Patent US5846239A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5846239A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Tissue heating and ablation systems and methods using segmented porous electrode structures
Assignee: EP Technologies Inc
•
Filing: 1996-04-12
•
Granted: 1998-12-08
•
Expires: 2016-04-12
Abstract
Abstract A porous electrode assembly for tissue heating and ablation systems and methods includes a wall having an exterior peripherally surrounding an interior area. The assembly includes a lumen to convey a medium containing ions into the interior area. An element couples the medium within the interior area to a source of electrical energy. According to the invention, the wall includes at least two spaced apart zones. Each zone comprises a porous material sized to pass ions contained in the medium, to thereby enable ionic transport of electrical energy from the source through the medium and porous material to the exterior of the wall. In a preferred embodiment, the at least two zones are spaced apart by a third zone comprising a material that blocks passage of ions contained in the medium.
Inventors
- 👤 David K. Swanson
- 👤 Dorin Panescu
- 👤 James G. Whayne
- 👤 Patrick M. Owens
- 👤 Russell B. Thompson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 22:14
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61N; A61N1/00; A61N1/02; A61N1/04; A61N1/05; A61B; A61B18/00; A61B18/04; A61B18/12; A61B18/14; A61B18/1492; A61B2018/00053; A61B2018/00214; A61B2018/0022; A61B2018/00238; A61B2018/00315; A61B2018/00345; A61B2018/00351; A61B2018/00357; A61B2018/00636; A61B2018/00773; A61B2018/00791; A61B2018/00839
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 103
Claim 1
Independent Claim
98 words
A porous electrode assembly for ablating body tissue comprising a wall having an exterior peripherally surrounding an interior area, a lumen to convey a medium containing ions into the interior area, an element for coupling the medium within the interior area to a source of electrical energy, and the wall including at least two spaced apart zones each comprising a porous material sized to pass ions contained in the medium to thereby enable ionic transport of electrical energy from the source through the medium and porous material to the exterior of the wall sufficient to ablate body tissue.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
98 words
A porous electrode assembly for ablating body tissue comprising a wall having an exterior peripherally surrounding an interior area, a lumen to convey a medium containing ions into the interior area, an element for coupling the medium within the interior area to a source of electrical energy, and the wall including at least two spaced apart zones each comprising a porous material sized to pass ions contained in the medium to thereby enable ionic transport of electrical energy from the source through the medium and porous material to the exterior of the wall sufficient to ablate body tissue.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
90 words
A porous electrode assembly for ablating body tissue comprising a wall having an exterior peripherally surrounding an interior area, a medium containing ions filling the interior area, an element for coupling the medium to a source of electrical energy, and the wall including at least two spaced apart zones each comprising a porous material sized to pass ions contained in the medium to thereby enable ionic transport of electrical energy from the source through the medium and porous material to the exterior of the wall sufficient to ablate body tissue.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
90 words
A porous electrode assembly for ablating body tissue comprising a wall having an exterior peripherally surrounding an interior area, a medium containing ions filling the interior area, an element for coupling the medium to a source of electrical energy, and the wall including at least two spaced apart zones each comprising a porous material sized to pass ions contained in the medium to thereby enable ionic transport of electrical energy from the source through the medium and porous material to the exterior of the wall sufficient to ablate body tissue.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
132 words
A porous electrode assembly for ablating body tissue comprising a wall having an exterior peripherally surrounding an interior area, a generator of radio frequency energy, a fluid source holding a medium containing ions, a lumen communicating with the interior area and the fluid source to convey into the interior area the medium containing ions, an element coupled to the generator to establish electrical contact between the medium within the interior area and the generator, and the wall including at least two spaced apart zones each comprising a porous material sized to block passage of blood cells while passing ions contained in the medium to thereby enable ionic transport of radio frequency energy from the generator through the medium and porous material to the exterior of the wall sufficient to ablate body tissue.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
132 words
A porous electrode assembly for ablating body tissue comprising a wall having an exterior peripherally surrounding an interior area, a generator of radio frequency energy, a fluid source holding a medium containing ions, a lumen communicating with the interior area and the fluid source to convey into the interior area the medium containing ions, an element coupled to the generator to establish electrical contact between the medium within the interior area and the generator, and the wall including at least two spaced apart zones each comprising a porous material sized to block passage of blood cells while passing ions contained in the medium to thereby enable ionic transport of radio frequency energy from the generator through the medium and porous material to the exterior of the wall sufficient to ablate body tissue.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
127 words
A porous electrode assembly for ablating body tissue comprising a wall having an exterior peripherally surrounding an interior area, an element for coupling a medium within the interior area to a source of electrical energy, the wall including at least two spaced apart zones, each zone comprising a porous material sized to pass ions contained in the medium to thereby enable ionic transport of electrical energy from the source through the medium and porous material to the exterior of the wall sufficient to ablate body tissue, a bladder in the interior area aligned in operative association with each spaced apart zone to hold fluid in contact with the porous material, and a lumen communicating with each bladder to convey a medium containing ions into the respective bladder.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
127 words
