US5536267A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Multiple electrode ablation apparatus
Assignee: Venture Banking Group
•
Filing: 1994-08-12
•
Granted: 1996-07-16
•
Expires: 2014-08-12
Abstract
Abstract A tissue ablation apparatus includes a delivery catheter with distal and proximal ends. A handle is attached to the proximal end of the delivery catheter. At least partially positioned in the delivery catheter is an electrode deployment device. The electrode deployment device includes a plurality of retractable electrodes. Each electrode has a non-deployed state when it is positioned in the delivery catheter. Additionally, each electrode has a distended deployed state when it is advanced out of the delivery catheter distal end. The deployed electrodes define an ablation volume. Each deployed electrode has a first section with a first radius of curvature. The first section is located near the distal end of the delivery catheter. A second section of the deployed electrode extends beyond the first section, and has a second radius of curvature, or a substantially linear geometry.
Inventors
- 👤 Stuart D. Edwards
- 👤 Ronald G. Lax
- 👤 Hugh Sharkey
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 15:36
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B18/00; A61B18/04; A61B18/12; A61B18/14; A61B18/1477; A61B18/1482; A61B18/18; A61B18/1815; A61N; A61N1/00; A61N1/40; A61N1/403; C; C22; C22C; C22C14/00; C22F; C22F1/00; C22F1/16; C22F1/18; C22F1/183; A61B18/1206; A61B18/1402; A61B18/1485; A61B18/1492; A61B17/00; A61B2017/00017; A61B2017/00022; A61B2017/00026; A61B2017/00084; A61B2017/00101; A61B2018/00005; A61B2018/00011; A61B2018/00023; A61B2018/00053; A61B2018/00184; A61B2018/00196; A61B2018/00273; A61B2018/00315; A61B2018/00452; A61B2018/00476; A61B2018/00571; A61B2018/00577; A61B2018/00636; A61B2018/00642; A61B2018/00666; A61B2018/00678; A61B2018/00696; A61B2018/00702; A61B2018/00708; A61B2018/00726; A61B2018/00744; A61B2018/00761; A61B2018/00773; A61B2018/00779; A61B2018/00791; A61B2018/00797; A61B2018/00821; A61B2018/00827; A61B2018/00875; A61B2018/00892; A61B2018/124; A61B2018/1246; A61B2018/1253; A61B2018/126; A61B2018/1405; A61B2018/1425; A61B2018/143; A61B2018/1432; A61B2018/1435; A61B2018/1472; A61B18/16; A61B2018/162; A61B2018/1861; A61B2218/00; A61B2218/001; A61B2218/002; A61M; A61M25/00; A61M25/0067; A61M25/0068; A61M25/007; B; B22; B22F; B22F2999/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 38
Claim 1
Independent Claim
146 words
A tissue ablation apparatus, comprising: a delivery catheter with a distal end and a proximal end; a handle attached to the proximal end of the delivery catheter; an electrode deployment device positioned at least partially in the delivery catheter and including a plurality of retractable electrodes that are inserted into tissue, penetrate tissue and surround a selected mass, each electrode having a non-deployed state when positioned within the delivery catheter, and a distended deployed state when advanced from the distal end of the delivery catheter defining an ablation volume between the deployed electrodes, each deployed electrode having at least two radii of curvature when advanced through the distal end of the delivery catheter and positioned at a desired tissue site; and an electrode advancement and retraction member connected to the electrode deployment device, for advancing the electrodes in and out of the delivery catheter distal end.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
146 words
A tissue ablation apparatus, comprising: a delivery catheter with a distal end and a proximal end; a handle attached to the proximal end of the delivery catheter; an electrode deployment device positioned at least partially in the delivery catheter and including a plurality of retractable electrodes that are inserted into tissue, penetrate tissue and surround a selected mass, each electrode having a non-deployed state when positioned within the delivery catheter, and a distended deployed state when advanced from the distal end of the delivery catheter defining an ablation volume between the deployed electrodes, each deployed electrode having at least two radii of curvature when advanced through the distal end of the delivery catheter and positioned at a desired tissue site; and an electrode advancement and retraction member connected to the electrode deployment device, for advancing the electrodes in and out of the delivery catheter distal end.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
The tissue ablation apparatus of claim 1, wherein each electrode has at least two radii of curvature in one plane in the deployed state.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
The tissue ablation apparatus of claim 1, wherein each electrode has at least two radii of curvature in two or more planes in the deployed state.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
49 words
The tissue ablation apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one electrode has at least two radii of curvature in one plane in the distended deployed state, and at least one electrode has at least two radii of curvature in two or more planes in the distended deployed state.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
42 words
The tissue ablation apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: an electrode template positioned at the distal end of the delivery catheter for guiding the deployment of the electrodes in a surrounding relationship to an exterior of a selected mass in the tissue.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
