Patent US4889669A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
Patent US7487780B2 successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US7487780B2
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US
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Sub-xyphoid method for ablating cardiac tissue
Assignee: Atricure Inc
•
Filing: 2004-08-27
•
Granted: 2009-02-10
•
Expires: 2024-08-27
Abstract
Abstract A method and apparatus for transmural ablation using an instrument containing two electrodes or cryogenic probes. A clamping force is exerted on the two electrodes or probes such that the tissue of the hollow organ is clamped therebetween. Bipolar RF energy is then applied between the two electrodes, or the probes are cryogenically cooled, thus ablating the tissue therebetween. The method provides for ablating cardiac tissue of a patient utilizing a sub-xyphoid approach and identifying cardiac tissue prior to ablation.
Inventors
- 👤 Michael D. Hooven
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 14:09
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B18/00; A61B18/04; A61B18/12; A61B18/14; A61B18/1442; A61B18/1445; A61B17/00; A61B2017/00017; A61B2017/00022; A61B2017/00026; A61B17/00234; A61B2017/00238; A61B2017/00243; A61B17/28; A61B17/29; A61B2017/2926; A61B2017/2945; A61B2018/00005; A61B2018/00011; A61B2018/00023; A61B2018/00315; A61B2018/00345; A61B2018/00351; A61B2018/00363; A61B2018/00636; A61B2018/00642; A61B2018/00696; A61B2018/00738; A61B2018/00755; A61B2018/00773; A61B2018/00875; A61B18/02; A61B2018/0212; A61B2018/0225; A61B2018/0231; A61B2018/0262; A61B2018/1405; A61B2018/1425; A61B2018/1432; A61B2018/145
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 28
Claim 1
Independent Claim
173 words
A method for ablating cardiac tissue of a patient employing sub-xyphoid access, the method including: making a percutaneous incision proximal to the xiphoid to define an instrument receiving passage; providing an ablation instrument including first and second elongated jaw members, the elongated jaw members being relatively moveable between a first open position and a second clamped position, each jaw member including at least one ablation member adapted to be connected to an ablation energy source, the ablation members being disposed to engage cardiac tissue at a selected cardiac location to ablate tissue therebetween; introducing a fluid into an intrapericardial space to create and maintain a working space for accessing the selected cardiac location; inserting the ablation instrument through the instrument receiving passage to a sub-xyphoid region; advancing the ablation instrument through the sub-xyphoid region into the intrapericardial space to the selected cardiac location; clamping the cardiac tissue between the first and second jaw members at the selected cardiac location; and ablating the cardiac tissue at the selected location by energizing the ablation members.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
173 words
A method for ablating cardiac tissue of a patient employing sub-xyphoid access, the method including: making a percutaneous incision proximal to the xiphoid to define an instrument receiving passage; providing an ablation instrument including first and second elongated jaw members, the elongated jaw members being relatively moveable between a first open position and a second clamped position, each jaw member including at least one ablation member adapted to be connected to an ablation energy source, the ablation members being disposed to engage cardiac tissue at a selected cardiac location to ablate tissue therebetween; introducing a fluid into an intrapericardial space to create and maintain a working space for accessing the selected cardiac location; inserting the ablation instrument through the instrument receiving passage to a sub-xyphoid region; advancing the ablation instrument through the sub-xyphoid region into the intrapericardial space to the selected cardiac location; clamping the cardiac tissue between the first and second jaw members at the selected cardiac location; and ablating the cardiac tissue at the selected location by energizing the ablation members.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 1 wherein introducing fluid is performed at least in part during clamping.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
63 words
The method of claim 1 further including: providing a locating instrument for identifying the selected cardiac location, the locating instrument including an elongated body and a distal end; inserting the locating instrument through the instrument receiving passage to the sub-xyphoid region; advancing the locating instrument through the sub-xyphoid region to the selected cardiac location; and identifying the selected cardiac location prior to ablation.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 3 wherein the ablation instrument and the locating instrument are integrally connected as a single combined instrument.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 1 wherein introducing fluid is continuous and creates a positive pressure within the intrapericardial space.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 1 wherein introducing fluid injects a substantially clear fluid into the intrapericardial space for clear viewing of the selected cardiac location.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1 wherein introducing fluid includes, at least in part, separating the pericardium from the selected cardiac location.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 1 wherein ablating comprises creating at least one ablation line in an atria adjacent at least one of the right and left pulmonary veins.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 1 wherein ablating comprises creating a plurality of ablation lines at selected cardiac locations for treating atrial fibrillation.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 9 wherein the plurality of ablation lines are disposed to create an electrical maze in the atrium.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the ablation member is an electrode.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