A porous electrode assembly for ablating body tissue comprising a wall having an exterior peripherally surrounding an interior area, an element for coupling a medium within the interior area to a source of electrical energy, the wall including at least two spaced apart zones, each zone comprising a porous material sized to pass ions contained in the medium to thereby enable ionic transport of electrical energy from the source through the medium and porous material to the exterior of the wall sufficient to ablate body tissue, a bladder in the interior area aligned in operative association with each spaced apart zone to hold fluid in contact with the porous material, and a lumen communicating with each bladder to convey a medium containing ions into the respective bladder.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
37 words
An assembly according to claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 wherein the at least two zones are spaced apart by a third zone comprising a material that blocks passage of ions contained in the medium.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
33 words
An assembly according to claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 wherein the wall extends about an axis, and wherein the first and second zones are circumferentially spaced apart about the axis.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
32 words
An assembly according to claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 wherein the wall extends about an axis, and wherein the first and second zones are spaced apart along the axis.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
38 words
An assembly according to claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 wherein the wall includes a distal region and a proximal region, and wherein the porous material occupies more of the distal region than the proximal region.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
19 words
An assembly according to claim 8 wherein at least 1/3rd of the proximal region is free of porous material.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
18 words
An assembly according to claim 8 wherein the porous material occupies at least 1/3rd of the distal region.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
43 words
An assembly according to claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 wherein the wall is adapted to selectively assume an expanded geometry having a first maximum diameter and a collapsed geometry having a second maximum diameter less than the first maximum diameter.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
33 words
An assembly according to claim 11 and further including at least one folding region on the exterior of the wall adapted to fold upon itself along a predefined fold line as geometry changes.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
17 words
An assembly according to claim 12 wherein the fold line is located generally between the two zones.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
16 words
An assembly according to claim 12 wherein the folding region is not porous to pass ions.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
17 words
An assembly according to claim 12 wherein the folding region is essentially free of electrically conducting material.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
25 words
An assembly according to claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 and further including at least one temperature sensing element carried by the wall.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
27 words
An assembly according to claim 16 wherein the at least one temperature sensing element is located proximate to at least one of the zones of porous material.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
26 words
An assembly according to claim 16 wherein the at least one temperature sensing element is located in at least one of the zones of porous material.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
34 words
An assembly according to claim 16 wherein the zones of porous material have edge boundaries, and wherein the at least one temperature sensing element is located along at least one of the edge boundaries.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
27 words
An assembly according to claim 1 or 2 or 4 wherein the porous material is sized to block passage of blood cells while allowing passage of ions.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
28 words
An assembly according to claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 wherein the porous material is sized to block passage of macromolecules while allowing passage of ions.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
20 words
An assembly according to claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 wherein the porous material comprises an ultrafiltration membrane.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
20 words
An assembly according to claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 wherein the porous material comprises a microporous membrane.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
27 words
An assembly according to claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 wherein the element comprises an electrically conductive electrode in the interior area of the wall.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
15 words
An assembly according to claim 24 wherein the electrically conductive electrode comprises a noble metal.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
27 words
An assembly according to claim 24 wherein the electrically conductive electrode includes a material selected from the group consisting essentially of gold, platinum, platinum/iridium, and combinations thereof.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
15 words
An assembly according to claim 2 or 3 wherein the medium comprises a hypertonic solution.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
13 words
An assembly according to claim 27 wherein the hypertonic solution includes sodium chloride.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
19 words
An assembly according to claim 27 wherein the sodium chloride is present in a concentration at or near saturation.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
23 words
An assembly according to claim 27 wherein the sodium chloride is present in a concentration of up to about 9% weight by volume.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
13 words
An assembly according to claim 27 wherein the hypertonic solution includes potassium chloride.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
23 words
An assembly according to claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 wherein the medium has a resistivity lower than about 150 ohm·cm.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
17 words
An assembly according to claim 32 wherein the medium has a resistivity lower than about 10 ohm·cm.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
16 words
An assembly according to claim 32 wherein the medium has a resistivity of about 5 ohm·cm.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
