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US6887238B2 Expired / Lapsed US ⏱️ 0.0 years remaining

Suction stabilized epicardial ablation devices

Assignee: Medtronic Inc
•
Filing: 2003-02-27
•
Granted: 2005-05-03
•
Expires: 2023-02-27
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Abstract

Abstract A suction assisted ablation device having a support surface, suction elements disposed adjacent the support surface, at least one electrode and at least one suction conduit is provided. The device may further include fluid openings, which allow fluid to irrigate target tissue and aid in ablation. A method for ablating tissue using suction is also provided.

Inventors

  • 👤 Scott E. Jahns
  • 👤 Greg P. Werness
  • 👤 Jon M. Ocel
  • 👤 David Lipson
  • 👤 Donald N. Jensen
  • 👤 David E. Francischelli
  • 👤 James R. Keogh

Bibliographic Details

Application Number —
Jurisdiction US
Data Source google_patents
Last Synchronized 2026-10-27 07:03
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B18/00; A61B18/04; A61B18/12; A61B18/14; A61B18/1492; A61B18/1477; A61B17/00; A61B2017/00017; A61B2017/00022; A61B2017/00039; A61B2017/00044; A61B2017/00048; A61B2017/00053; A61B2017/00084; A61B2017/00092; A61B2017/00203; A61B17/00234; A61B2017/00238; A61B2017/00243; A61B2017/00831; A61B2017/00867; A61B17/02; A61B2017/0237; A61B2017/0243; A61B17/30; A61B2017/306; A61B2018/00005; A61B2018/00011; A61B2018/00053; A61B2018/00273; A61B2018/00291; A61B2018/00315; A61B2018/00345; A61B2018/00351; A61B2018/00363; A61B2018/00571; A61B2018/00577; A61B2018/00636; A61B2018/00773; A61B2018/00791; A61B2018/00809; A61B2018/00839; A61B2018/1405; A61B2018/1425