The tissue ablation apparatus of claim 1, wherein the electrodes are hollow and include fluid distribution ports.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
The tissue ablation apparatus of claim 6, further comprising: a source of infusing medium coupled to each of the electrodes.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
20 words
The tissue ablation apparatus of claim 6, further comprising: a source of chemotherapeutic agent coupled to each of the electrodes.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
45 words
The tissue ablation apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: an adjustable electrode insulator positioned adjacent to and in surrounding relationship to each of the electrodes, each adjustable electrode insulator being capable of being advanced and retracted along an electrode to define an electrode conductive surface.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
19 words
The tissue ablation apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: one or more guide tubes positioned in the delivery catheter.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
15 words
The tissue ablation apparatus of claim 1, wherein each electrode has a sharpened distal end.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
18 words
The tissue ablation apparatus of claim 1, wherein the electrode deployment device is removable from the delivery catheter.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
17 words
The tissue ablation apparatus of claim 12, further comprising: a removable obturator positioned within the delivery catheter.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
15 words
The tissue ablation apparatus of claim 13, wherein the obturator has a sharpened distal end.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
16 words
The tissue ablation apparatus of claim 12, wherein the delivery catheter is removable from the handle.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
26 words
The tissue ablation apparatus of claim 13, wherein the obturator is positioned in the delivery catheter and introduces the delivery catheter to an internal body site.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
39 words
The tissue ablation apparatus of claim 13, wherein the obturator is removed from the delivery catheter after the delivery catheter is positioned at an internal body site, and the electrode deployment device is then positioned in the delivery catheter.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
151 words
A tissue ablation apparatus, comprising: a delivery catheter with a distal end and a proximal end; a handle attached to the proximal end of the delivery catheter; an electrode deployment device positioned at least partially in the delivery catheter and including a plurality of retractable electrodes that are inserted into tissue, penetrate tissue and surround a selected mass, each electrode having a non-deployed state when positioned within the delivery catheter, and a distended deployed state when advanced from the distal end of the delivery catheter defining an ablation volume between the deployed electrodes, each deployed electrode having at least one radii of curvature in two or more planes when advanced through the distal end of the delivery catheter and positioned at a desired tissue site; and an electrode advancement and retraction, member connected to the electrode deployment device, for advancing the electrodes in and out of the delivery catheter distal end.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
151 words
A tissue ablation apparatus, comprising: a delivery catheter with a distal end and a proximal end; a handle attached to the proximal end of the delivery catheter; an electrode deployment device positioned at least partially in the delivery catheter and including a plurality of retractable electrodes that are inserted into tissue, penetrate tissue and surround a selected mass, each electrode having a non-deployed state when positioned within the delivery catheter, and a distended deployed state when advanced from the distal end of the delivery catheter defining an ablation volume between the deployed electrodes, each deployed electrode having at least one radii of curvature in two or more planes when advanced through the distal end of the delivery catheter and positioned at a desired tissue site; and an electrode advancement and retraction, member connected to the electrode deployment device, for advancing the electrodes in and out of the delivery catheter distal end.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
42 words
The tissue ablation apparatus of claim 18, further comprising: an electrode template positioned at the distal end of the delivery catheter for guiding the deployment of the electrodes in a surrounding relationship to an exterior of a selected mass in the tissue.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
45 words
The tissue ablation apparatus of claim 18, further comprising: an adjustable electrode insulator positioned adjacent to and in surrounding relationship to each of the electrodes, each adjustable electrode insulator being capable of being advanced and retracted along an electrode to define an electrode conductive surface.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
19 words
