 1401. As the secondary actuator 1020 remains engaged (rotatably engaged) with the primary actuator 1010, as described above, the primary actuator 1010 and the secondary actuator move collectively by the same distance in direction 1401, as shown in Figure 14A. 【0062】 As a result of the collective movement of the primary actuator 1010 and the secondary actuator 1020, the primary electrode 207 and the secondary electrode 211 also move collectively. Therefore, as shown in Figure 14B, the distal end 209 of the primary electrode 207 and the distal end 213 of the secondary electrode 211 move collectively into the target site 202 beyond the distal end 105 of the sheath 103. Thus, since the secondary actuator 1020 is engaged with the primary actuator 1010, pressing the actuator lock 1012 and moving the primary actuator 1010 causes both electrodes 207 and 211 to move collectively. 【0063】 As described above with reference to Figure 11, when the actuator lock 1012 is pressed, in various embodiments, the pin support 1026 on the actuator release portion 1012 engages with the secondary actuator 1020, thereby preventing the secondary actuator 1020 from rotating until the actuator release portion 1012 is disengaged. As previously mentioned, the secondary actuator 1020 may include a locking member 1139 that contacts the housing 610. This configuration prevents the secondary actuator 1020 from rotating before the actuator lock 1012 is pressed and the primary actuator 1010 and secondary actuator 1020 move forward. 【0064】 Referring to Figures 15A and 15B, once the distal ends 209 and 213 of the primary electrode 207 and secondary electrode 211, respectively, have advanced into the target area 202, the actuator lock 1012 is released. As illustrated with reference to Figure 11, since the actuator lock 1012 is biased by its rigidity or spring, releasing the actuator lock 1012 results in it moving in direction 1501. The movement of the actuator lock 1012 causes the primary actuator 1010 and the rotatably engaged secondary actuator 1020 to re-engage with the housing 610, holding the electrodes 207 and 211 in place. As illustrated with reference to Figure 11, when the actuator lock 1012 is released, the pin 1127 mounted in the pin support 1026 moves into a recess in the lock rack 1128 mounted on the housing 610. Thus, the engagement of pin 1127 with lock rack 1128 prevents further movement of the primary actuator 1010 until the actuator lock 1012 is further engaged by the user. Therefore, when the user releases the actuator lock 1012, the distal ends 209 and 213 of the primary electrode 207 and secondary electrode 211 are fixed in place in the positions they moved to, as described with reference to Figures 14A and 14B. 【0065】 Referring to Figures 16A and 16B, once the primary actuator 1010 is held in place by the user releasing the actuator lock 1012, the secondary actuator 1020 rotates, moving the secondary electrode 211 independently of the primary electrode 207. As shown in Figure 16A, the secondary actuator 1020 moves when the user rotates the actuator knob 1022 in direction 1601. As previously mentioned with reference to Figure 11, the secondary actuator 1020 supports guide members 1136 and 1138, which are housed in helical grooves defined between the edges of guide sections 1151 and 1153. Since the secondary actuator 1020 engages with the helical grooves defined by guide sections 1151 and 1153, when the actuator knob 1022 rotates, the secondary actuator 1020 moves helically as a result. Thus, the rotation of the secondary actuator 1020 causes it to advance in direction 1602 relative to the primary actuator 1010 and the housing 610. 【0066】 Referring to Figure 16B, as the secondary actuator 1020 moves, the distal end 213 of the secondary electrode 211 extends beyond the distal end 207 of the primary electrode 209. As previously mentioned with reference to Figure 5, the distal end 213 of the secondary electrode 211 may be pre-formed into a coil shape, thereby resulting in the secondary electrode 211 forming a coil shape, so that the secondary electrode 211 is no longer constrained within the lumen of the primary electrode 207. In various embodiments, the coil shape at the distal end 213 of the secondary electrode 211 progresses spirally into the tissue of the target site 202, thereby fixing the secondary electrode 211 and the primary electrode 207 extending through the secondary electrode in place in the target site 202. The insulating section 515 of the secondary electrode 211 electrically insulates the secondary electrode 211 from the primary electrode 207, except between their respective corresponding distal ends 213 and 209. Once the distal ends 213 and 209 of electrodes 211 and 207 are deployed, a conductive fluid and / or current may be supplied to the target site 202 as described above to bring about the treatment. 【0067】 The actuator interlock provided by the configuration of actuators 1010 and 1020 prevents the user from moving the primary actuator 1010 once the secondary actuator 1020 has rotated from its initial position. As previously mentioned with reference to Figure 11, rotating the secondary actuator 1020 blocks the pin support 1126 of the actuator lock 1012, thus preventing the user from pressing the actuator lock 1012 and disengaging the primary actuator 1010 from engagement with the housing 610 via the pins 1127 and lock rack 1128. Therefore, while the secondary actuator 1020 moves to extend the distal end 213 of the secondary electrode 211 into the target site 202, the distal end 209 of the primary electrode 207 remains in the correct position as it was when inserted into the target site 202. 【0068】 The deployment of the sheath 103 and electrodes 207 and 211 to enable the application of the procedure will be described with reference to Figures 6A to 7B and Figures 12A to 16B. Conversely, to withdraw and move electrodes 207 and 211 from the target site 202, the operation of the user interface 102 and the operation sequence will be reversed, as described with reference to Figures 17A to 21B. 【0069】 Referring to Figures 17A and 17B, by the user rotating the actuator knob 1022 in direction 1701, the distal end 213 of the secondary electrode 211 retracts into the primary electrode 207. Direction 1701, which rotates the actuator knob 1022 to retract the distal end 213 of the secondary electrode 211 from the target site 202, is opposite to direction 1601, which rotates the actuator knob 1022 to extend the distal end 213 of the secondary electrode 211. When the actuator knob 1022 is rotated, the secondary actuator 1020 moves in the reverse direction in a spiral manner, and as a result, the secondary actuator 1020 translates in direction 1702 relative to the primary actuator 1010 and the housing 610. The secondary electrode 211 is pulled out by moving the secondary actuator 1020 until the distal end 213 of the secondary electrode 211 is again housed inside the distal end 209 of the primary electrode 207. As illustrated with reference to Figure 18A, when the secondary actuator 1020 moves to its original position relative to the primary actuator 1010, the actuator lock 1012 may be released. It will be understood that the retraction of the secondary electrode 211 is achieved by rotating the secondary actuator 1020 while the primary actuator 1010 remains stationary. 【0070】 Referring to Figures 18A and 18B, the actuator lock 1012 is pressed by the user in direction 1801 to prepare for the retraction of the primary electrode 207 from the target site 202. Just as the engagement of the actuator lock 1012 did not result in any movement of electrodes 207 and 211 when the actuator lock 1012 was pressed and released, as previously described with reference to Figures 13A and 13B and Figures 15A and 15B, respectively, pressing the actuator lock 1012 does not result in any movement of the distal ends 209 and 213 of electrodes 207 and 211, respectively. 