Claims Analysis

Total Claims: 75
Claim 1
Independent Claim 191 words
A system for suction assisted ablation for creating a tissue ablation site, the system comprising: a tissue contact surface; a plurality of suction ports positioned substantially linearly along the tissue contact surface and capable of drawing a portion of tissue at least partially within the suction ports upon application of suction; a suction conduit for providing suction from a suction source to the suction ports, the suction conduit operatively connected with the suction ports; a first elongated energy transfer element positioned along the tissue contact surface and extending adjacent a first side of each of the suction ports; a second elongated energy transfer element positioned along the tissue contact surface and extending adjacent a second side of each of the suction ports, said first and second energy transfer elements capable of forming a linear transmural lesion in the portion of tissue drawn within the suction ports by application of energy via the first and second energy transfer elements; a sensor sensing a parameter or characteristic relating to the tissue ablation site positioned along the tissue contact surface; and means for automatically stopping ablation in response to a signal from the sensor.
Claim 2
Independent Claim 191 words
A system for suction assisted ablation for creating a tissue ablation site, the system comprising: a tissue contact surface; a plurality of suction ports positioned substantially linearly along the tissue contact surface and capable of drawing a portion of tissue at least partially within the suction ports upon application of suction; a suction conduit for providing suction from a suction source to the suction ports, the suction conduit operatively connected with the suction ports; a first elongated energy transfer element positioned along the tissue contact surface and extending adjacent a first side of each of the suction ports; a second elongated energy transfer element positioned along the tissue contact surface and extending adjacent a second side of each of the suction ports, said first and second energy transfer elements capable of forming a linear transmural lesion in the portion of tissue drawn within the suction ports by application of energy via the first and second energy transfer elements; a sensor sensing a parameter or characteristic relating to the tissue ablation site positioned along the tissue contact surface; and means for automatically stopping ablation in response to a signal from the sensor.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim 17 words
The system of claim 1 further comprising a maneuvering apparatus operatively connected with the tissue contact surface.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim 15 words
The system of claim 2 wherein the maneuvering apparatus includes at least one pull wire.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim 12 words
The system of claim 2 wherein the maneuvering apparatus includes a handle.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim 15 words
The system of claim 4 wherein the handle comprises one or more hinges or joints.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim 16 words
The system of claim 5 wherein the one or more hinges or joints are actuated remotely.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim 10 words
The system of claim 4 wherein the handle is shapeable.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim 12 words
The system of claim 1 wherein the tissue contact surface is flexible.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim 19 words
The system of claim 1 wherein the tissue contact surface is shaped to conform to the tissue ablation site.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim 16 words
The system of claim 1 further comprising a suction source operatively connected to the suction conduit.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim 18 words
The system of claim 10 further comprising one or more surgeon-controlled switches operatively connected to the suction source.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim 33 words
The system of claim 1 wherein the system further comprises means for varying energy supplied to the energy transfer elements in response to the sensed parameter or characteristic of the tissue ablation site.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim 12 words
The system of claim 1 wherein the parameter or characteristic is temperature.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim 12 words
The system of claim 1 wherein the parameter or characteristic is impedance.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim 12 words
The system of claim 1 wherein the parameter or characteristic is pressure.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim 33 words
The device of claim 1 wherein the system further comprises an output device for alerting or informing a practitioner regarding the parameter or characteristic of the tissue ablation site sensed by the sensor.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim 17 words
The system of claim 1 further comprising an electrical source operatively coupled to the energy transfer elements.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim 18 words
The system of claim 1 further comprising an RF energy source operatively coupled to the energy transfer elements.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim 18 words
The system of claim 1 further comprising a laser energy source operatively coupled to the energy transfer elements.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim 18 words
The system of claim 1 further comprising a thermal energy source operatively coupled to the energy transfer elements.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim 18 words
The system of claim 1 further comprising an ultrasound energy source operatively coupled to the energy transfer elements.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim 18 words
The system of claim 1 further comprising a microwave energy source operatively coupled to the energy transfer elements.
Claim 24
Independent Claim 196 words
A system for suction assisted ablation for creating a tissue ablation site, the system comprising: a tissue contact surface; a plurality of suction ports positioned generally linearly along the tissue contact surface and capable of drawing a portion of tissue at least partially within the suction ports upon application of suction; a suction conduit for providing suction from a suction source to the suction port, the suction conduit operatively connected with the suction ports; a first elongated energy transfer element positioned along the tissue contact surface and extending adjacent a first side of each of the suction ports; a second elongated energy transfer element positioned alone the tissue contact surface and extending adjacent a second side of each of the suction ports, said first and second energy transfer elements capable of forming a substantially linear transmural lesion in the portion of tissue drawn within the suction ports by application of energy via the first and second energy transfer elements; a sensor sensing a parameter or characteristic relating to the tissue ablation site positioned along the tissue contact surface; and means for varying suction communicated to the suction ports in response to the sensed parameter or characteristic.
