#$%^&*AU2005215926B220120913.pdf#####COOLED RF ABLATION NEEDLE ABSTRACT An ablation system (100) includes an ablation electrode assembly (110) 5 operatively connectable to sources of electrosurgical energy and cooling fluid. The electrode assembly (110) includes a hub (130) defining a chamber (116) therein at least one electrically conductive ablation needle (112) extending from the hub (130), the ablation needle (112) including a distal end portion (118) configured to penetrate tissue, said distal end portion (118) being electrically and thermally conductive for establishing 1o electric and thermal communication with the tissue a heat sink operatively connected to the ablation needle (112), the heat sink being connected to the ablation needle (112) to draw energy away from at least the distal end portion (118) thereof, the heat sink including a proximal end extending into the chamber (116) of the hub (130) and a conduit fluidly connected to the hub (130) for delivering fluid into the chamber (116) 15 thereof from the source of fluid, wherein the fluid withdraws energy from the proximal end of the heat sink.GENERA TOR i COOLANT SUPPLY 3/3
