An electrode catheter is introduced into a hollow anatomical structure, such
as
a vein, and is positioned at a treatment site within the structure. Tumescent fluid
is injected into the tissue surrounding the treatment site to produce tumescence
of the surrounding tissue which then compresses the vein. The solution may include
an anesthetic, and may further include a vasoconstrictive drug that shrinks blood
vessels. The tumescent swelling in the surrounding tissue causes the hollow anatomical
structure to become compressed, thereby exsanguinating the treatment site. Energy
is applied by an electrode catheter in apposition with the vein wall to create
a heating effect. The heating effect causes the hollow anatomical structure to
become molded and durably assume the compressed dimensions caused by the tumescent
technique. The electrode catheter can be moved within the structure so as to apply
energy to a large section of the hollow anatomic structure. In a further aspect,
the location of the electrodes is determined by impedance monitoring. Also, temperature
sensors at the treatment site are averaged to determine the site temperature.