NETHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING A MEASURE OF TISSUE MANIPULATION

A surgical device is comprised of a probe adapted for insertion into a patient. The probe has a means for manipulating tissue within a zone of manipulation. The probe also has a first receiver which is disposed within the zone of manipulation. The first receiver responds to receipt of a radiated signal by generation of a first receiver signal indicating a strength at which the radiated signal is received. A means for analyzing the first receiver signal determines a measure of manipulation to the tissue within the zone of manipulation. In one embodiment, the first receiver is disposed at the tip of the probe. In another embodiment, the means for manipulating removes energy from the tissue. In yet another embodiment, the means for manipulating adds energy to the tissue so as to alter the tissue. Optionally, the means for analyzing accumulates a set of values of the first receiver signal over time in order to determine the measure of manipulation. A scanner generates the radiated signal. Optionally, the scanner is an ultrasonic scanner and the radiated signal is an ultrasonic signal.