Patent US5797903A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5797903A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Tissue heating and ablation systems and methods using porous electrode structures with electrically conductive surfaces
Assignee: EP Technologies Inc
•
Filing: 1996-04-12
•
Granted: 1998-08-25
•
Expires: 2016-04-12
Abstract
Abstract Tissue heating and ablation systems and methods use a porous electrode assembly with an electrically conductive surface. The electrode assembly includes an exterior peripherally surrounding an interior area. At least a portion of the wall comprises an electrically conductive material. A lumen conveys a medium containing ions into the interior area. According to the invention, at least a portion of the wall also comprising a porous material sized to pass ions contained in the medium. In a preferred embodiment, the electrode assembly further includes an element coupling the electrically conductive material to a source of electrical energy to transmit electrical energy. In this preferred embodiment, the electrically conductive material is also porous to pass ions contained in the medium. The assembly also preferably includes a conductive element coupling the medium within the interior area to a source of electrical energy to enable ionic transport of electrical energy by the medium through the porous material.
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 22:47
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61L; A61L29/00; A61L29/08; A61L29/085; A61B; A61B18/00; A61B2018/00053; A61B2018/00214; A61B2018/00267; A61B2018/00636; A61B2018/00773; A61B2018/00839
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 113
Claim 1
Independent Claim
69 words
An electrode assembly comprising a wall having an exterior peripherally surrounding an interior area, at least a portion of the wall comprising an electrically conductive material, and a lumen for conveying a medium containing ions into the interior area, wherein at least a portion of the wall also comprises a porous material sized to pass ions contained in the medium without allowing substantial medium perfusion through the porous material.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
69 words
An electrode assembly comprising a wall having an exterior peripherally surrounding an interior area, at least a portion of the wall comprising an electrically conductive material, and a lumen for conveying a medium containing ions into the interior area, wherein at least a portion of the wall also comprises a porous material sized to pass ions contained in the medium without allowing substantial medium perfusion through the porous material.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
An assembly according to claim 1 wherein the porous material is adjacent to the electrically conductive material.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
An assembly according to claim 1 or 2 and further including an element for coupling the electrically conductive material to a source of electrical energy to transmit electrical energy.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
An assembly according to claim 3 wherein the electrically conductive material is also porous to pass ions contained in the medium.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
40 words
An assembly according to claim 3 and further including a conductive element for coupling the medium within the interior area to a source of electrical energy to enable ionic transport of electrical energy by the medium through the porous material.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
An assembly according to claim 5 wherein the conductive element comprises an electrically conductive electrode in the interior area of the wall.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
An assembly according to claim 6 wherein the electrically conductive electrode comprises a nobel metal.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
27 words
An assembly according to claim 7 wherein the electrically conductive electrode includes a material selected from the group consisting essentially of gold, platinum, platinum/iridium, and combinations thereof.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
21 words
An assembly according to claim 5 wherein the electrically conductive material is also porous to pass ions contained in the medium.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
29 words
An assembly according to claim 1 or 2 and further including an element coupled to the electrically conductive material to convey electrical signals sensed by the electrically conductive material.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
27 words
An assembly according to claim 10 and further including an element for coupling the electrically conductive material to a source of electrical energy to transmit electrical energy.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
21 words
An assembly according to claim 11 wherein the electrically conductive material is also porous to pass ions contained in the medium.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
40 words
An assembly according to claim 11 and further including a conductive element for coupling the medium within the interior area to a source of electrical energy to enable ionic transport of electrical energy by the medium through the porous material.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
22 words
An assembly according to claim 13 wherein the conductive element comprises an electrically conductive electrode in the interior area of the wall.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
15 words
An assembly according to claim 14 wherein the electrically conductive electrode comprises a noble metal.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
27 words
An assembly according to claim 15 wherein the electrically conductive electrode includes a material selected from the group consisting essentially of gold, platinum, platinum/iridium, and combinations thereof.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
21 words
An assembly according to claim 13 wherein the electrically conductive material is also porous to pass ions contained in the medium.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
116 words
An electrode assembly comprising a wall having an exterior peripherally surrounding an interior area, at least a portion of the wall comprising an electrically conductive material, a lumen for conveying a medium containing ions into the interior area, and a conductive element for coupling the medium within the interior area to a source of electrical energy to enable ionic transport of electrical energy by the medium, wherein at least a portion of the wall also comprises a porous material sized to pass ions contained in the medium without allowing substantial medium perfusion through the porous material to enable ionic transport of electrical energy by the medium through the porous material to the exterior of the wall.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
116 words
