US4646737A — Localized heat applying medical device

Claim 1

Independent Claim 135 words

A system for applying heat to a body site, the system comprising in operative association: (a) a medical device including an elongated light transmitting fiber having a proximal end and a distal end, and a heat generating element defining a cavity with vent means in flow communication with the cavity for permitting gas to escape from the cavity, the element having a selectively varying thickness and being mounted with respect to the distal end such that light transmitted by the fiber to the element is converted into heat by the element; (b) a light source associated with the proximal end of the fiber for providing sufficient light energy to raise the temperature of the element; and (c) temperature sensing means associated with the proximal end of the fiber for measuring the temperature of the element.

Claim 2

Independent Claim 135 words

A system for applying heat to a body site, the system comprising in operative association: (a) a medical device including an elongated light transmitting fiber having a proximal end and a distal end, and a heat generating element defining a cavity with vent means in flow communication with the cavity for permitting gas to escape from the cavity, the element having a selectively varying thickness and being mounted with respect to the distal end such that light transmitted by the fiber to the element is converted into heat by the element; (b) a light source associated with the proximal end of the fiber for providing sufficient light energy to raise the temperature of the element; and (c) temperature sensing means associated with the proximal end of the fiber for measuring the temperature of the element.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 12 words

The system of claim 1 wherein the light source is a laser.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 13 words

The system of claim 1 wherein the temperature sensing means is a pyrometer.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 26 words

The system of claim 1 wherein the light source and temperature sensing means are associated with the proximal end of the fiber by beam splitting means.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 15 words

The system of claim 1 including locking means for retaining the element on the fiber.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 16 words

The system of claim 1 wherein the medical device includes an elongated tube carrying the fiber.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 21 words

The system of claim 6 wherein the tube engages the heat generating element to help retain the element on the fiber.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 14 words

The system of claim 6 wherein the fiber is slidably received in the tube.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 13 words

The system of claim 6 wherein the tube carries blood flow occlusion means.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 39 words

The system of claim 1 wherein the heat generating element is formed as a cylindrical member with a closed, rounded end having a selected thickness, and a side wall with a thickness less than the thickness of the end.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 36 words

The system of claim 1 wherein the heat generating element includes a selectively located peripheral notch formed therein to limit the transfer of heat from the region distally of the notch to the region proximally thereof.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 118 words

A localized heat applying medical device for applying heat to a site in a patient's lumen, the device comprising in operative association: an elongated light transmitting conduit having a proximal end and a distal end and a heat generating element defining a cavity with vent means therein for permitting gas to escape from the cavity, the element being mounted on the distal end such that light transmitted by the conduit to the element is converted by the element into heat to raise the temperature of the element and the element can then be contacted with material in the patient's lumen to alter the material; the conduit and heat generating element being adapted for insertion into the patient's lumen.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 118 words

A localized heat applying medical device for applying heat to a site in a patient's lumen, the device comprising in operative association: an elongated light transmitting conduit having a proximal end and a distal end and a heat generating element defining a cavity with vent means therein for permitting gas to escape from the cavity, the element being mounted on the distal end such that light transmitted by the conduit to the element is converted by the element into heat to raise the temperature of the element and the element can then be contacted with material in the patient's lumen to alter the material; the conduit and heat generating element being adapted for insertion into the patient's lumen.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 15 words

The medical device of claim 12 wherein the heat generating element is made of metal.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 14 words

The medical device of claim 12 wherein the conduit is a light transmitting fiber.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 24 words

The medical device of claim 14 wherein the distal end of the fiber is received in the cavity defined by the heat generating element.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 22 words

The medical device of claim 15 wherein the inside surface of the cavity has been treated to increase its coefficient of emissivity.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 22 words

The medical device of claim 12 wherein the exterior surface of the heat generating element is provided with a coating of poly(tetrafluoroethylene).

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 22 words

The medical device of claim 12 including locking means for retaining the heat generating element on the distal end of the conduit.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 28 words

The medical device of claim 18 wherein the locking means includes an inwardly extending ridge on the element received in a groove defined by the light transmitting conduit.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 17 words

The medical device of claim 12 wherein the heat generating element has a generally rounded exterior surface.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 37 words

The medical device of claim 12 including an elongated tube having a proximal portion and a distal portion, the tube carrying the light transmitting conduit with the heat generating element beyond the distal portion of the tube.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 16 words

The medical device of claim 21 wherein the tube defines a fluid passageway along its length.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 22 words

The medical device of claim 22 further including centering means for positioning the conduit generally along the central axis of the tube.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 19 words

The medical device of claim 21 including blood flow occlusion means carried by the tube adjacent the distal portion.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 20 words

The medical device of claim 21 wherein the tube engages the element to help retain the element on the conduit.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 17 words

The medical device of claim 21 wherein the light transmitting conduit is slidably carried by the tube.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 13 words

The medical device of claim 12 wherein the light transmitting conduit is flexible.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 35 words

The device of claim 12 wherein the heat generating element is elongated with a closed, rounded end having a selected thickness and a side wall with a thickness less than the thickness of the end.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 32 words

The device of claim 28 wherein the heat generating element includes a peripheral notch formed therein to limit heat transfer from the region distally of the notch to the region proximally thereof.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 165 words

A localized heat applying medical device for applying heat to a site, the device comprising in operative association: (a) a flexible elongated light transmitting fiber having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end adapted to emit light transmitted by the fiber; (b) a metal heat generating element insertable into a lumen and defining a cavity into which the distal end of the fiber is positioned and a light receiving surface adapted to collect light emitted by the distal end of the fiber, the element converting the light into heat, the element having vent means in flow communication with the cavity for permitting gas to escape from the cavity; and (c) means for mounted the element onto the distal end of the fiber such that light emitted by the distal end is received on the surface of the element, the mounting means including at least one inwardly extending peripheral ridge on the element which lockingly engages a corresponding groove defined by the fiber.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 165 words

A localized heat applying medical device for applying heat to a site, the device comprising in operative association: (a) a flexible elongated light transmitting fiber having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end adapted to emit light transmitted by the fiber; (b) a metal heat generating element insertable into a lumen and defining a cavity into which the distal end of the fiber is positioned and a light receiving surface adapted to collect light emitted by the distal end of the fiber, the element converting the light into heat, the element having vent means in flow communication with the cavity for permitting gas to escape from the cavity; and (c) means for mounted the element onto the distal end of the fiber such that light emitted by the distal end is received on the surface of the element, the mounting means including at least one inwardly extending peripheral ridge on the element which lockingly engages a corresponding groove defined by the fiber.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 23 words

The medical device of claim 30 wherein the light receiving surface of the cavity has been treated to increase its coefficient of emissivity.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 37 words

The medical device of claim 30 including an elongated tube having a proximal portion and a distal portion, the tube carrying the light transmitting fiber with the heat generating element beyond the distal portion of the tube.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 22 words

The medical device of claim 32 including an inflatable balloon carried circumferentially about the tube adjacent the distal portion of the tube.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 18 words

The medical device of claim 32 wherein the distal portion of the tube engages the heat generating element.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 35 words

The medical device of claim 34 wherein the tube defines a fluid passageway along its length and the element defines at least one flute in fluid communication with the passageway and opening outside the element.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 16 words

The medical device of claim 32 wherein the fiber is slidably received in the elongated tube.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 24 words

The medical device of claim 36 wherein the tube includes three ridges extending into the fluid passageway and centering the conduit within the passageway.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 40 words

The medical device of claim 31 further including an inflatable balloon carried circumferentially about the tube adjacent the distal protion of the tube, the interior of the balloon in fluid communication with a channel defined by one of the ridges.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 36 words

The medical device of claim 30 wherein the heat generating element is elongated with a closed, rounded end having a selected thickness and a side wall with a thickness less than the thickness of the end.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 33 words

The medical device of claim 39 wherein the heat generating element includes a peripheral notch formed therein to limit heat transfer from the region distally of the notch to the region proximally thereof.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 148 words

A medical device for applying heat to a site in a patient's body, the device comprising in operative association; (a) an elongated tube having a distal portion and defining a fluid passageway along its length; (b) an elongated light transmitting fiber slidably carried by the tube in the passageway, the fiber having a proximal end and distal end; and (c) a metal heat generating element mounted on the distal end of the fiber such that light transmitted through the fiber is converted by the element to heat, the element defining a cavity therein bounded in part by a closed, rounded end of a selected thickness and a sidewall of a thickness less than the thickness of the end, the element having vent means in flow communication with the cavity for permitting gas to escape from the cavity, the element being extendable beyond the distal portion of the tube.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 148 words

