The invention is a transvaginal ultrasound probe having an attached echogenic
needle that is useful in the treatment of uterine fibroids. The echogenic needle
has an echogenic surface near its tip that allows the physician to visualize its
location using ultrasound imaging. In one embodiment, the needle has an active
electrode at its distal end. The active electrode supplies radio frequency energy
to a fibroids causing necrosis of the targeted fibroid or by destroying the fibroid's
vascular supply. The radio frequency needle preferably has a safety device that
shuts-off energy if the needle punctures the uterine wall. In a second embodiment,
the needle has a cryogen supply tube and cryogen supply. This embodiment destroys
fibroid tissue by freezing it or its vascular supply when the tissue comes in contact
with the needle's frozen distal end. The invention further includes the method
of using the ultrasound probe with the attached needle.