25 words
An assembly according to claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 wherein the medium includes a material whose presence increases viscosity of the medium.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
28 words
An assembly according to claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 wherein the medium includes at least one ionic material whose presence increases viscosity of the medium.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
17 words
An assembly according to claim 36 wherein the at least one ionic material comprises a radiopaque substance.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
26 words
An assembly according to claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 wherein the medium includes a nonionic material whose presence increases viscosity of the medium.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
12 words
An assembly according to claim 38 wherein the nonionic material includes glycerol.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
12 words
An assembly according to claim 38 wherein the nonionic material includes mannitol.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
26 words
An assembly according to claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 wherein the porous material has an electrical resistivity of at least about 500 ohm·cm.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
25 words
An assembly according to claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 wherein the porous material has an electrical resistivity less than about 500 ohm·cm.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
25 words
An assembly according to claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 wherein at least a portion of the wall includes an electrically conductive material.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
19 words
An assembly according to claim 43 wherein the electrically conductive material of the wall is porous to pass ions.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
18 words
An assembly according to claim 43 wherein the electrically conductive material of the wall is nonporous to ions.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
18 words
An assembly according to claim 43 wherein the electrically conductive material comprises a coating deposited on the wall.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
17 words
An assembly according to claim 43 wherein the electrically conductive material comprises foil affixed to the wall.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
16 words
An assembly according to claim 43 wherein the electrically conductive material is located in the wall.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
22 words
An assembly according to claim 43 wherein the electrically conductive material comprises noninsulated signal wire exposed on the exterior of the wall.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
20 words
An electrode assembly according to claim 43 wherein at least a portion the wall is free of electrically conductive material.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
26 words
An electrode assembly according to claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 wherein at least a portion the wall is free of electrically conductive material.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
29 words
An assembly according to claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 and further including members assembled within the interior area to form a support structure underlying the wall.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
15 words
An assembly according to claim 52 wherein the support members are made from metal material.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
13 words
An assembly according to claim 53 wherein the metal material includes nickel titanium.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
13 words
An assembly according to claim 53 wherein the metal material includes stainless steel.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
15 words
An assembly according to claim 52 wherein the support members are made from plastic material.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
20 words
An assembly according to claim 52 wherein the support members comprise elongated spline elements assembled in a circumferentially spaced relationship.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
15 words
An assembly according to claim 52 wherein the support members comprise a porous foam structure.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
22 words
An assembly according to claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 and further including a radiopaque material carried by the assembly.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
18 words
An assembly according to claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 wherein the porous material is hydrophilic.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
38 words
An assembly according to claim 60 wherein the medium occupies the interior area subject to interior pressure, wherein the porous material has a bubble point pressure value, and wherein the bubble point pressure value exceeds the interior pressure.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
18 words
An assembly according to claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 wherein the porous material is hydrophobic.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
43 words
An assembly according to claim 62 wherein the medium occupies the interior area subject to interior pressure, wherein the porous material has a bubble point pressure value, and wherein the bubble point pressure value is equal to or less than the interior pressure.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
44 words
An assembly according to claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 wherein the medium occupies the interior area subject to interior pressure, wherein the porous material has a bubble point pressure value, and wherein the bubble point pressure value exceeds the interior pressure.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
49 words
An assembly according to claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 wherein the medium occupies the interior area subject to interior pressure, wherein the porous material has a bubble point pressure value, and wherein the bubble point pressure value is equal to or less than the interior pressure.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
20 words
An assembly according to claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 wherein the porous material includes a hydrophilic coating.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
26 words
An assembly according to claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 wherein the wall is hydrophobic, and wherein the porous material includes a hydrophilic coating.