Claim 25
Independent Claim 196 words
A system for suction assisted ablation for creating a tissue ablation site, the system comprising: a tissue contact surface; a plurality of suction ports positioned generally linearly along the tissue contact surface and capable of drawing a portion of tissue at least partially within the suction ports upon application of suction; a suction conduit for providing suction from a suction source to the suction port, the suction conduit operatively connected with the suction ports; a first elongated energy transfer element positioned along the tissue contact surface and extending adjacent a first side of each of the suction ports; a second elongated energy transfer element positioned alone the tissue contact surface and extending adjacent a second side of each of the suction ports, said first and second energy transfer elements capable of forming a substantially linear transmural lesion in the portion of tissue drawn within the suction ports by application of energy via the first and second energy transfer elements; a sensor sensing a parameter or characteristic relating to the tissue ablation site positioned along the tissue contact surface; and means for varying suction communicated to the suction ports in response to the sensed parameter or characteristic.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim 17 words
The system of claim 23 further comprising a maneuvering apparatus operatively connected with the tissue contact surface.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim 12 words
The system of claim 24 wherein the maneuvering apparatus includes a handle.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim 12 words
The system of claim 23 wherein the tissue contact surface is flexible.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim 19 words
The system of claim 23 wherein the tissue contact surface is shaped to conform to the tissue ablation site.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim 18 words
The system of claim 23 further comprising one or more surgeon-controlled switches operatively connected to the suction source.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim 12 words
The system of claim 23 wherein the parameter or characteristic is temperature.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim 12 words
The system of claim 23 wherein the parameter or characteristic is impedance.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim 12 words
The system of claim 23 wherein the parameter or characteristic is pressure.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim 33 words
The system of claim 23 wherein the system further comprises an output device for alerting or informing a practitioner regarding the parameter or characteristic of the tissue ablation site sensed by the sensor.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim 17 words
The system of claim 23 further comprising an electrical source operatively coupled to the energy transfer elements.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim 18 words
The system of claim 23 further comprising an RF energy source operatively coupled to the energy transfer elements.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim 18 words
The system of claim 23 further comprising a laser energy source operatively coupled to the energy transfer elements.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim 18 words
The system of claim 23 further comprising a thermal energy source operatively coupled to the energy transfer elements.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim 18 words
The system of claim 23 further comprising an ultrasound energy source operatively coupled to the energy transfer elements.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim 18 words
The system of claim 23 further comprising a microwave energy source operatively coupled to the energy transfer elements.
Claim 41
Independent Claim 214 words
A system for suction assisted ablation for creating a tissue ablation site, the system comprising: a tissue contact surface; a plurality of suction ports positioned substantially linearly along the tissue contact surface and capable of drawing a portion of tissue at least partially within the suction ports upon application of suction; a suction conduit for providing suction from a suction source to the suction port, the suction conduit operatively connected with the suction ports; a first elongated energy transfer element positioned along the tissue contact surface and extending adjacent a first side of each of the suction ports; a second elongated energy transfer element positioned alone the tissue contact surface and extending adjacent a second side of each of the suction ports, said first and second energy transfer elements capable of forming a substantially linear transmural lesion in the portion of tissue drawn within the suction ports by application of energy via the first and second energy transfer elements; a sensor sensing a parameter or characteristic relating to the tissue ablation site positioned along the tissue contact surface; an irrigation fluid conduit for providing irrigation fluid from an irrigation source to the tissue ablation site; and means for varying irrigation fluid supplied to the irrigation conduit in response to the sensed parameter or characteristic.
Claim 42
Independent Claim 214 words
A system for suction assisted ablation for creating a tissue ablation site, the system comprising: a tissue contact surface; a plurality of suction ports positioned substantially linearly along the tissue contact surface and capable of drawing a portion of tissue at least partially within the suction ports upon application of suction; a suction conduit for providing suction from a suction source to the suction port, the suction conduit operatively connected with the suction ports; a first elongated energy transfer element positioned along the tissue contact surface and extending adjacent a first side of each of the suction ports; a second elongated energy transfer element positioned alone the tissue contact surface and extending adjacent a second side of each of the suction ports, said first and second energy transfer elements capable of forming a substantially linear transmural lesion in the portion of tissue drawn within the suction ports by application of energy via the first and second energy transfer elements; a sensor sensing a parameter or characteristic relating to the tissue ablation site positioned along the tissue contact surface; an irrigation fluid conduit for providing irrigation fluid from an irrigation source to the tissue ablation site; and means for varying irrigation fluid supplied to the irrigation conduit in response to the sensed parameter or characteristic.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim 17 words
The system of claim 39 further comprising a maneuvering apparatus operatively connected with the tissue contact surface.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim 12 words
The system of claim 40 wherein the maneuvering apparatus includes a handle.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim 12 words
The system of claim 39 wherein the tissue contact surface is flexible.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim 19 words
The system of claim 39 wherein the tissue contact surface is shaped to conform to the tissue ablation site.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim 18 words
The system of claim 39 further comprising one or more surgeon-controlled switches operatively connected to the irrigation source.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim 12 words
The system of claim 39 wherein the parameter or characteristic is temperature.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim 12 words
The system of claim 39 wherein the parameter or characteristic is impedance.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim 12 words
The system of claim 39 wherein the parameter or characteristic is pressure.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim 33 words
The system of claim 39 wherein the system further comprises an output device for alerting or informing a practitioner regarding the parameter or characteristic of the tissue ablation site sensed by the sensor.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim 17 words
The system of claim 39 further comprising an electrical source operatively coupled to the energy transfer elements.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim 18 words
The system of claim 39 further comprising an RF energy source operatively coupled to the energy transfer elements.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim 18 words
The system of claim 39 further comprising a laser energy source operatively coupled to the energy transfer elements.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim 18 words
The system of claim 39 further comprising a thermal energy source operatively coupled to the energy transfer elements.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim 18 words
The system of claim 39 further comprising an ultrasound energy source operatively coupled to the energy transfer elements.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim 18 words
The system of claim 39 further comprising a microwave energy source operatively coupled to the energy transfer elements.
Claim 58
Independent Claim 160 words
A system for suction assisted ablation for creating a tissue ablation site, the system comprising: a tissue contact surface; a plurality of suction ports positioned generally linearly along the tissue contact surface and capable of drawing a portion of tissue at least partially within the suction ports upon application of suction; a suction conduit for providing suction from a suction source to the suction ports, the suction conduit operatively connected with the suction ports; a first elongated energy transfer element positioned along the tissue contact surface and extending adjacent a first side of each of the suction ports; and a second elongated energy transfer element positioned along the tissue contact surface and extending adjacent a second side of each of the suction ports, said first and second energy transfer elements capable of forming a generally linear transmural lesion in the portion of tissue drawn within the suction ports by application of energy via the first and second energy transfer elements.
Claim 59
Independent Claim 160 words
A system for suction assisted ablation for creating a tissue ablation site, the system comprising: a tissue contact surface; a plurality of suction ports positioned generally linearly along the tissue contact surface and capable of drawing a portion of tissue at least partially within the suction ports upon application of suction; a suction conduit for providing suction from a suction source to the suction ports, the suction conduit operatively connected with the suction ports; a first elongated energy transfer element positioned along the tissue contact surface and extending adjacent a first side of each of the suction ports; and a second elongated energy transfer element positioned along the tissue contact surface and extending adjacent a second side of each of the suction ports, said first and second energy transfer elements capable of forming a generally linear transmural lesion in the portion of tissue drawn within the suction ports by application of energy via the first and second energy transfer elements.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim 17 words
The system of claim 55 further comprising a maneuvering apparatus operatively connected with the tissue contact surface.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim 15 words
The system of claim 56 wherein the maneuvering apparatus includes at least one pull wire.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim 12 words
The system of claim 56 wherein the maneuvering apparatus includes a handle.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim 15 words
The system of claim 58 wherein the handle comprises one or more hinges or joints.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim 16 words
The system of claim 59 wherein the one or more hinges or joints are actuated remotely.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim 10 words
The system of claim 59 wherein the handle is shapeable.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim 12 words
The system of claim 55 wherein the tissue contact surface is flexible.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim 19 words
The system of claim 55 wherein the tissue contact surface is shaped to conform to the tissue ablation site.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim 16 words
The system of claim 55 further comprising a suction source operatively connected to the suction conduit.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim 18 words
The system of claim 64 further comprising one or more surgeon-controlled switches operatively connected to the suction source.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim 17 words
The system of claim 55 further comprising an electrical source operatively coupled to the energy transfer elements.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim 18 words
The system of claim 55 further comprising an RF energy source operatively coupled to the energy transfer elements.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim 18 words
The system of claim 55 further comprising a laser energy source operatively coupled to the energy transfer elements.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim 18 words
The system of claim 55 further comprising a thermal energy source operatively coupled to the energy transfer elements.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim 18 words
The system of claim 55 further comprising an ultrasound energy source operatively coupled to the energy transfer elements.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim 18 words
Th system of claim 55 further comprising a microwave energy source operatively coupled to the energy transfer elements.

USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows

Annuity Stage Window Opens Payment Deadline Surcharge Period Until Estimated Fee Status
3.5 Years (Year 4) 2008-05-02 2008-11-01 2009-05-03 $2000.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8) 2012-05-02 2012-11-01 2013-05-03 $3760.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12) 2016-05-02 2016-11-01 2017-05-03 $7700.00 Window Closed / Lapsed

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