107 words
A method for identifying cardiac tissue for ablation, the method including: making a percutaneous incision proximal to the xiphoid to define an instrument receiving passage; providing a locating instrument for identifying a selected cardiac location, the locating instrument including an elongated body and a distal end; inserting the locating instrument through the instrument receiving passage through a sub-xyphoid region; advancing the locating instrument through the sub-xyphoid region to position the distal end within an intrapericardial space; creating and maintaining a positive pressure within the intrapericardial space by injecting a fluid from the distal end into the intrapericardial space; and identifying the selected cardiac location prior to ablation.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
107 words
A method for identifying cardiac tissue for ablation, the method including: making a percutaneous incision proximal to the xiphoid to define an instrument receiving passage; providing a locating instrument for identifying a selected cardiac location, the locating instrument including an elongated body and a distal end; inserting the locating instrument through the instrument receiving passage through a sub-xyphoid region; advancing the locating instrument through the sub-xyphoid region to position the distal end within an intrapericardial space; creating and maintaining a positive pressure within the intrapericardial space by injecting a fluid from the distal end into the intrapericardial space; and identifying the selected cardiac location prior to ablation.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 12 wherein creating a positive pressure comprises introducing saline into the intrapericardial space for clear viewing of the selected cardiac location.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 12 further comprising manipulating the locating instrument to separate a pericardium from the selected cardiac location.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
228 words
A method for identifying and ablating cardiac tissue, the method including: making a percutaneous incision proximal to the xiphoid to define an instrument receiving passage; providing a locating instrument for identifying a selected cardiac location, the locating instrument including an elongated body and a distal end; providing an ablation instrument including first and second elongated jaw members, the elongated jaw members being relatively movable between a first open position and a second clamped position, each jaw member including at least one ablation member adapted to be connected to an ablation energy source, the ablation members being disposed to engage cardiac tissue at the selected cardiac location to ablate tissue therebetween; introducing a fluid into an intrapericardial space to create and maintain a working space for accessing the selected cardiac location; inserting the locating instrument through the instrument receiving passage to a sub-xyphoid region; advancing the locating instrument through the sub-xyphoid region into the intrapericardial space to the selected cardiac location; identifying the selected cardiac location prior to ablation; inserting the ablation instrument through the instrument receiving passage to the sub-xyphoid region; advancing the ablation instrument through the sub-xyphoid region into the intrapericardial space to the selected cardiac location; clamping the cardiac tissue between the first and second jaw members at the selected cardiac location; and ablating the cardiac tissue at the selected location by energizing the ablation members.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
228 words
A method for identifying and ablating cardiac tissue, the method including: making a percutaneous incision proximal to the xiphoid to define an instrument receiving passage; providing a locating instrument for identifying a selected cardiac location, the locating instrument including an elongated body and a distal end; providing an ablation instrument including first and second elongated jaw members, the elongated jaw members being relatively movable between a first open position and a second clamped position, each jaw member including at least one ablation member adapted to be connected to an ablation energy source, the ablation members being disposed to engage cardiac tissue at the selected cardiac location to ablate tissue therebetween; introducing a fluid into an intrapericardial space to create and maintain a working space for accessing the selected cardiac location; inserting the locating instrument through the instrument receiving passage to a sub-xyphoid region; advancing the locating instrument through the sub-xyphoid region into the intrapericardial space to the selected cardiac location; identifying the selected cardiac location prior to ablation; inserting the ablation instrument through the instrument receiving passage to the sub-xyphoid region; advancing the ablation instrument through the sub-xyphoid region into the intrapericardial space to the selected cardiac location; clamping the cardiac tissue between the first and second jaw members at the selected cardiac location; and ablating the cardiac tissue at the selected location by energizing the ablation members.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 15 wherein the ablation instrument and the locating instrument are integrally connected as a single combined instrument such that inserting the locating and ablation instruments are performed simultaneously and advancing the locating and ablation instruments are performed simultaneously.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 15 wherein ablating comprises creating at least one ablation line in the atria adjacent at least one of the right and left pulmonary veins.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 15 wherein ablating comprises creating a plurality of ablation lines at selected cardiac locations for treating atrial fibrillation.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 18 wherein the plurality of ablation lines are disposed to create an electrical maze in the atrium.