Claim 72
Independent Claim
192 words
A system for heating body tissue comprising a catheter tube having a distal end, a return electrode, a fluid source of a medium containing ions, an electrode on the distal end of the catheter tube adapted to be electrically coupled to the return electrode through tissue, the electrode comprising a wall having an exterior peripherally surrounding an interior area, a lumen to convey the medium containing ions from the fluid source into the interior area, an electrically conductive element in the interior area, means for coupling the electrically conductive element to a source of energy to transmit the energy, the wall including at least two spaced apart zones each comprising a porous material sized to pass ions contained in the medium to thereby enable ionic transport of electrical energy from the source through the medium and porous material to the exterior of the wall for transmission to the return electrode to heat tissue located between the return electrode and the electrode, and a controller adapted to be coupled to the fluid source and the source of energy to control transport of electrical energy by the spaced apart zones according to preestablished criteria.
Claim 73
Independent Claim
192 words
A system for heating body tissue comprising a catheter tube having a distal end, a return electrode, a fluid source of a medium containing ions, an electrode on the distal end of the catheter tube adapted to be electrically coupled to the return electrode through tissue, the electrode comprising a wall having an exterior peripherally surrounding an interior area, a lumen to convey the medium containing ions from the fluid source into the interior area, an electrically conductive element in the interior area, means for coupling the electrically conductive element to a source of energy to transmit the energy, the wall including at least two spaced apart zones each comprising a porous material sized to pass ions contained in the medium to thereby enable ionic transport of electrical energy from the source through the medium and porous material to the exterior of the wall for transmission to the return electrode to heat tissue located between the return electrode and the electrode, and a controller adapted to be coupled to the fluid source and the source of energy to control transport of electrical energy by the spaced apart zones according to preestablished criteria.
Claim 74
Independent Claim
193 words
A system for ablating body tissue comprising a catheter tube having a distal end, a return electrode, a fluid source of a medium containing ions, an electrode on the distal end of the catheter tube adapted to be electrically coupled to the return electrode through tissue, the electrode comprising a wall having an exterior peripherally surrounding an interior area, a lumen to convey the medium containing ions from the fluid source into the interior area, an electrically conductive element in the interior area, means for coupling the electrically conductive element to a source of energy to transmit the energy, the wall including at least two spaced apart zones each comprising a porous material sized to pass ions contained in the medium to thereby enable ionic transport of electrical energy from the source through the medium and porous material to the exterior of the wall for transmission to the return electrode sufficient to ablate tissue located between the return electrode and the electrode, and a controller adapted to be coupled to the fluid source and the source of energy to control transport of electrical energy by the spaced apart zones according to preestablished criteria.