An electrode assembly comprising a wall having an exterior peripherally surrounding an interior area, at least a portion of the wall comprising an electrically conductive material, a lumen for conveying a medium containing ions into the interior area, and a conductive element for coupling the medium within the interior area to a source of electrical energy to enable ionic transport of electrical energy by the medium, wherein at least a portion of the wall also comprises a porous material sized to pass ions contained in the medium without allowing substantial medium perfusion through the porous material to enable ionic transport of electrical energy by the medium through the porous material to the exterior of the wall.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
17 words
An assembly according to claim 18 wherein the porous material is adjacent to the electrically conductive material.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
29 words
An assembly according to claim 18 or 19 and further including an element for coupling the electrically conductive material to a source of electrical energy to transmit electrical energy.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
21 words
An assembly according to claim 20 wherein the electrically conductive material is also porous to pass ions contained in the medium.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
29 words
An assembly according to claim 18 or 19 and further including an element coupled to the electrically conductive material to convey electrical signals sensed by the electrically conductive material.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
27 words
An assembly according to claim 22 and further including an element for coupling the electrically conductive material to a source of electrical energy to transmit electrical energy.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
21 words
An assembly according to claim 23 wherein the electrically conductive material is also porous to pass ions contained in the medium.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
24 words
An assembly according to claim 18 or 19 wherein the conductive element comprises an electrically conductive electrode in the interior area of the wall.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
15 words
An assembly according to claim 25 wherein the electrically conductive electrode comprises a noble metal.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
27 words
An assembly according to claim 25 wherein the electrically conductive electrode includes a material selected from the group consisting essentially of gold, platinum, platinum/iridium, and combinations thereof.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
19 words
An assembly according to claim 18 or 19 wherein the porous material is sized to block passage of macromolecules.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
15 words
An assembly according to claim 18 or wherein the porous material comprises an ultrafiltration membrane.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
16 words
An assembly according to claim 18 or 19 wherein the porous material comprises a microporous membrane.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
20 words
An assembly according to claim 1 or 18 wherein the electrically conductive material comprises a coating deposited on the wall.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
19 words
An assembly according to claim 1 or 18 wherein the electrically conductive material comprises foil affixed to the wall.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
20 words
An assembly according to claim 1 or 18 wherein the electrically conductive material is a coextruded part of the wall.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
24 words
An assembly according to claim 1 or 18 wherein the electrically conductive material comprises noninsulated signal wire exposed on the exterior of the wall.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
15 words
An assembly according to claim 1 or 18 wherein the medium comprises a hypertonic solution.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
13 words
An assembly according to claim 35 wherein the hypertonic solution includes sodium chloride.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
19 words
An assembly according to claim 36 wherein the sodium chloride is present in a concentration at or near saturation.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
23 words
An assembly according to claim 36 wherein the sodium chloride is present in a concentration of up to about 9% weight by volume.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
13 words
An assembly according to claim 35 wherein the hypertonic solution includes potassium chloride.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
19 words
An assembly according to claim 1 or 18 wherein the medium has a resistivity lower than about 150 ohm·cm.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
19 words
An assembly according to claim 1 or 18 wherein the medium has a resistivity lower than about 10 ohm·cm.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
18 words
An assembly according to claim 1 or 18 wherein the medium has a resistivity of about 5 ohm·cm.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
21 words
An assembly according to claim 1 or 18 wherein the medium includes a material whose presence increases viscosity of the medium.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
24 words
An assembly according to claim 1 or 18 wherein the medium includes at least one ionic material whose presence increases viscosity of the medium.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
17 words
An assembly according to claim 44 wherein the at least one ionic material comprises a radiopaque substance.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
22 words
An assembly according to claim 1 or 18 wherein the medium includes a nonionic material whose presence increases viscosity of the medium.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
12 words
An assembly according to claim 46 wherein the nonionic material includes glycerol.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
12 words
An assembly according to claim 46 wherein the nonionic material includes mannitol.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
21 words
An assembly according to claim 1 or 18 wherein the porous material has an electrical resistivity greater than about 500 ohm·cm.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
21 words
An assembly according to claim 1 or 18 wherein the porous material has an electrical resistivity less than about 500 ohm·cm.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
25 words
An assembly according to claim 1 or 18 and further including members assembled within the interior area to form a support structure underlying the wall.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
15 words
An assembly according to claim 51 wherein the support members are made from metal material.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
13 words
An assembly according to claim 52 wherein the metal material includes nickel titanium.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
13 words
An assembly according to claim 52 wherein the metal material includes stainless steel.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
15 words
An assembly according to claim 52 wherein the support members are made from plastic material.