【0071】 Referring to Figures 19A and 19B, when the actuator lock 1012 is pressed, the primary actuator 1010 moves in direction 1901, pulling the distal end 209 of the primary electrode 207 away from the target site 202. As previously mentioned with reference to Figures 14A and 14B, the secondary actuator 1020 remains rotatably engaged with the primary actuator 1010, so the secondary actuator 1020 also moves the same distance in the same direction 1901 as the primary actuator 1010. As a result, the distal ends 209 and 213 of electrodes 207 and 211 move collectively and are pulled away from the target site 202. After the primary actuator 1010 has fully retracted in direction 1901, the distal end 209 of the primary electrode 207 is housed inside the distal end 105 of the sheath. Furthermore, since the secondary actuator 1020, and therefore the secondary electrode 211, moves in cooperation with the primary actuator 1010, the distal end 213 of the secondary electrode 211 remains inside the distal end 209 of the primary electrode 207 when the distal end 209 of the primary electrode 207 is retracted into the distal end 105 of the sheath 103. 【0072】 Referring to Figures 20A and 20B, once the distal ends 209 and 213 of electrodes 207 and 211, respectively, are retracted into the distal end 105 of the sheath 103, the actuator lock 1012 is released. Upon release, the actuator lock 1012 moves in direction 2001. As a result, the pin 1127, which was held by the pin support 1126, re-engages with the lock rack 1128, holding the primary actuator 1010 in place. Furthermore, as described above, while actuators 1010 and 1020 are returning to their starting positions as described with reference to Figures 12A and 12B, an actuator interlock prevents the rotation of the secondary actuator 1020, such as by the lock member 1139 extending from the secondary actuator 1020 and engaging with the housing 610. 【0073】 Referring to Figures 21A and 21B, when the distal ends 209 and 211 of electrodes 207 and 211, respectively, are retracted into the distal end 105 of the sheath 103, the sheath 103 itself can be withdrawn. In the opposite operation to that shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the sheath lock 606 is released, and the housing 610 moves 2101 away from the connector 150 along the sliding sleeve 612. Since the primary actuator 1010 is locked to the housing by the actuator lock 1012 and the secondary actuator 1020 is rotatably fixed to the primary actuator 1010, the primary actuator 1010 and the secondary actuator 1020 move in cooperation with the housing 610 in the direction 2101. The sheath 103 and the insertion tube 119 (Figure 1) of the electrosurgical device 118 may then be withdrawn from the body. Alternatively, without retracting the sheath as described with reference to Figures 21A and 21B, once electrodes 207 and 211 are retracted into the sheath, the sheath 103 may be withdrawn from the body without first engaging the sheath lock 606, as described with reference to Figures 19A to 20B. 【0074】 As previously mentioned with reference to Figures 11, 16A, and 17A, the secondary actuator 1020 supports guide members 1136 and 1138 that engage with helical grooves defined by the edges of guide sections 1151 and 1153. Referring to Figure 22, the guide sections 1151 and 1153 are fitted together and housed in the guide sleeve 2202, as they were when joined with the primary actuator 1010. The guide sections 1151 and 1153 may be joined at ends 2215 and 2217. Specifically, as shown in Figure 23, a socket 2330 may be supported by the guide sections 1151 and 1153, allowing the guide sections to be connected by screws, dowels, or other fasteners. 【0075】 Between the ends 2215 and 2217 of the guide sleeve 2202, the edges 2211 and 2213 of the guide sections 1151 and 1153 define a helical groove 2201. As described with reference to Figures 16A and 17A, the helical groove 2201 guides the movement of the support members 1136 and 1138, causing the secondary actuator 1020 to translate in response to the rotation of the secondary actuator. 【0076】 In various embodiments, the substantially helical groove 2201 has a pitch that varies between the ends 2215 and 2217 of the guide sleeve 2202. In various embodiments, the pitch may vary from the rear end 2215, where the secondary actuator 1020 begins its helical movement to extend the secondary electrode 207, toward the front end 2217. More specifically, in various embodiments, the pitch of the helical groove varies to reduce the distance the secondary actuator 1020 travels per revolution of the secondary actuator 1020 along the axis 1001 of the user interface 102 (not shown in Figure 22) from the rear end 2215 toward the front end 2217. 【0077】 In various embodiments, the pitch is changed in this way to reduce the rotational force applied by the user when rotating the actuator knob 1022 in order to propel the secondary actuator 1020. For example, considering Figures 5 and 16B, as the distal end 213 of the secondary electrode 211 advances into the target area 202, the distal end 213 of the secondary electrode 211 may encounter increased resistance. Part of this resistance arises from the frictional engagement of the distal end 213 of the secondary electrode 211 with the mass in the target area along the increasing length of the secondary electrode 211 as the longer portion of the secondary electrode 211 extends further beyond the distal end 209 of the primary electrode 207. Part of this resistance may also arise from the increased degree of resistance as the curved portion of the coil at the distal end 213 of the secondary electrode 211 advances helically into the mass in the target area 202. Correspondingly, when the secondary electrode 211 begins to be withdrawn, a greater force may be required to frictionally engage with a larger mass of tissue than when the secondary electrode 211 is closer to being fully retracted into the distal end 209 of the primary electrode 207. 【0078】 Furthermore, if the portion of the secondary electrode 211 near the distal end 213 is formed into a coil shape using a shape memory alloy, pulling out the secondary electrode 207 may involve applying additional force to pull the secondary electrode 211 and attempt to return it to the deformed, straight shape it exhibits when confined inside the primary electrode 207. As a result, when deploying the secondary electrode 211, greater force may be required to extend the secondary electrode 211 as it extends further beyond the distal end 209 of the primary electrode 207 towards the target site 202. Consequently, greater rotational force may be required to rotate the actuator knob 1022 of the secondary actuator 1020 as it moves toward the front end 2217 of the guide sleeve 2202. Correspondingly, greater force may be required in the initial portion of retracting the secondary electrode 211 than when the secondary electrode 211 is fully retracted inside the primary electrode 207. Therefore, when the secondary actuator 1020 initially moves away from the front end 2217 of the guide sleeve 2202, a greater rotational force may be involved in rotating the actuator knob 1022 of the secondary actuator 1020. 【0079】 According to various embodiments, the pitch of the helical groove 2201 may be varied between the following end 2215 and the front end 2217 of the guide sleeve 2202. Specifically, the pitch of the helical groove 2201 may be varied so that the distance the second actuator 1020 travels along the axis 1001 per revolution over the curve 1003 centered on the axis 1001 is reduced toward the front end 2217 of the guide sleeve 2202, which faces the front end of the user interface 2202. By reducing the travel distance of the second actuator 1020 toward the front end of the guide sleeve 2202, the increased force along the axis 1001 is effectively distributed over a greater extent of the rotation of the second actuator 1020. Therefore, the lateral resistance to the movement of the secondary electrode 211 along the axis 1001 may increase at the front end 2217 of the guide sleeve 2202, but the force associated with rotating the actuator knob 1022 and thereby rotating the secondary actuator 1020 does not increase. 