MEDICAL DEVICE FOR USE IN TISSUE CHARACTERIZATION AND TREATMENT

A medical device is presented for use in tissue characterization and treatment. The device comprises a tissue characterization probe comprising: a tissue characterization probe comprising an elongated carrier carrying an array of tissue characterization sensors, each configured and operable for generates a tissue characterization signal corresponding to a tissue mass at a location of the respective sensor, said tissue characterization sensors being arranged in a spaced-apart relationship along at least a longitudinal axis of said carrier within at least a distal portion of the carrier with known distances between them, such that during progression of the probe through a tissue mass each of the sensors generates tissue characterization signals from successive locations thereof within the tissue mass thereby enabling to locate, and optionally also determine a dimension of, a tissue specimen inside said tissue mass based on the characterization signals from the sensors in the array. The elongated carrier has two integral portions including said distal portion and a hollow portion extending between a proximal end of the carrier and said distal portion. The carrier is configured for passing a treatment tool through the hollow portion thereof and enabling at least a part of the treatment tool to project from the hollow portion and extend along the distal portion. The device thereby enables consequent treatment of a tissue specimen by a treatment tool when mounted on the carrier. Several movement mechanisms are described for enabling relative movement between the carrier and a treatment tool passing therethrough.