Claim 58
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 59
Dependent Claim
15 words
An assembly according to claim 52 wherein the support members comprise a porous foam structure.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
14 words
An assembly according to claim 1 or 18 wherein the porous material is hydrophilic.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
40 words
An assembly according to claim 1 or 18 wherein the lumens conveys a medium containing ions into the interior area subject to an interior pressure, and wherein the porous material has a bubble point value greater than the interior pressure.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
12 words
An assembly according to claim 59 wherein the porous material is hydrophilic.
Claim 63
Independent Claim
185 words
A system for heating body tissue comprising a source of a medium containing ions, a generator of electrical energy, an electrode comprising a wall having an exterior peripherally surrounding an interior area, at least a portion of the wall comprising an electrically conductive material having a surface area for transmitting electrical energy, a lumen for conveying medium containing ions from the source into the interior area of the wall, at least a portion of the wall adjacent to the electrically conductive material comprising a porous material sized to pass ions contained in the medium without allowing substantial medium perfusion through the porous material, and a controller coupled to the souce and to the generator to achieve a desired tissue heating effect by commanding conveyance of electrical energy by the generator for transmission by the electrically conductive material while commanding conveyance of medium containing ions by the source, thereby enabling ionic transport through the porous material while the electrically conductive material transmits electrical energy to create an effective surface area of electrical energy transmission that is greater than the surface area of the electrically conductive material.
Claim 64
Independent Claim
185 words
A system for heating body tissue comprising a source of a medium containing ions, a generator of electrical energy, an electrode comprising a wall having an exterior peripherally surrounding an interior area, at least a portion of the wall comprising an electrically conductive material having a surface area for transmitting electrical energy, a lumen for conveying medium containing ions from the source into the interior area of the wall, at least a portion of the wall adjacent to the electrically conductive material comprising a porous material sized to pass ions contained in the medium without allowing substantial medium perfusion through the porous material, and a controller coupled to the souce and to the generator to achieve a desired tissue heating effect by commanding conveyance of electrical energy by the generator for transmission by the electrically conductive material while commanding conveyance of medium containing ions by the source, thereby enabling ionic transport through the porous material while the electrically conductive material transmits electrical energy to create an effective surface area of electrical energy transmission that is greater than the surface area of the electrically conductive material.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
69 words
A system according to claim 61 and further including a conductive element coupling the medium within the interior area of the wall to the generator, and wherein the controller is coupled to the conductive element to command conveyance of electrical energy by the generator to the element to enable ionic transport of electrical energy by the medium through the porous material while the electrically conductive material transmits electrical energy.
Claim 66
Independent Claim
201 words
A system for heating body tissue comprising a source of a medium containing ions, a generator of electrical energy, an electrode comprising a wall having an exterior peripherally surrounding an interior area, at least a portion of the wall comprising an electrically conductive material having a surface area for transmitting electrical energy, a lumen to convey medium containing ions from the source into the interior area of the wall, at least a portion of the wall adjacent to the electrically conductive material comprising a porous material sized to pass ions contained in the medium, a conductive element coupling the medium within the interior area of the wall to the generator, and a controller coupled to the source, the generator, and the element to achieve a desired tissue heating effect by commanding conveyance of electrical energy by the generator to the element and the electrically conductive material while commanding conveyance of medium containing ions by the source into the interior area to enable ionic transport of electrical energy through the porous material while the electrically conductive material transmits electrical energy to create an effective surface area of electrical energy transmission that is greater than the surface area of the electrically conductive material.