Claim 75
Independent Claim
193 words
A system for ablating body tissue comprising a catheter tube having a distal end, a return electrode, a fluid source of a medium containing ions, an electrode on the distal end of the catheter tube adapted to be electrically coupled to the return electrode through tissue, the electrode comprising a wall having an exterior peripherally surrounding an interior area, a lumen to convey the medium containing ions from the fluid source into the interior area, an electrically conductive element in the interior area, means for coupling the electrically conductive element to a source of energy to transmit the energy, the wall including at least two spaced apart zones each comprising a porous material sized to pass ions contained in the medium to thereby enable ionic transport of electrical energy from the source through the medium and porous material to the exterior of the wall for transmission to the return electrode sufficient to ablate tissue located between the return electrode and the electrode, and a controller adapted to be coupled to the fluid source and the source of energy to control transport of electrical energy by the spaced apart zones according to preestablished criteria.
Claim 76
Independent Claim
201 words
A system for ablating heart tissue comprising a catheter tube having a distal end for deployment in a heart chamber, a return electrode, a fluid source of a medium containing ions, an electrode on the distal end of the catheter tube adapted to be electrically coupled to the return electrode through heart tissue, the electrode comprising a wall having an exterior peripherally surrounding an interior area, a lumen to convey the medium containing ions from the fluid source into the interior area, an electrically conductive element in the interior area, means for coupling the electrically conductive element to a source of energy to transmit the energy, the wall including at least two spaced apart zones each comprising a porous material sized to pass ions contained in the medium to thereby enable ionic transport of electrical energy from the source through the medium and porous material to the exterior of the wall for transmission to the return electrode sufficient to ablate heart tissue located between the return electrode and the electrode, and a controller adapted to be coupled to the fluid source and the source of energy to control transport of electrical energy by the spaced apart zones according to preestablished criteria.
Claim 77
Independent Claim
201 words
A system for ablating heart tissue comprising a catheter tube having a distal end for deployment in a heart chamber, a return electrode, a fluid source of a medium containing ions, an electrode on the distal end of the catheter tube adapted to be electrically coupled to the return electrode through heart tissue, the electrode comprising a wall having an exterior peripherally surrounding an interior area, a lumen to convey the medium containing ions from the fluid source into the interior area, an electrically conductive element in the interior area, means for coupling the electrically conductive element to a source of energy to transmit the energy, the wall including at least two spaced apart zones each comprising a porous material sized to pass ions contained in the medium to thereby enable ionic transport of electrical energy from the source through the medium and porous material to the exterior of the wall for transmission to the return electrode sufficient to ablate heart tissue located between the return electrode and the electrode, and a controller adapted to be coupled to the fluid source and the source of energy to control transport of electrical energy by the spaced apart zones according to preestablished criteria.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
53 words
A system according to claim 68 or 69 or 70 and further including at least one temperature sensing element on the wall, and wherein the controller includes means for controlling the transport of electrical energy by the spaced apart zones based at least in part upon temperature sensed by the temperature sensing element.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
24 words
A system according to claim 71 wherein at least one the temperature sensing element is located proximal to at least one of the zones.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
22 words
A system according to claim 71 wherein at least one temperature sensing element is located in at least one of the zones.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
34 words
A system according to claim 71 wherein the zones of porous material have edge boundaries, and wherein the at least one temperature sensing element is located along at least one of the edge boundaries.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
33 words
A system according to claim 68 or 69 or 70 wherein the controller includes means for specifying an electrical resistivity for the zones based, at least in part, upon a desired physiological effect.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
57 words
A system according to claim 69 or 70 wherein the controller includes means for specifying a first electrical resistivity for the zones to achieve a first tissue lesion characteristic and specifying a second electrical resistivity for the zones different than the first electrical resistivity to achieve a second tissue lesion characteristic different than the first lesion characteristic.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
51 words
