Apparatus for thermal treatment with focussed energy application, comprising:(a) a probe having a proximal end and a distal end adapted for insertion into the body of the subject, said probe including a carrier catheter (1626) defining a central axis(b) a balloon (1628) having a proximal end attached to said carrier catheter and having a distal end, said probe having an inflation conduit communicating with the interior of said balloon and(c) means for moving said distal end of said balloon relative to the proximal end of the balloon, whereby the balloon can be inflated when the carrier catheter is in the extended position by introducing a fluid through said inflation conduit and then deflated by withdrawing the fluid through the inflation conduit, and operation of said means for moving substantially collapses the balloon in radial directions transverse to the central axis to facilitate movement of the carrier catheter in the proximal direction.