【0080】 Referring to Figure 23, the pitch of the helical groove 2201 is defined by the edges 2211 and 2213 of the guide sections 1151 and 1153, respectively, so that the pitch of the edges 2211 and 2213 is varied to define the helical groove 2201 of the desired shape. For example, considering the first guide section 1153, at a first point 2301 towards the rear end 2345 of the first guide section 1153, the pitch angle α of the edge 2213 (measured tangentially to the edge 2213 in the direction of the axis 1001) is greater than the pitch angle β at a second point 2302, which is moved towards the front end 2347 of the first guide section 1153. Similarly, the pitch angle β at the second point 2302 is greater than the pitch angle γ at a third point 2303, which is further moved towards the front end 2347 of the guide section 1153. The corresponding configuration is repeated for the second guide section 1151, and as the second guide section 1151 moves from its rear end 2341 to its front end 2343, the pitch angle along the edge 2211 becomes smaller. As a result, despite the increased resistance along the axis 1001, the rotational resistance applied to the secondary actuator 1020 is reduced by the decreasing pitch of the helical groove 2201 (Figure 22), which is defined by the decreasing pitch of the edges 2211 and 2213 of the guide sections 1151 and 1153, respectively. 【0081】 In addition to facilitating the deployment and retrieval of the secondary electrode 207 by varying the pitch of the helical groove 2201, the cross-section of the wire used as the secondary electrode 207 can also facilitate the deployment and retrieval of the secondary electrode 207. Referring to Figures 24 to 26, the secondary electrode 207 may include a wire having portions 2410 and 2420 of different thicknesses along its length. 【0082】 Referring to Figure 24, the first portion 2410 of the secondary electrode 207 may have a circular cross-section having a first thickness 2412. The second portion 2420, which connects to the distal end 213 of the secondary electrode 211, may have a flat or rectangular cross-section having a second thickness 2422 less than the first thickness 2412. In exemplary embodiments, the first thickness 2412 of the circular cross-section of the first portion 2410 may be 0.015 inches, and the second thickness 2422 of the second portion may be 0.009 inches. In such a configuration, the theoretical moment of inertia for the first portion 2410 is more than twice the theoretical moment of inertia for the second portion 2420. Therefore, the larger theoretical moment of inertia of the first portion 2410 should improve the force transmission of the first portion 2410 without hindering the ability of the second portion 2420 to take on a coiled configuration when it is unfolded as the secondary electrode 207 is advanced. The first thickness 24212 aligns with the axis 2430 that defines the plane on which the second portion 2402 is wound in a coil shape, as shown in Figure 25. 【0083】 Referring to Figure 26, the secondary electrode 211 is not in a coiled configuration. The second portion 2420 may have a second width 2624 which is wider than the second thickness 2422 of the second portion 2420 and wider than the first thickness 2412 of the first portion 2410. In a non-limiting example, the first thickness 2412 may be 0.015 inches, the second thickness may be 0.009 inches, and the second width may be 0.020 inches. 【0084】 The secondary electrode 211, having a first portion 2410 with a circular cross-section, provides good column strength and force transfer to propel the secondary electrode 211 along its length. This column strength and force transfer, as shown in Figure 5, drives the secondary electrode 211 through the lumen inside the primary electrode 207, helping to extend the secondary electrode 211 into the tissue at the target site. In contrast, the second portion 2420 of the secondary electrode 211, having a reduced thickness in the plane into which it will be coiled, makes it easier for the secondary portion to take its coiled shape. Using exemplary dimensions, the moment of inertia of the second portion 2420 is less than half that of the first portion 2410, reducing the force required to coil and uncoil the second portion 2410. Having a second width 2624 which is greater than the second thickness 2422 and greater than the first thickness 2412 improves the column strength and force transmission of the second portion 2420, making it easier to coil the second portion 2420, and preventing buckling of the second portion 2420 despite having a thinner second thickness 2422. 【0085】 Referring to Figure 27, the coupling used to secure the user interface 102 to the electrosurgical device 118 includes a sliding mounting mechanism 2710 and a locking body 2720. In various embodiments, the sliding mounting mechanism 2710 is fixed to a sliding sleeve 612 extending from the housing of the user interface (not shown in Figure 27) and fits around the sliding sleeve 612. The sliding sleeve 612 has an internal width 2791, dimensioned to accommodate a flange 2754 at the end of the device interface 2752. The flange 2754 has an external width 2793 which is smaller than the internal width 2791 of the sliding sleeve 612, so the flange 2754 can be accommodated inside the end of the sliding sleeve 612. The device interface 2752 has an external width 2795 which is smaller than the external width 2793 of the flange 2754 with which the device interface 2752 abuts. As will be further explained below with reference to Figure 28, the outer width 2795 of the device interface 2795 and the outer width 2793 of the flange 2754 are taken into consideration in the configuration of the lock body 2720. 【0086】 The sliding mounting mechanism 2710 includes a base portion 2712 fixed, fixable, or connected to the sliding sleeve 612 (the sliding mounting mechanism 2710 before being fixably connected to the sliding sleeve 612 is shown in Figure 27). The sliding mounting mechanism 2710 also includes one or more projections 2714 configured to accommodate a retaining clip 2734 extending from the retaining ring 2730 and to secure the lock plate 2720 to the sliding mounting mechanism 2710, as will be further described below. 【0087】 The sliding mounting mechanism 2710 also supports a locking pin 2716. In various embodiments, the locking pin 2716 is spring-loaded or otherwise biased to extend outward from the sliding mounting mechanism 2710 and engage with a locking slot in the locking body 2720 to prevent the locking body 2720 from sliding. The locking pin 2716 may be manually retracted from the locking body 2720 to allow the locking body 2720 to be moved to the unlocked position. 【0088】 In various embodiments, the sliding mounting mechanism 2710 includes a torque transmission mechanism for transmitting torque between the electrosurgical instrument or device 118 (Figure 1) and the user interface 102. In various embodiments, the torque transmission mechanism includes a linkage 2728 housed within the channel 2718 when the locking body 2720 is in the locked position. Thus, the linkage 2728 and channel 2718 transmit torque between the locking body 2720, which is engaged with the electrosurgical instrument or device 118, and the sliding sleeve 612. Thus, the coupling mechanism 2718 and channel 2728 absorb and / or transmit torque between the electrosurgical instrument or device 118 and the sliding sleeve 612, for example, when torque is applied to the retaining ring 2730 and / or locking pin 2716. In various embodiments, torque can also be absorbed and transmitted by strengthening the locking pin 2716 and / or tightening and strengthening the attachment of the retaining ring 2730 to the locking plate 2720. 