A system according to claim 69 or 70 wherein the controller includes means for specifying a first electrical resistivity for the zones to achieve a deep tissue lesion geometry and specifying a second electrical resistivity for the zones greater than the first electrical resistivity to achieve a shallow tissue lesion geometry.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
20 words
A system according to claim 68 or 69 or 70 and further including a radiopaque material carried by the electrode.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
16 words
A system according to claim 68 or 69 or 70 wherein the porous material is hydrophilic.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
38 words
A system according to claim 79 wherein the medium occupies the interior area subject to interior pressure, wherein the porous material has a bubble point pressure value, and wherein the bubble point pressure value exceeds the interior pressure.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
16 words
A system according to claim 68 or 69 or 70 wherein the porous material is hydrophobic.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
43 words
A system according to claim 81 wherein the medium occupies the interior area subject to interior pressure, wherein the porous material has a bubble point pressure value, and wherein the bubble point pressure value is equal to or less than the interior pressure.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
42 words
A system according to claim 68 or 69 or 70 wherein the medium occupies the interior area subject to interior pressure, wherein the porous material has a bubble point pressure value, and wherein the bubble point pressure value exceeds the interior pressure.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
47 words
A system according to claim 68 or 69 or 70 wherein the medium occupies the interior area subject to interior pressure, wherein the porous material has a bubble point pressure value, and wherein the bubble point pressure value is equal to or less than the interior pressure.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
18 words
A system according to claim 68 or 69 or 70 wherein the porous material includes a hydrophilic coating.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
24 words
A system according to claim 68 or 69 or 70 wherein the wall is hydrophobic, and wherein the porous material includes a hydrophilic coating.
Claim 94
Independent Claim
167 words
A method for heating body tissue comprising the steps of providing a catheter tube having a distal end that carries an electrode comprising a wall having an exterior peripherally surrounding an interior area, a lumen to convey the medium containing ions from the fluid source into the interior area, an electrically conductive element in the interior area, the wall including at least two spaced apart zones each comprising a porous material sized to pass ions contained in the medium, electrically coupling a source of radio frequency energy to the electrically conductive element to a return electrode in contact with body tissue, guiding the catheter tube into a body, conveying a medium containing ions into the interior area, ohmically heating body tissue by transmitting radio frequency energy to the electrically conductive element for ionic transport through the medium and porous material to the exterior of the wall for transmission to the return electrode, and controlling transport of electrical energy by the spaced apart zones according to preestablished criteria.
Claim 95
Independent Claim
167 words
A method for heating body tissue comprising the steps of providing a catheter tube having a distal end that carries an electrode comprising a wall having an exterior peripherally surrounding an interior area, a lumen to convey the medium containing ions from the fluid source into the interior area, an electrically conductive element in the interior area, the wall including at least two spaced apart zones each comprising a porous material sized to pass ions contained in the medium, electrically coupling a source of radio frequency energy to the electrically conductive element to a return electrode in contact with body tissue, guiding the catheter tube into a body, conveying a medium containing ions into the interior area, ohmically heating body tissue by transmitting radio frequency energy to the electrically conductive element for ionic transport through the medium and porous material to the exterior of the wall for transmission to the return electrode, and controlling transport of electrical energy by the spaced apart zones according to preestablished criteria.
Claim 96
Independent Claim
169 words
A method for ablating tissue comprising the steps of providing a catheter tube having a distal end that carries an electrode comprising a wall having an exterior peripherally surrounding an interior area, a lumen to convey the medium containing ions from the fluid source into the interior area, an electrically conductive element in the interior area, the wall including at least two spaced apart zones each comprising a porous material sized to pass ions contained in the medium, electrically coupling a source of radio frequency energy to the electrically conductive element and to a return electrode in contact with body tissue, guiding the catheter tube into a body, conveying a medium containing ions into the interior area, ablating tissue by ohmically heating tissue by transmitting radio frequency energy to the electrically conductive element for ionic transport through the medium and porous material to the exterior of the wall for transmission to the return electrode, and controlling transport of electrical energy by the spaced apart zones according to preestablished criteria.