Claim 23
Independent Claim
227 words
A method for identifying and ablating cardiac tissue, the method including: making a percutaneous incision proximal to the xiphoid to define an instrument receiving passage; providing a locating instrument for identifying a selected cardiac location, the locating instrument including an elongated body and a distal end; providing a bi-polar ablation instrument including first and second jaw members, the jaw members being relatively movable between a first open position and a second clamped position, each jaw member including at least one ablation member adapted to be connected to an ablation energy source, the ablation members being disposed to engage cardiac tissue at the selected cardiac location to ablate tissue therebetween; introducing a fluid into an intrapericardial space to create and maintain a working space for accessing the selected cardiac location; inserting the locating instrument through the instrument receiving passage to a sub-xyphoid region; advancing the locating instrument through the sub-xyphoid region into the intrapericardial space to the selected cardiac location; identifying the selected cardiac location prior to ablation; inserting the ablation instrument through the instrument receiving passage to the sub-xyphoid region; advancing the ablation instrument through the sub-xyphoid region into the intrapericardial space to the selected cardiac location; clamping the cardiac tissue between the first and second jaw members at the selected cardiac location; and ablating the cardiac tissue at the selected location by energizing the ablation members.
Claim 24
Independent Claim
227 words
A method for identifying and ablating cardiac tissue, the method including: making a percutaneous incision proximal to the xiphoid to define an instrument receiving passage; providing a locating instrument for identifying a selected cardiac location, the locating instrument including an elongated body and a distal end; providing a bi-polar ablation instrument including first and second jaw members, the jaw members being relatively movable between a first open position and a second clamped position, each jaw member including at least one ablation member adapted to be connected to an ablation energy source, the ablation members being disposed to engage cardiac tissue at the selected cardiac location to ablate tissue therebetween; introducing a fluid into an intrapericardial space to create and maintain a working space for accessing the selected cardiac location; inserting the locating instrument through the instrument receiving passage to a sub-xyphoid region; advancing the locating instrument through the sub-xyphoid region into the intrapericardial space to the selected cardiac location; identifying the selected cardiac location prior to ablation; inserting the ablation instrument through the instrument receiving passage to the sub-xyphoid region; advancing the ablation instrument through the sub-xyphoid region into the intrapericardial space to the selected cardiac location; clamping the cardiac tissue between the first and second jaw members at the selected cardiac location; and ablating the cardiac tissue at the selected location by energizing the ablation members.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 20 wherein the ablation instrument and the locating instrument are integrally connected as a single combined instrument such that inserting the locating and ablation instruments are performed simultaneously and advancing the locating and ablation instruments are performed simultaneously.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 20 wherein ablating comprises creating at least one ablation line in the atria adjacent at least one of the right and left pulmonary veins.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 20 wherein ablating comprises creating a plurality of ablation lines at selected cardiac locations for treating atrial fibrillation.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 20 wherein the plurality of ablation lines are disposed to create an electrical maze in the atrium.
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| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
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| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2012-02-10 | 2012-08-11 | 2013-02-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2016-02-10 | 2016-08-11 | 2017-02-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2020-02-10 | 2020-08-11 | 2021-02-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |