Abstract Ablation device including a probe structure 10 having a proximal end 12 and a distal end 14 . Probe structure 10 includes a tubular first catheter 16 , a tubular second catheter 18 surrounding the first catheter and a tubular guide catheter extending within the first catheter 16 . The first catheter 16 carries a cylindrical ultrasonic transducer 20 adjacent its distal end. The transducer 20 is connected to a source of electrical excitation. The ultrasonic waves emitted by the transducer 20 are directed at the heart wall tissue. Once the tissue reaches the target temperature, the electrical excitation is turned on and off to maintain the tissue at the largest temperature. Alternatively, the transducer 20 is subjected to continuous excitation at one power level and upon the tissue reaching the target temperature, the power level of the continuous excitation is switched to a second lower power level.
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