The tissue ablation apparatus of claim 18, further comprising: one or more guide tubes positioned in the delivery catheter.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
149 words
A tissue ablation apparatus, comprising: a delivery catheter with a distal end and a proximal end; a handle attached to the proximal end of the delivery catheter; an electrode deployment device positioned at least partially in the delivery catheter and including a plurality of retractable electrodes that are inserted into tissue, penetrate tissue and surround a selected mass each electrode having a non-deployed state when positioned within the delivery catheter, and a distended deployed state when advanced from the distal end of the delivery catheter defining an ablation volume between the deployed electrodes, at least one deployed electrode having at least two radii of curvature, and at least one deployed electrode having at least one radius of curvature in two or more planes; and an electrode advancement and retraction member connected to the electrode deployment device, for advancing the electrodes in and out of the delivery catheter distal end.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
149 words
A tissue ablation apparatus, comprising: a delivery catheter with a distal end and a proximal end; a handle attached to the proximal end of the delivery catheter; an electrode deployment device positioned at least partially in the delivery catheter and including a plurality of retractable electrodes that are inserted into tissue, penetrate tissue and surround a selected mass each electrode having a non-deployed state when positioned within the delivery catheter, and a distended deployed state when advanced from the distal end of the delivery catheter defining an ablation volume between the deployed electrodes, at least one deployed electrode having at least two radii of curvature, and at least one deployed electrode having at least one radius of curvature in two or more planes; and an electrode advancement and retraction member connected to the electrode deployment device, for advancing the electrodes in and out of the delivery catheter distal end.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
42 words
The tissue ablation apparatus of claim 22, further comprising: an electrode template positioned at the distal end of the delivery catheter for guiding the deployment of the electrodes in a surrounding relationship to an exterior of a selected mass in the tissue.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
45 words
The tissue ablation apparatus of claim 22, further comprising: an adjustable electrode insulator positioned adjacent to and in surrounding relationship to each of the electrodes, each adjustable electrode insulator being capable of being advanced and retracted along an electrode to define an electrode conductive surface.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
19 words
The tissue ablation apparatus of claim 22, further comprising: one or more guide tubes positioned in the delivery catheter.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
163 words
A tissue ablation apparatus, comprising: a delivery catheter with a distal end and a proximal end; a handle attached to the proximal end of the delivery catheter; an electrode deployment device positioned at least partially in the delivery catheter including a plurality of retractable electrodes that are inserted into tissue, penetrate tissue and surround a selected mass, each electrode having a non-deployed state when positioned within the delivery catheter, and a distended deployed state when advanced out of the delivery catheter distal end defining an ablation volume between the deployed electrodes, at least one deployed electrode having at least one curved section located near the distal end of the delivery catheter, and a non-curved section extending beyond the curved section of the deployed electrode, and at least one deployed electrode having at least two radii of curvature; and an electrode advancement and retraction member connected to the electrode deployment device, for advancing the electrodes in and out of the delivery catheter distal end.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
163 words
A tissue ablation apparatus, comprising: a delivery catheter with a distal end and a proximal end; a handle attached to the proximal end of the delivery catheter; an electrode deployment device positioned at least partially in the delivery catheter including a plurality of retractable electrodes that are inserted into tissue, penetrate tissue and surround a selected mass, each electrode having a non-deployed state when positioned within the delivery catheter, and a distended deployed state when advanced out of the delivery catheter distal end defining an ablation volume between the deployed electrodes, at least one deployed electrode having at least one curved section located near the distal end of the delivery catheter, and a non-curved section extending beyond the curved section of the deployed electrode, and at least one deployed electrode having at least two radii of curvature; and an electrode advancement and retraction member connected to the electrode deployment device, for advancing the electrodes in and out of the delivery catheter distal end.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
42 words