【0089】 The lock body 2720 has a base plate 2722 configured to slide across the sliding mounting mechanism 2710 and hold the flange 2754 in place inside the sliding sleeve 612, thereby securing the user interface 102 to the electrosurgical device 118. As further illustrated with reference to Figure 28, the base plate 2722 defines openings having sections set to different dimensions, which alternately allow the insertion of the flange 2754 into the sliding sleeve 612 and prevent the flange 2754 from coming out of the sliding sleeve 612. The lock body 2720 supports a hood 2724 that extends over the combination formed by the user interface 102 and the surgical device interface 2752 via the sliding sleeve 612. As previously mentioned, the lock body 2720 also supports a second indicator tab 2728. The second indicator tab 2728 aligns with the first indicator tab 2718 on the sliding mounting mechanism 2710 when the lock body 2720 is in the locked position, providing visual confirmation of when the lock body 2720 is in the locked position. 【0090】 The lock body 2720 is slidably secured to the sliding mounting mechanism by a retainer ring 2730. The retainer ring 2730 includes a ring 2732 having an inner diameter 2799, which is dimensioned to accommodate a flange 2754 that passes through and extends from the surgical device interface 2752. Extending from the ring 2732 are one or more retaining clips 2734. The retaining clips 2734 are dimensioned to fit through slots in the base plate 2722 of the lock body, as will be further described below with reference to Figure 28. Once the retaining clips 2734 extend through the slots in the base plate 2722 of the lock body 2720, the retaining clips are secured to and / or around projections 2714 on the sliding mounting mechanism 2710. Once the retaining clip 2734 extends through a slot on the lock body 2720 and is secured to a projection 2714 on the slidable locking mechanism 2710, the lock body 2720 is slidably constrained to move across the slidable mounting mechanism 2710 to lock and unlock the user interface 102 to the electrosurgical device 118. 【0091】 Referring to Figure 28, the base plate 2722 defines two retaining slots 2895, and the retaining clip 2734 (Figure 27) extends from the retaining ring 2730 through the retaining slots 2895. The retaining slots 2895 are dimensioned to slidably accommodate the retaining clip 2734, so that the lock body 2720 can slide across the retaining clip 2734 in a first direction 2815 or a second direction 2817. The ring 2732 of the retaining ring 2730 is positioned facing the base plate 2722 and holds the lock body 2720 in the sliding mounting mechanism 2710 (Figure 27). The lock body 2720 also supports at least one socket 2820 to accommodate a lock pin 2716 (Figure 27) extending from the sliding lock mechanism 2710. The socket 2820 is positioned to engage the lock pin 2716 when the lock body 2720 is slid over the surgical device interface 2752 to the locked position. 【0092】 The hood 2724 extends from the lock plate 2722 and covers the connection between the surgical device interface 2752 and the user interface 102. To allow the lock body 2720 to move in a second direction 2817 without the hood 2724 being obstructed by the body of the electrosurgical device 118 (Figure 1), the lower edge 2825 of the hood 2724 is molded to define a recess 2827. When the lock body 2720 moves in the second direction 2817 and moves the lock body 2720 into the locked position, the recess 2827 accommodates the body of the electrosurgical device 118. 【0093】 The base plate 2722 of the lock body 2720 defines an opening 2810 through which the flange 2754 on the surgical device interface 2772 can be inserted into the sliding sleeve 612, as described with reference to Figure 27. More specifically, the first section 2801 of the opening has a first width 2811, and the coupled second section 2803 has a second width 2813. The first width 2811 of the first section is large enough to accommodate the outer width 2793 of the flange 2754 through therein, while the second width 2813 of the second section 2803 is large enough to accommodate the width 2795 of the surgical device interface 2752, but not large enough to allow the outer width 2793 of the flange 2754 to pass through therein. 【0094】 To lock the user interface 102 to the electrosurgical device 118 (not shown in Figure 28), the lock body 2720 is slid in a first direction 2815 so that the first section 2801 is positioned over an opening in the base portion 2712 of the sliding mounting mechanism 2710, which leads into the sliding sleeve 612 (not shown in Figure 28). The flange 2754 extending from the surgical device interface 2752 is then inserted into the sliding sleeve 612 through the first section 2801. To secure the surgical device interface 2752 in place, the lock body is slid in a second direction 2817. As a result, the second section 2803 moves over the opening in the base portion 2712 of the sliding mounting mechanism 2710, and the edge of the lock body 2722 slides over the flange 2754 and contacts the flange 2754. In this locked position, the edge of the lock plate 2722 around the second section 2803 covers the flange 2754, holding the flange 2754 in place. Also, when the lock body 2720 is in this locked position, the lock pin 2716 extends into the socket 2820. The lock pin 2716 prevents the lock plate from moving in the first direction 2815 until it is pulled out of the socket 2820. 【0095】 To disconnect the user interface 102 from the electrosurgical device 118, the user grasps the locking pin 2716 and slides it away from the socket 2820, allowing the locking body 2720 to slide. As the locking pin 2716 retracts, the locking body 2720 slides in a first direction 2815, causing the base plate 2722 to move away from the surgical device interface 2752, and the first section 2801 of the opening 2810 to rest on the flange 2752. At this point, the flange 2754 of the surgical device interface 2752 can be pulled out through the locking body 2720, ending the connection between the surgical device interface 2752 and the sliding sleeve 612 of the user interface 102. 【0096】 Referring to Figure 29, an exemplary method 2900 for positioning an electrode for treatment is provided. Method 2900 begins in block 2905. In block 2910, as described with reference to Figures 6A–7B, the distal end of a sheath containing a primary electrode and a secondary electrode is moved to an adjacent portion of the target site. In block 2920, as described with reference to Figures 14A and 14B, a primary actuator operably coupled to the primary electrode and a secondary actuator operably coupled to the secondary electrode and movably engaged with the primary actuator are slid into a first position to propel the distal ends of the primary and secondary electrodes toward the target site. In block 2930, as previously described with reference to Figures 16A and 16B, the secondary actuator is rotated relative to the primary actuator to move the secondary actuator to a second position along a helical path, independently of the primary actuator, to propel the distal end of the secondary electrode toward the target site, independently of the primary electrode. Method 2900 ends in block 2935 with the electrodes in their current position. 