Claim 97
Independent Claim
169 words
A method for ablating tissue comprising the steps of providing a catheter tube having a distal end that carries an electrode comprising a wall having an exterior peripherally surrounding an interior area, a lumen to convey the medium containing ions from the fluid source into the interior area, an electrically conductive element in the interior area, the wall including at least two spaced apart zones each comprising a porous material sized to pass ions contained in the medium, electrically coupling a source of radio frequency energy to the electrically conductive element and to a return electrode in contact with body tissue, guiding the catheter tube into a body, conveying a medium containing ions into the interior area, ablating tissue by ohmically heating tissue by transmitting radio frequency energy to the electrically conductive element for ionic transport through the medium and porous material to the exterior of the wall for transmission to the return electrode, and controlling transport of electrical energy by the spaced apart zones according to preestablished criteria.
Claim 98
Independent Claim
173 words
A method for ablating heart tissue comprising the steps of providing a catheter tube having a distal end that carries an electrode comprising a wall having an exterior peripherally surrounding an interior area, a lumen to convey the medium containing ions from the fluid source into the interior area, an electrically conductive element in the interior area, the wall including at least two spaced apart zones each comprising a porous material sized to pass ions contained in the medium, electrically coupling a source of radio frequency energy to the electrically conductive element and to a return electrode in contact with body tissue, guiding the catheter tube into a heart chamber, conveying an medium containing ions into the interior area, ablating heart tissue by ohmically heating heart tissue by transmitting radio frequency energy to the electrically conductive element for ionic transport through the medium and porous material to the exterior of the wall for transmission to the return electrode, and controlling transport of electrical energy by the spaced apart zones according to preestablished criteria.
Claim 99
Independent Claim
173 words
A method for ablating heart tissue comprising the steps of providing a catheter tube having a distal end that carries an electrode comprising a wall having an exterior peripherally surrounding an interior area, a lumen to convey the medium containing ions from the fluid source into the interior area, an electrically conductive element in the interior area, the wall including at least two spaced apart zones each comprising a porous material sized to pass ions contained in the medium, electrically coupling a source of radio frequency energy to the electrically conductive element and to a return electrode in contact with body tissue, guiding the catheter tube into a heart chamber, conveying an medium containing ions into the interior area, ablating heart tissue by ohmically heating heart tissue by transmitting radio frequency energy to the electrically conductive element for ionic transport through the medium and porous material to the exterior of the wall for transmission to the return electrode, and controlling transport of electrical energy by the spaced apart zones according to preestablished criteria.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
45 words
A method according to claim 87 or 88 or 89 and further including the step of sensing temperature while ionic transport through the porous material occurs, and controlling transport of electrical energy by the spaced apart zones based at least in part upon temperature sensed.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
33 words
A method according to claim 87 or 88 or 89 and further including the step of specifying an electrical resistivity for the zones based, at least in part, upon a desired physiological effect.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
57 words
A method according to claim 88 or 89 and further including the step of specifying a first electrical resistivity for the zones to achieve a first tissue lesion characteristic and specifying a second electrical resistivity for the zones different than the first electrical resistivity to achieve a second tissue lesion characteristic different than the first lesion characteristic.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
51 words
A method according to claim 88 or 89 and further including the step of specifying a first electrical resistivity for the zones to achieve a deep tissue lesion geometry and specifying a second electrical resistivity for the zones greater than the first electrical resistivity to achieve a shallow tissue lesion geometry.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
EP0080536A1
Cited
SU1220673A1
Cited
DE3516830A1
Cited
US4979948A
Cited
US5499971A
Cited
US5195969A
Cited
US5255678A
Cited
US5277201A
Cited
US5562720A
Cited
US5311866A
Cited
US5293869A
Cited
US5391200A
Cited
US5334193A
Cited
WO1995001751A1
Cited
US5472441A
Cited
US5462545A
Cited
US5598848A
Cited
WO1996000041A1
Cited
US5505730A
Cited
US5569241A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2001-12-07 | 2002-06-08 | 2002-12-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2005-12-07 | 2006-06-08 | 2006-12-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2009-12-07 | 2010-06-08 | 2010-12-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |