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.