【0097】 Referring to Figure 30, an exemplary method 3000 is provided for propelling a tool through a helical path having a varying pitch. Method 3000 begins in block 3005. In block 3010, as described with reference to Figure 11, an elongated tool is coupled at its proximal end to an actuator that is movable along an axis. In block 3020, as described with reference to Figures 16A, 16B, 22, and 23, the tool is propelled by rotatably moving the actuator through a substantially helical path about an axis, the helical path having a varying pitch such that the distance the actuator travels along the axis varies per revolution of the actuator. Method 3000 ends in block 3025 with the actuator having moved the tool. 【0098】 Referring to Figure 31, an exemplary method 3100 for securing the devices together is provided. Method 3100 begins in block 3105. In block 3110, the lock body is positioned in the open position, defining an opening having a first section having a first width and a second section having a second width less than the first width. The lock body is slidably mounted to one of a first device supporting a first coupling and a second device supporting a second coupling. As illustrated with reference to Figure 28, the first section is positioned between the first coupling and the second coupling when the lock body is positioned in the open position. In block 3120, as illustrated with reference to Figure 28, a connection is formed by inserting the first coupling into the second coupling, with one of the first and second couplings supporting a flange having a flange width less than the first width and greater than the second width. In block 3130, as previously described with reference to Figure 28, the lock body is repositioned to a closed position where the edge of the lock body around the second section abuts against the flange, so as to prevent the coupling supporting the flange from being pulled out of the connection. Method 3100 ends in block 3135 with the coupling fixed together by the lock body. 【0099】 The subject matter to be disclosed includes, but is not limited to, the subject matter described in the following sections. 1. An apparatus, Inside, there is an elongated primary electrode that defines the lumen, An elongated secondary electrode that can be slidably housed within the lumen, A sheath configured to slidably house a primary electrode inside, the sheath further configured to transport the primary electrode and the secondary electrode toward a target site, A housing movably coupled to a sheath and mounted to slidably propel the sheath toward a target site, A primary actuator is movably coupled to the primary electrode and slidably coupled to the housing, which propels the primary electrode relative to the sheath. A device comprising: a secondary actuator operably coupled to a secondary electrode and movably coupled to a primary actuator and slidable together with the primary actuator, and which cooperates with the primary electrode to propel the secondary electrode, wherein the secondary actuator is rotatable independently of the primary actuator, moves along a helical path to propel the secondary electrode, and moves independently of the primary electrode toward a target site. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a primary actuator lock that can be engaged by a user to selectively disengage the primary actuator from the housing, thereby enabling slidable movement of the primary actuator relative to the housing. 3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the primary actuator lock includes a pushable release mechanism configured to allow the primary actuator to be disengaged from the housing while the control mechanism is pressed, and further configured to allow the primary actuator to engage with the housing when the control is released. 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an actuator interlock configured to prevent the movement of the secondary actuator until the primary actuator has moved to a first position. 5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the actuator interlock is further configured to prevent the primary actuator from moving in response to the secondary actuator being moved to a second position. 6. The instrument according to claim 1, further comprising a device connector configured to detachably secure a housing to an electrosurgical instrument configured to transport a sheath through a passage to a target site. 7. The device connector according to claim 6, wherein the device connector is configured to slidably move the connection between the housing and the electrosurgical instrument from an open position that allows connection between the housing and the electrosurgical instrument to a closed position that prevents the housing from being removed from the electrosurgical device. 8. The apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising a sheath actuator configured to move the housing movably to a device connector, thereby enabling selective movement of the housing relative to the device connector and the electrosurgical instrument, and to move the distal end of the sheath relative to a target site. 9. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a flexible electrical coupler fixed to the housing, the flexible electrical coupler being configured to house a two-pole power supply, with a first electrode electrically and movably connected to a first pole of the power supply, and a second electrode electrically and movably connected to a second pole of the power supply. 10. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a flexible fluid coupler fixed to the housing, the flexible fluid coupler housing a fluid source for supplying conductive fluid and configured to fluidly and movably couple the conductive fluid to a lumen defined by a primary electrode, thereby transporting the conductive fluid to a target site. 11. A system for treating tissue at a target site, wherein the system is A power supply configured to selectively supply power between a first pole and a second pole via a two-pole electrical cable, An electrode control device, Inside, there is an elongated primary electrode that defines the lumen, An elongated secondary electrode that can be slidably housed within the lumen, A sheath configured to slidably house a primary electrode inside, the sheath further configured to transport the primary electrode and the secondary electrode toward a target site, A housing movably coupled to a sheath and mounted to slidably propel the sheath toward a target site, A primary actuator is movably coupled to the primary electrode and slidably coupled to the housing, which propels the primary electrode relative to the sheath. A system comprising an electrode control device including a secondary actuator which is operably coupled to a secondary electrode and movably coupled to a primary actuator and slidable together with the primary actuator, and which cooperates with the primary electrode to propel the secondary electrode, wherein the secondary actuator is rotatable independently of the primary actuator, moves along a helical path to propel the secondary electrode, and moves independently of the primary electrode toward a target site. 12. The system according to claim 11, further comprising a user-engageable primary actuator lock for selectively disengaging the primary actuator from the housing to enable slidable movement of the primary actuator relative to the housing. 13. The system according to claim 12, further comprising an actuator interlock configured to prevent the movement of the secondary actuator until the primary actuator has moved to a first position. 14. The system according to claim 13, wherein the actuator interlock is further configured to prevent the primary actuator from moving in response to the secondary actuator being moved to a second position. 