The tissue ablation apparatus of claim 26, further comprising: an electrode template positioned at the distal end of the delivery catheter for guiding the deployment of the electrodes in a surrounding relationship to an exterior of a selected mass in the tissue.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
45 words
The tissue ablation apparatus of claim 26, further comprising: an adjustable electrode insulator positioned adjacent to and in surrounding relationship to each of the electrodes, each adjustable electrode insulator being capable of being advanced and retracted along an electrode to define an electrode conductive surface.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
19 words
The tissue ablation apparatus of claim 26, further comprising: one or more guide tubes positioned in the delivery catheter.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
166 words
A tissue ablation apparatus, comprising: a delivery catheter with a distal end and a proximal end; a handle attached to the proximal end of the delivery catheter; an electrode deployment device positioned at least partially in the delivery catheter including a plurality of retractable electrodes that are inserted into tissue, penetrate tissue and surround a selected mass, each electrode having a non-deployed state when positioned within the delivery catheter, and a distended deployed state when advanced out of the delivery catheter distal end defining an oblation volume between the deployed electrodes, each deployed electrode having a first section with a first radius of curvature, the first section being located near the distal end of the delivery catheter, and a second section extending beyond the first section, the second section having one of a second radius of curvature, or a substantially linear geometry; and an electrode advancement and retraction member connected to the electrode deployment device, for advancing the electrodes in and out of the delivery catheter.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
166 words
A tissue ablation apparatus, comprising: a delivery catheter with a distal end and a proximal end; a handle attached to the proximal end of the delivery catheter; an electrode deployment device positioned at least partially in the delivery catheter including a plurality of retractable electrodes that are inserted into tissue, penetrate tissue and surround a selected mass, each electrode having a non-deployed state when positioned within the delivery catheter, and a distended deployed state when advanced out of the delivery catheter distal end defining an oblation volume between the deployed electrodes, each deployed electrode having a first section with a first radius of curvature, the first section being located near the distal end of the delivery catheter, and a second section extending beyond the first section, the second section having one of a second radius of curvature, or a substantially linear geometry; and an electrode advancement and retraction member connected to the electrode deployment device, for advancing the electrodes in and out of the delivery catheter.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
41 words
The tissue ablation apparatus of claim 30, wherein each electrode includes a third section extending beyond the second section, the third section having a curved or substantially linear geometry that is in a lateral position in relation to the second section.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
125 words
A tissue oblation apparatus, comprising: a delivery catheter with a distal end and a proximal end; a handle attached to the proximal end of the delivery catheter; an electrode deployment device positioned at least partially in the delivery catheter and including a plurality of retractable electrodes that are inserted into tissue, penetrate tissue and surround a selected mass, each electrode having a non-deployed state when positioned within the delivery catheter, and a distended deployed state when advanced from the delivery catheter defining an ablation volume between the deployed electrodes, each deployed electrode having at least one radii of curvature; and an electrode advancement and retraction member connected to the electrode deployment device, for advancing the electrodes in and out of the delivery catheter distal end.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
125 words
A tissue oblation apparatus, comprising: a delivery catheter with a distal end and a proximal end; a handle attached to the proximal end of the delivery catheter; an electrode deployment device positioned at least partially in the delivery catheter and including a plurality of retractable electrodes that are inserted into tissue, penetrate tissue and surround a selected mass, each electrode having a non-deployed state when positioned within the delivery catheter, and a distended deployed state when advanced from the delivery catheter defining an ablation volume between the deployed electrodes, each deployed electrode having at least one radii of curvature; and an electrode advancement and retraction member connected to the electrode deployment device, for advancing the electrodes in and out of the delivery catheter distal end.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1999-07-16 | 2000-01-15 | 2000-07-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2003-07-16 | 2004-01-15 | 2004-07-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2007-07-16 | 2008-01-15 | 2008-07-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |