An ablation system is provided that includes an ablating device and a probe. The probe is configured to be positioned in close proximity to a region of non-targeted tissue proximate an ablation site of targeted tissue. The probe includes an elongate shaft having proximal and distal ends, with a handle disposed at the proximal end thereof and a tissue protecting apparatus disposed at the distal end thereof. The ablating device includes an elongate shaft having proximal and distal ends, with a handle mounted at the proximal end thereof and an ablation element mounted at the distal end thereof. The ablation element includes an ultrasound transducer and an inflatable balloon surrounding the ultrasound transducer. The balloon includes a layer of gel disposed on its outer surface.