15. The system according to claim 11, further comprising a device connector configured to detachably secure a housing to an electrosurgical instrument configured to transport a sheath through a passage to a target site. 16. The system according to claim 15, wherein the device connector is configured to slidably move the connection between the housing and the electrosurgical instrument from an open position that allows connection between the housing and the electrosurgical instrument to a closed position that prevents the housing from being removed from the electrosurgical device. 17. The system according to claim 15, further comprising a sheath actuator configured to move the housing movably to a device connector, thereby enabling selective movement of the housing relative to the device connector and electrosurgical instruments, and moving the distal end of the sheath relative to a target site. 18. The system according to claim 11, further comprising a fluid source for supplying a conductive fluid and a flexible fluid coupler fixed to a housing, wherein the flexible fluid coupler is configured to house the fluid source and to transport the conductive fluid to a target site by movably and fluidly coupling the conductive fluid to a lumen defined by a primary electrode. 19. A method, The distal end of the sheath, including the primary and secondary electrodes, is moved to an area adjacent to the target site. A primary actuator operably coupled to a primary electrode and a secondary actuator operably coupled to a secondary electrode and movably engaged with the primary actuator are slid to a first position to propel the distal ends of the primary and secondary electrodes toward a target site. A method comprising rotating a secondary actuator relative to a primary actuator to move the secondary actuator to a second position along a helical path independently of the primary actuator, thereby advancing the distal end of the secondary electrode to move it independently of the primary electrode relative to a target site. 20. A method, To prevent the secondary actuator from rotating relative to the primary actuator until the primary actuator moves to a first position, The method according to claim 19, comprising preventing the primary actuator from sliding after the secondary actuator has been rotated to move the secondary actuator to a second position. 21. Apparatus, A long, slender tool that can move along an axis, A rotatable actuator is movably coupled to the proximal end of the tool, propelling the tool and moving it along its axis in accordance with the rotation of the rotatable actuator, A device comprising: a rotatable actuator and a guide operably coupled thereto, the guide defining a substantially helical groove about an axis to guide the movement of the rotatable actuator, the pitch of the helical groove varying to reduce the distance the actuator travels along the axis per revolution of the actuator. 22. The apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the pitch is varied such that it reduces the distance the actuator travels along the axis per revolution of the actuator at a position where the apparatus is expected to apply increased resistance to movement along the axis to the actuator. 23. The apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the location where the increased resistance is expected to be applied by the apparatus corresponds to the location where the movement of the distal end of the apparatus is expected to be obstructed by an obstruction. 24. The apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the location where the apparatus is expected to exert increased resistance corresponds to a location where the configuration of the distal portion of the apparatus resists movement of the apparatus. 25. The apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the configuration of the distal portion of the apparatus that resists movement of the apparatus includes a distal end of the apparatus that can be formed into a coil shape at the end of the lumen, and the apparatus extends inside the lumen, thereby at least one of being coiled when extending out of the lumen and being uncoiled when retracting into the lumen, thereby producing increased resistance to movement of the apparatus along the axis. 26. The apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the pitch of the helical grooves is changed to increase the movement of the actuator along the axis at a second position where the apparatus is expected to apply reduced resistance to the actuator with respect to movement along the axis. 27. The apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the guide includes an annular tube defining a spiral groove. 28. The apparatus according to claim 27, wherein the rotatable actuator can be housed inside the annular tube. 29. The apparatus according to claim 28, wherein the annular tube includes two mating sections configured to be arranged around a rotatable actuator, the opposing distal edges of the two mating sections having helical groove edges. 30. It is a system, Inside, there is an elongated primary electrode that defines the lumen, An elongated secondary electrode that can be slidably housed within the lumen, A sheath configured to slidably house a primary electrode inside, the sheath further configured to transport the primary electrode and the secondary electrode toward a target site, A housing movably coupled to a sheath and mounted to slidably propel the sheath toward a target site, A primary actuator comprising a guide operably coupled to a primary electrode and slidably coupled to a housing, which propels the primary electrode to slide along an axis relative to a sheath and defines a substantially helical groove, wherein the pitch of the helical track is varied to reduce the movement of the guide member relative to the axis per revolution of the guide member around the helical groove, A system comprising: a secondary actuator operably coupled to a secondary electrode and rotatably housed within a guide of a primary actuator, wherein the secondary actuator supports a guide member configured to engage with a helical groove, and the secondary actuator is rotatable relative to the primary actuator and propels the secondary electrode to move relative to the primary electrode. 31. The system according to claim 30, wherein the pitch is varied such that it reduces the distance the secondary actuator travels along the axis per revolution of the secondary actuator at a position where the secondary electrode is expected to apply increased resistance to movement along the axis to the secondary actuator. 32. The system according to claim 31, wherein the location where the secondary electrode is expected to impose increased resistance corresponds to the location where the movement of the distal end of the secondary electrode is expected to be obstructed by an obstruction. 33. The system according to claim 31, wherein the location where the secondary electrode is expected to exert increased resistance corresponds to the location where the configuration of the distal portion of the secondary electrode resists the movement of the secondary electrode. 34. The system according to claim 33, wherein the configuration of the distal portion of the secondary electrode that resists movement of the secondary electrode includes a distal portion of the secondary electrode that forms a coil shape at the end of the lumen, and at least one of being wound into a coil shape when extending from the lumen and being unwound from a coil shape when retracting into the lumen produces increased resistance to movement of the secondary electrode along the axis. 35. The system according to claim 31, wherein the pitch of the helical groove is changed to increase the movement of the secondary actuator along the axis at a second position where the secondary electrode is expected to apply reduced resistance to movement along the axis to the secondary actuator. 36. The system according to claim 30, wherein the guide includes an annular tube defining a helical groove. 37. A method, The long, slender tool is connected at its proximal end to an actuator that can move along its axis, A method for propelling a tool by rotatably moving an actuator through a substantially spiral path centered on an axis, wherein the spiral path has a pitch that varies such that the distance the actuator travels along the axis per revolution of the actuator. 38. The method according to claim 37, wherein the pitch is varied to reduce the distance the actuator travels along the axis per revolution of the actuator at a position where the tool is expected to apply increased resistance to movement along the axis to the actuator. 39. The method according to claim 38, wherein the location where the elongated tool is expected to exert increased resistance corresponds to the location where the movement of the distal end of the tool is expected to be obstructed by an impediment. 40. The method according to claim 38, wherein the location where the elongated tool is expected to exert increased resistance corresponds to the location where the configuration of the distal portion of the tool resists the movement of the tool. 41. Apparatus, A lock body defining an opening having a first section having a first width and a second section having a second width smaller than the first width, wherein the lock body is slidably mounted on one of a first device supporting a first coupling and a second device supporting a second coupling, and one of the first and second couplings is configured to support a flange having a flange width smaller than the first width and larger than the second width, A device comprising: a sliding mounting mechanism configured to slidably secure a lock body to one of a first device and a second device, the sliding mounting mechanism further configured to allow the lock body to slide between an open position in which a first section can be positioned to allow a first coupling to be inserted into a second coupling to form a connection, and a closed position in which the edge of the lock body around the second section abuts against the flange to prevent the coupling supporting the flange from being pulled out of the connection. 42. The apparatus according to claim 41, further comprising a latch mechanism configured to engage with a lock body positioned in the closed position, wherein the latch mechanism prevents the lock body from sliding without the lock mechanism being disengaged from the lock body. 43. The apparatus according to claim 42, further comprising a biasing mechanism configured to bias the latch mechanism to the locked position in order to prevent the lock body from sliding from the closed position. 44. The device according to claim 42, wherein the latch mechanism includes a locking pin that is at least partially insertable into a locking body positioned in the closed position. 45. The fixture according to claim 42, wherein the latch mechanism is attached to a sliding mounting mechanism. 46. ​​The fixture according to claim 42, wherein the sliding mounting mechanism includes a torque transmission mechanism comprising a linkage configured to transmit torque between a first device and a second device. 47. The sliding mounting mechanism is, A base portion coupled to one of the first device and the second device, the base portion having a base portion that abuts against the first surface of the lock body, The device according to claim 41, comprising: a retaining ring configured to engage with a second surface of a lock body, the retaining ring including at least one retaining member configured to engage with a base portion to slidably hold the lock body relative to the base portion. 48. The apparatus according to claim 41, further comprising a hood extending over the connection between the first connector and the second connector. 49. The apparatus according to claim 48, wherein the hood is contoured to allow the locking body to slide between an open position and a closed position without affecting the first and second devices. 50. It is a system, Inside, there is an elongated primary electrode that defines the lumen, An elongated secondary electrode slidably housed within the lumen, A sheath configured to slidably house a primary electrode and to transport the primary electrode and secondary electrode toward a target site, A housing movably coupled to a sheath and mounted to slidably propel the sheath toward a target site, A primary actuator is movably coupled to the primary electrode and movably coupled to the housing to propel the primary electrode relative to the sheath, A secondary actuator operably coupled to a second electrode and movably coupled to a primary actuator, wherein the secondary actuator is independently movable relative to the primary actuator and propels the secondary electrode to move relative to the primary electrode, A first coupling, supported by a housing and configured to engage with a second coupling to support a flange having a flange width, wherein the second coupling extends from the device and through the second coupling, the sheath and electrodes are transported to a target site. A lock body defining an opening having a first section having a first width greater than the flange width and a second section having a second width less than the flange width, A system comprising: a sliding mounting mechanism configured to slidably secure a lock body to a housing, the sliding mounting mechanism further configured to allow the lock body to slide between an open position in which a first section can be positioned to allow a first coupling to insertably accommodate a second coupling to form a connection, and a closed position in which the edge of the lock body around the second section abuts against the flange to prevent the coupling supporting the flange from being pulled out of the connection. 51. The system according to claim 50, further comprising a latch mechanism configured to engage with a lock body positioned in a closed position, wherein the latch mechanism prevents the lock body from sliding without the lock mechanism being disengaged from the lock body. 52. The system according to claim 51, further comprising a biasing mechanism configured to bias the latch mechanism to the locked position in order to prevent the lock body from sliding from the closed position. 53. The system according to claim 52, wherein the latch mechanism includes a locking pin that is at least partially insertable into a locking body positioned in the closed position. 54. The system according to claim 51, wherein the latch mechanism is attached to a sliding mounting portion. 55. The system according to claim 51, wherein the sliding mounting mechanism includes a torque transmission mechanism comprising a linkage configured to transmit torque between a first device and a second device. 56. The sliding mounting mechanism is, A base portion coupled to one of the first device and the second device, the base portion having a base portion that abuts against the first surface of the lock body, The system according to claim 50, comprising: a retaining clip configured to engage with a second surface of a lock body, the retaining clip including at least one retaining member configured to engage with a base portion to slidably hold the lock body relative to the base portion. 57. The system according to claim 50, further comprising a hood extending over the connection between the first connector and the second connector. 58. The system according to claim 57, wherein the hood is contoured to allow the locking body to slide between an open position and a closed position without affecting the first and second devices. 59. A method, The lock body is positioned in the open position, wherein the lock body defines an opening having a first section having a first width and a second section having a second width smaller than the first width, and the lock body is slidably mounted to one of a first device supporting a first coupling and a second device supporting a second coupling, and the first section is positioned between the first coupling and the second coupling when the lock body is positioned in the open position. A connection is formed by inserting the first connector into the second connector such that one of the first and second connectors supports a flange having a flange width smaller than the first width and larger than the second width. A method comprising: repositioning the locking body to a closed position such that the edge of the locking body around the second section abuts against the flange, in order to prevent the coupling supporting the flange from being pulled out of the connection. 60. The method according to claim 59, further comprising locking the lock body in place to prevent movement of the lock body after the lock body has been moved to the closed position. 【0100】 The embodiments for carrying out the invention described above are essentially illustrative, and it will be understood that any modifications that do not deviate from the spirit and / or intent of the subject matter of the claims are intended to fall within the scope of the claims. Such modifications will not be considered to deviate from the spirit and scope of the subject matter of the claims. [Explanation of symbols] 【0101】 100 ···System 102 ···User Interface 103 ···Sheath 114...Current source 116 ···Injection pump 118 ···Electrosurgical equipment 120 ···Foot-operated unit 130 ···Conductor 131 ···Bipolar exit 133...Secondary exit 150...Coupler

Claims

[Claim 1] It is a device, A long, slender secondary electrode that can move along the axis, A rotatable secondary actuator operably coupled to the proximal end of the elongated secondary electrode, the rotatable secondary actuator propels the secondary electrode so as to move along the axis in accordance with the rotation of the rotatable secondary actuator, A guide operably coupled to a rotatable secondary actuator, the guide forming an overall helical path about the axis to guide the movement of the rotatable secondary actuator, the pitch of the helical path varying along the length of the guide such that when the rotatable secondary actuator moves distal to the guide, the axial distance the rotatable secondary actuator travels along the axis per revolution of the rotatable secondary actuator is reduced along the length of the guide. The pitch is varied such that, at a predetermined position, the distance the secondary actuator moves along the axis per revolution of the secondary actuator is reduced, and at the predetermined position, the secondary electrode applies increased resistance to the movement along the axis of the secondary actuator. The pitch of the helical path is varied to increase the movement of the rotatable secondary actuator along the axis at a second position, and at the second position, the elongated secondary electrode applies reduced resistance to the rotatable secondary actuator with respect to the movement along the axis, in the apparatus. [Claim 2] The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the position where the elongated secondary electrode applies the increased resistance corresponds to a location where the movement of the distal end of the elongated secondary electrode is expected to be obstructed by an obstacle. [Claim 3] The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the position where the elongated secondary electrode applies the increased resistance corresponds to a location where the configuration of the distal portion of the elongated secondary electrode resists movement of the elongated secondary electrode. [Claim 4] The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the configuration of the distal portion of the elongated secondary electrode that resists the movement of the elongated secondary electrode includes a distal portion of the elongated secondary electrode that can be formed into a coil shape at the end of the lumen, the elongated secondary electrode extends through the lumen, and at least one of being wound into a coil shape when extending out of the lumen and being unwound from the coil shape when retracting into the lumen produces increased resistance to the movement of the elongated secondary electrode along the axis. [Claim 5] It is a system, Inside, there is an elongated primary electrode that defines the lumen, An elongated secondary electrode that can be slidably housed within the lumen, A sheath configured to slidably house the primary electrode inside, the sheath further configured to transport the primary electrode and the secondary electrode toward a target site, A housing is movably mounted to be operably coupled to the sheath and to slidably propel the sheath toward the target portion, A primary actuator includes a guide that is operably coupled to the primary electrode and slidably coupled to the housing, which propels the primary electrode and causes it to slide along its axis relative to the sheath, forming an overall helical path, A secondary actuator operably coupled to the secondary electrode and rotatably housed within the guide of the primary actuator, wherein the secondary actuator supports a guide member configured to engage with the helical path, the secondary actuator is rotatable relative to the primary actuator and propels the secondary electrode toward the primary electrode, and the pitch of the helical path changes such that, when the secondary actuator moves distally to the primary actuator, the axial movement of the guide member relative to the axis per revolution of the secondary actuator around the helical path is reduced along the length of the guide, The pitch is varied such that, at a predetermined position, the distance the secondary actuator moves along the axis per revolution of the secondary actuator is reduced, and at the predetermined position, the secondary electrode applies increased resistance to the movement along the axis of the secondary actuator. The system wherein the location where the secondary electrode applies the increased resistance corresponds to a location where the movement of the distal end of the elongated secondary electrode is obstructed by an obstacle. [Claim 6] The system according to claim 5, wherein the location where the secondary electrode is expected to apply the increased resistance corresponds to a location where the configuration of the distal portion of the secondary electrode resists movement of the secondary electrode. [Claim 7] The system according to claim 6, wherein the configuration of the distal portion of the secondary electrode that resists the movement of the secondary electrode includes the distal portion of the secondary electrode that forms a coil shape at the end of the lumen, and at least one of being wound into the coil shape when extending from the lumen and being unwound from the coil shape when retracting into the lumen produces increased resistance to the movement of the secondary electrode along the axis. [Claim 8] The system according to claim 5, wherein the pitch of the helical path is varied to increase the movement of the secondary actuator along the axis at a second position, and at the second position, the secondary electrode is expected to apply reduced resistance to the movement along the axis to the secondary actuator. [Claim 9] The system according to claim 5, wherein the guide includes an annular tube forming the spiral path.

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