A medical device for applying heat to a site in a patient's body, the device comprising in operative association; (a) an elongated tube having a distal portion and defining a fluid passageway along its length; (b) an elongated light transmitting fiber slidably carried by the tube in the passageway, the fiber having a proximal end and distal end; and (c) a metal heat generating element mounted on the distal end of the fiber such that light transmitted through the fiber is converted by the element to heat, the element defining a cavity therein bounded in part by a closed, rounded end of a selected thickness and a sidewall of a thickness less than the thickness of the end, the element having vent means in flow communication with the cavity for permitting gas to escape from the cavity, the element being extendable beyond the distal portion of the tube.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 21 words

medical device of claim 41 including an inflatable balloon carried circumferentially about the tube adjacent the distal portion of the tube.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 25 words

The medical device of claim 41 wherein the element has a cross section greater than the cross section of the passageway defined by the tube.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 22 words

The medical device of claim 41 including locking means for retaining the heat generating element on the distal end of the fiber.

Claim 49

Dependent Claim 24 words

The medical device of claim 41 wherein the distal end of the fiber is received in said cavity defined by the heat generating element.

Claim 50

Dependent Claim 22 words

The medical device of claim 45 wherein the inside surface of the cavity has been treated to increase its coefficient of emissivity.

Claim 51

Dependent Claim 22 words

The medical device of claim 41 wherein the exterior surface of the heat generating element is provided with a coating of poly(tetrafluoroethylene).

Claim 52

Dependent Claim 33 words

The medical device of claim 41 wherein the heat generating element includes a peripheral notch formed therein to limit heat transfer from the region distally of the notch to the region proximally thereof.

Claim 53

Independent Claim 101 words

A method for removing at least a portion of material causing a constriction or obstruction in a lumen, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a medical device having a heat generating element mounted on the distal end of an elongated light transmitting fiber; (b) positioning the distal end of medical device within the lumen with the element in contact with the material; (c) transmitting light energy through the fiber such that the element becomes sufficiently hot to soften the material; and (d) moving the element into the material so as to form or enlarge a channel in the material.

Claim 54

Independent Claim 101 words

A method for removing at least a portion of material causing a constriction or obstruction in a lumen, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a medical device having a heat generating element mounted on the distal end of an elongated light transmitting fiber; (b) positioning the distal end of medical device within the lumen with the element in contact with the material; (c) transmitting light energy through the fiber such that the element becomes sufficiently hot to soften the material; and (d) moving the element into the material so as to form or enlarge a channel in the material.

Claim 55

Dependent Claim 18 words

The method of claim 49 including the step of introducing a liquid into the lumen before light transmission.

Claim 56

Dependent Claim 30 words

The method of claim 50 including the step of introducing a physiologically compatible gas into the lumen about the element after the liquid has been introduced but before light transmission.

Claim 57

Dependent Claim 17 words

The method of claim 51 including the step of occluding the lumen prior to introducing the liquid.

Claim 58

Dependent Claim 12 words

The method of claim 50 wherein the liquid is a radiopaque liquid.

Claim 59

Dependent Claim 22 words

The method of claim 49 including the step of introducing a gas into the lumen about the element prior to light transmission.

Claim 60

Dependent Claim 11 words

The method of claim 54 wherein the gas is carbon dioxide.

Claim 61

Dependent Claim 18 words

The method of claim 49 wherein the light transmission begins before the element is contacted with the material.

Claim 62

Dependent Claim 16 words

The method of claim 49 including producing the light energy to be transmitted with a laser.

Claim 63

Dependent Claim 18 words

The method of claim 49 including the additional step of measuring the temperature of element after light transmission.

Claim 64

Dependent Claim 16 words

The method of claim 58 wherein the temperature of the element is measured with a pyrometer.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	1990-03-02	1990-09-01	1991-03-03	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	1994-03-02	1994-09-01	1995-03-03	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	1998-03-02	1998-09-01	1999-03-03	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Localized heat applying medical device

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