Claim 67
Independent Claim
201 words
A system for heating body tissue comprising a source of a medium containing ions, a generator of electrical energy, an electrode comprising a wall having an exterior peripherally surrounding an interior area, at least a portion of the wall comprising an electrically conductive material having a surface area for transmitting electrical energy, a lumen to convey medium containing ions from the source into the interior area of the wall, at least a portion of the wall adjacent to the electrically conductive material comprising a porous material sized to pass ions contained in the medium, a conductive element coupling the medium within the interior area of the wall to the generator, and a controller coupled to the source, the generator, and the element to achieve a desired tissue heating effect by commanding conveyance of electrical energy by the generator to the element and the electrically conductive material while commanding conveyance of medium containing ions by the source into the interior area to enable ionic transport of electrical energy through the porous material while the electrically conductive material transmits electrical energy to create an effective surface area of electrical energy transmission that is greater than the surface area of the electrically conductive material.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
26 words
A system according to claim 61 or 62 or 63 wherein the controller is operative for achieving the desired tissue heating effect by ablating body tissue.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
26 words
A system according to claim 61 or 62 or 63 wherein the controller is operative for achieving the desired tissue heating effect by ablating heart tissue.
Claim 70
Independent Claim
230 words
A system for ablating heart tissue comprising a source of a medium containing ions, a generator of electrical energy, a processor for processing electrical events sensed in heart tissue, an electrode comprising a wall having an exterior peripherally surrounding an interior area, at least a portion of the wall comprising an electrically conductive material having a surface area for sensing electrical events in heart tissue and transmitting electrical energy, a lumen for conveying medium containing ions from the source into the interior area of the wall, at least a portion of the wall adjacent to the electrically conductive material comprising a porous material sized to pass ions contained in the medium without allowing substantial medium perfusion through the porous material, and a controller coupled to the source, to the generator, and to the processor, the controller operative in a first mode commanding the electrically conductive material to sense electrical events in heart tissue for conveyance to the processor, the controller being operative in a second mode commanding conveyance of electrical energy by the generator for transmission by the electrically conductive material while commanding conveyance of medium containing ions, thereby enabling ionic transport through the porous material while the electrically conductive material transmits electrical energy to create an effective surface area of electrical energy transmission for ablating heart tissue that is greater than the surface area of the electrically conductive material.
Claim 71
Independent Claim
230 words
A system for ablating heart tissue comprising a source of a medium containing ions, a generator of electrical energy, a processor for processing electrical events sensed in heart tissue, an electrode comprising a wall having an exterior peripherally surrounding an interior area, at least a portion of the wall comprising an electrically conductive material having a surface area for sensing electrical events in heart tissue and transmitting electrical energy, a lumen for conveying medium containing ions from the source into the interior area of the wall, at least a portion of the wall adjacent to the electrically conductive material comprising a porous material sized to pass ions contained in the medium without allowing substantial medium perfusion through the porous material, and a controller coupled to the source, to the generator, and to the processor, the controller operative in a first mode commanding the electrically conductive material to sense electrical events in heart tissue for conveyance to the processor, the controller being operative in a second mode commanding conveyance of electrical energy by the generator for transmission by the electrically conductive material while commanding conveyance of medium containing ions, thereby enabling ionic transport through the porous material while the electrically conductive material transmits electrical energy to create an effective surface area of electrical energy transmission for ablating heart tissue that is greater than the surface area of the electrically conductive material.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
72 words
A system according to claim 66 and further including a conductive element coupling the medium within the interior area of the wall to the generator, and wherein the controller is coupled to the element to command, during the second mode, conveyance of electrical energy by the generator to the element to enable ionic transport of electrical energy by the medium through the porous material while the electrically conductive material transmits electrical energy.
Claim 73
Independent Claim
247 words
A system for ablating heart tissue comprising a source of a medium containing ions, a generator of electrical energy, a processor for processing electrical events sensed in heart tissue, an electrode comprising a wall having an exterior peripherally surrounding an interior area, at least a portion of the wall comprising an electrically conductive material having a surface area for sensing electrical events in heart tissue and transmitting electrical energy, a lumen to convey medium containing ions from the source into the interior area of the wall, at least a portion of the wall adjacent to the electrically conductive material comprising a porous material sized to pass ions contained in the medium, a conductive element coupling the medium within the interior area of the wall to the generator, and a controller coupled to the source, to the generator, and to the processor, the controller operative in a first mode commanding the electrically conductive material to sense electrical events in heart tissue for conveyance to the processor, the controller being operative in a second mode commanding conveyance of electrical energy by the generator for transmission by the electrically conductive material while commanding conveyance of medium containing ions by the source into the interior area to enable ionic transport of electrical energy through the porous material while the electrically conductive material transmits electrical energy to create an effective surface area of electrical energy transmission for ablating heart tissue that is greater than the surface area of the electrically conductive material.
Claim 74
Independent Claim
247 words
A system for ablating heart tissue comprising a source of a medium containing ions, a generator of electrical energy, a processor for processing electrical events sensed in heart tissue, an electrode comprising a wall having an exterior peripherally surrounding an interior area, at least a portion of the wall comprising an electrically conductive material having a surface area for sensing electrical events in heart tissue and transmitting electrical energy, a lumen to convey medium containing ions from the source into the interior area of the wall, at least a portion of the wall adjacent to the electrically conductive material comprising a porous material sized to pass ions contained in the medium, a conductive element coupling the medium within the interior area of the wall to the generator, and a controller coupled to the source, to the generator, and to the processor, the controller operative in a first mode commanding the electrically conductive material to sense electrical events in heart tissue for conveyance to the processor, the controller being operative in a second mode commanding conveyance of electrical energy by the generator for transmission by the electrically conductive material while commanding conveyance of medium containing ions by the source into the interior area to enable ionic transport of electrical energy through the porous material while the electrically conductive material transmits electrical energy to create an effective surface area of electrical energy transmission for ablating heart tissue that is greater than the surface area of the electrically conductive material.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
21 words
A system according to claim 63 or 67 or 68 wherein the porous material is sized to block passage of macromolecules.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
16 words
A system according to claim 63 or 68 wherein the porous material comprises an ultrafiltration membrane.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
16 words
A system according to claim 63 or 68 wherein the porous material comprises a microporous membrane.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
28 words
A system according to claim 62 or 63 or 67 or 68 wherein the conductive element comprises an electrically conductive electrode in the interior area of the wall.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
28 words
A system according to claim 61 or 62 or 63 or 66 or 67 or 68 wherein the electrically conductive material comprises a coating deposited on the wall.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
27 words
A system according to claim 61 or 62 or 63 or 66 or 67 or 68 wherein the electrically conductive material comprises foil affixed to the wall.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
28 words
A system according to claim 61 or 62 or 63 or 66 or 67 or 68 wherein the electrically conductive material is a coextruded part of the wall.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
32 words
A system according to claim 61 or 62 or 63 or 66 or 67 or 68 wherein the electrically conductive material comprises noninsulated signal wire exposed on the exterior of the wall.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
23 words
A system according to claim 61 or 62 or 63 or 66 or 67 or 68 wherein the medium comprises a hypertonic solution.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
27 words
A system according to claim 61 or 62 or 63 or 66 or 67 or 68 wherein the medium has a resistivity lower than about 150 ohm·cm.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
17 words
A system according to claim 78 wherein the medium has a resistivity lower than about 10 ohm·cm.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
16 words
A system according to claim 78 wherein the medium has a resistivity of about 5 ohm·cm.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
29 words
A system according to claim 61 or 62 or 63 or 66 or 67 or 68 wherein the porous material has an electrical resistivity greater than about 500 ohm·cm.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
29 words
A system according to claim 61 or 62 or 63 or 66 or 67 or 68 wherein the porous material has an electrical resistivity less than about 500 ohm·cm.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
22 words
A system according to claim 61 or 62 or 63 or 66 or 67 or 68 wherein the porous material is hydrophilic.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
48 words
A system according to claim 61 or 62 or 63 or 66 or 67 or 68 wherein the lumens conveys a medium containing ions into the interior area subject to an interior pressure, and wherein the porous material has a bubble point value greater than the interior pressure.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
12 words
A system according to claim 84 wherein the porous material is hydrophilic.
Claim 92
Independent Claim
199 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, at least a portion of the wall comprising an electrically conductive material having a surface area for transmitting electrical energy, a lumen for conveying a medium containing ions into the interior area of the wall, at least a portion of the wall adjacent to the electrically conductive material comprising a porous material sized to pass ions contained in the medium without allowing substantial medium perfusion through the porous material, electrically coupling a source of radio frequency energy to the electrically conductive material to a return electrode in contact with body tissue, guiding the catheter tube into a body, and ohmically heating body tissue by transmitting radio frequency through the electrically conductive material while conveying medium containing ions into the interior area of the wall to enable ions transport through the porous material while the electrically conductive material transmits electrical energy, thereby creating an effective surface area of electrical energy transmission to the return electrode that is greater than the surface area of the electrically conductive material.
Claim 93
Independent Claim
199 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, at least a portion of the wall comprising an electrically conductive material having a surface area for transmitting electrical energy, a lumen for conveying a medium containing ions into the interior area of the wall, at least a portion of the wall adjacent to the electrically conductive material comprising a porous material sized to pass ions contained in the medium without allowing substantial medium perfusion through the porous material, electrically coupling a source of radio frequency energy to the electrically conductive material to a return electrode in contact with body tissue, guiding the catheter tube into a body, and ohmically heating body tissue by transmitting radio frequency through the electrically conductive material while conveying medium containing ions into the interior area of the wall to enable ions transport through the porous material while the electrically conductive material transmits electrical energy, thereby creating an effective surface area of electrical energy transmission to the return electrode that is greater than the surface area of the electrically conductive material.
Claim 94
Independent Claim
199 words
A method for ablating 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, at least a portion of the wall comprising an electrically conductive material having a surface area for transmitting electrical energy, a lumen for conveying a medium containing ions into the interior area of the wall, at least a portion of the wall adjacent to the electrically conductive material comprising a porous material sized to pass ions contained in the medium without allowing substantial medium perfusion through the porous material, electrically coupling a source of radio frequency energy to the electrically conductive material to a return electrode in contact with body tissue, guiding the catheter tube into a body, and ohmically ablating body tissue by transmitting radio frequency through the electrically conductive material while conveying medium containing ions into the interior area of the wall to enable ionic transport through the porous material while the electrically conductive material transmits electrical energy, thereby creating an effective surface area of electrical energy transmission to the return electrode that is greater than the surface area of the electrically conductive material.
Claim 95
Independent Claim
199 words
A method for ablating 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, at least a portion of the wall comprising an electrically conductive material having a surface area for transmitting electrical energy, a lumen for conveying a medium containing ions into the interior area of the wall, at least a portion of the wall adjacent to the electrically conductive material comprising a porous material sized to pass ions contained in the medium without allowing substantial medium perfusion through the porous material, electrically coupling a source of radio frequency energy to the electrically conductive material to a return electrode in contact with body tissue, guiding the catheter tube into a body, and ohmically ablating body tissue by transmitting radio frequency through the electrically conductive material while conveying medium containing ions into the interior area of the wall to enable ionic transport through the porous material while the electrically conductive material transmits electrical energy, thereby creating an effective surface area of electrical energy transmission to the return electrode that is greater than the surface area of the electrically conductive material.
Claim 96
Independent Claim
200 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, at least a portion of the wall comprising an electrically conductive material having a surface area for transmitting electrical energy, a lumen for conveying a medium containing ions into the interior area of the wall, at least a portion of the wall adjacent to the electrically conductive material comprising a porous material sized to pass ions contained in the medium without allowing substantial medium perfusion through the porous material, electrically coupling a source of radio frequency energy to the electrically conductive material to a return electrode in contact with heart tissue, guiding the catheter tube into a heart chamber, and ohmically ablating heart tissue by transmitting radio frequency through the electrically conductive material while conveying medium containing ions into the interior area of the wall to enable ionic transport through the porous material while the electrically conductive material transmits electrical energy, thereby creating an effective surface area of electrical energy transmission to the return electrode that is greater than the surface area of the electrically conductive material.
Claim 97
Independent Claim
200 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, at least a portion of the wall comprising an electrically conductive material having a surface area for transmitting electrical energy, a lumen for conveying a medium containing ions into the interior area of the wall, at least a portion of the wall adjacent to the electrically conductive material comprising a porous material sized to pass ions contained in the medium without allowing substantial medium perfusion through the porous material, electrically coupling a source of radio frequency energy to the electrically conductive material to a return electrode in contact with heart tissue, guiding the catheter tube into a heart chamber, and ohmically ablating heart tissue by transmitting radio frequency through the electrically conductive material while conveying medium containing ions into the interior area of the wall to enable ionic transport through the porous material while the electrically conductive material transmits electrical energy, thereby creating an effective surface area of electrical energy transmission to the return electrode that is greater than the surface area of the electrically conductive material.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method according to claim 88 and further including the step of conditioning the electrically conductive material to sense electrical events in heart tissue.
Claim 99
Independent Claim
217 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, at least a portion of the wall comprising an electrically conductive material having a surface area for transmitting electrical energy, a lumen to convey medium containing ions into the interior area of the wall, at least a portion of the wall adjacent to the electrically conductive material comprising a porous material sized to pass ions contained in the medium, and an electrically conductive element contacting the medium within the interior area of the wall, and electrically coupling the electrically conductive element and the electrically conductive material to a source of radio frequency energy and to a return electrode in contact with body tissue, guiding the catheter tube into a body, and ohmically heating body tissue by transmitting radio frequency through the electrically conductive material and the element while conveying medium containing ions into the interior area of the wall to enable ionic transport of electrical energy through the porous material while the electrically conductive material transmits electrical energy to create an effective surface area of electrical energy transmission to the return electrode that is greater than the surface area of the electrically conductive material.
Claim 100
Independent Claim
217 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, at least a portion of the wall comprising an electrically conductive material having a surface area for transmitting electrical energy, a lumen to convey medium containing ions into the interior area of the wall, at least a portion of the wall adjacent to the electrically conductive material comprising a porous material sized to pass ions contained in the medium, and an electrically conductive element contacting the medium within the interior area of the wall, and electrically coupling the electrically conductive element and the electrically conductive material to a source of radio frequency energy and to a return electrode in contact with body tissue, guiding the catheter tube into a body, and ohmically heating body tissue by transmitting radio frequency through the electrically conductive material and the element while conveying medium containing ions into the interior area of the wall to enable ionic transport of electrical energy through the porous material while the electrically conductive material transmits electrical energy to create an effective surface area of electrical energy transmission to the return electrode that is greater than the surface area of the electrically conductive material.
Claim 101
Independent Claim
217 words
A method for ablating 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, at least a portion of the wall comprising an electrically conductive material having a surface area for transmitting electrical energy, a lumen to convey medium containing ions into the interior area of the wall, at least a portion of the wall adjacent to the electrically conductive material comprising a porous material sized to pass ions contained in the medium, and an electrically conductive element contacting the medium within the interior area of the wall, and electrically coupling the electrically conductive element and the electrically conductive material to a source of radio frequency energy and to a return electrode in contact with body tissue, guiding the catheter tube into a body, and ohmically ablating body tissue by transmitting radio frequency through the electrically conductive material and the element while conveying medium containing ions into the interior area of the wall to enable ionic transport of electrical energy through the porous material while the electrically conductive material transmits electrical energy to create an effective surface area of electrical energy transmission to the return electrode that is greater than the surface area of the electrically conductive material.
Claim 102
Independent Claim
217 words
A method for ablating 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, at least a portion of the wall comprising an electrically conductive material having a surface area for transmitting electrical energy, a lumen to convey medium containing ions into the interior area of the wall, at least a portion of the wall adjacent to the electrically conductive material comprising a porous material sized to pass ions contained in the medium, and an electrically conductive element contacting the medium within the interior area of the wall, and electrically coupling the electrically conductive element and the electrically conductive material to a source of radio frequency energy and to a return electrode in contact with body tissue, guiding the catheter tube into a body, and ohmically ablating body tissue by transmitting radio frequency through the electrically conductive material and the element while conveying medium containing ions into the interior area of the wall to enable ionic transport of electrical energy through the porous material while the electrically conductive material transmits electrical energy to create an effective surface area of electrical energy transmission to the return electrode that is greater than the surface area of the electrically conductive material.
Claim 103
Independent Claim
218 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, at least a portion of the wall comprising an electrically conductive material having a surface area for transmitting electrical energy, a lumen to convey medium containing ions into the interior area of the wall, at least a portion of the wall adjacent to the electrically conductive material comprising a porous material sized to pass ions contained in the medium, and an electrically conductive element contacting the medium within the interior area of the wall, and electrically coupling the electrically conductive element and the electrically conductive material to a source of radio frequency energy and to a return electrode in contact with body tissue, guiding the catheter tube into a heart chamber, and ohmically ablating heart tissue by transmitting radio frequency through the electrically conductive material and the element while conveying medium containing ions into the interior area of the wall to enable ionic transport of electrical energy through the porous material while the electrically conductive material transmits electrical energy to create an effective surface area of electrical energy transmission to the return electrode that is greater than the surface area of the electrically conductive material.
Claim 104
Independent Claim
218 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, at least a portion of the wall comprising an electrically conductive material having a surface area for transmitting electrical energy, a lumen to convey medium containing ions into the interior area of the wall, at least a portion of the wall adjacent to the electrically conductive material comprising a porous material sized to pass ions contained in the medium, and an electrically conductive element contacting the medium within the interior area of the wall, and electrically coupling the electrically conductive element and the electrically conductive material to a source of radio frequency energy and to a return electrode in contact with body tissue, guiding the catheter tube into a heart chamber, and ohmically ablating heart tissue by transmitting radio frequency through the electrically conductive material and the element while conveying medium containing ions into the interior area of the wall to enable ionic transport of electrical energy through the porous material while the electrically conductive material transmits electrical energy to create an effective surface area of electrical energy transmission to the return electrode that is greater than the surface area of the electrically conductive material.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method according to claim 92 and further including the step of conditioning the electrically conductive material to sense electrical events in heart tissue.
Claim 106
Independent Claim
164 words
A system for heating body tissue comprising a source of a medium containing ions, a generator of electrical energy, an electrode comprising a wall having an exterior peripherally surrounding an interior area, at least a portion of the wall comprising an electrically conductive material adapted to be coupled to a source of electrical energy to transmit electrical energy, a lumen for conveying a medium containing ions into the interior area, and at least a portion of the electrically conductive material comprising a porous material sized to pass ions contained in the medium without allowing substantial medium perfusion through the porous material, and a controller adapted to be coupled to the source and to the generator to achieve a desired tissue heating effect by commanding conveyance of electrical energy by the generator for transmission by the electrically conductive material while commanding conveyance of medium containing ions by the source, thereby enabling ionic transport through the porous material while the electrically conductive material transmits electrical energy.
Claim 107
Independent Claim
164 words
A system for heating body tissue comprising a source of a medium containing ions, a generator of electrical energy, an electrode comprising a wall having an exterior peripherally surrounding an interior area, at least a portion of the wall comprising an electrically conductive material adapted to be coupled to a source of electrical energy to transmit electrical energy, a lumen for conveying a medium containing ions into the interior area, and at least a portion of the electrically conductive material comprising a porous material sized to pass ions contained in the medium without allowing substantial medium perfusion through the porous material, and a controller adapted to be coupled to the source and to the generator to achieve a desired tissue heating effect by commanding conveyance of electrical energy by the generator for transmission by the electrically conductive material while commanding conveyance of medium containing ions by the source, thereby enabling ionic transport through the porous material while the electrically conductive material transmits electrical energy.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
69 words
A system according to claim 94 and further including a conductive element coupling the medium within the interior area of the wall to the generator, and wherein the controller is coupled to the conductive element to command conveyance of electrical energy by the generator to the element to enable ionic transport of electrical energy by the medium through the porous material while the electrically conductive material transmits electrical energy.
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
95 words
A system according to claim 94 further including a processor for processing electrical events sensed in the tissue, the controller also coupled to the processor, the controller operative in a first mode commanding the electrically conductive material to sense electrical events in the tissue for conveyance to he processor, the controller being operative in a second mode commanding conveyance of electrical energy by the generator for transmission by the electrically conductive material while commanding conveyance of medium containing ions, thereby enabling ionic transport through the porous material while the electrically conductive material transmits electrical energy.
Claim 110
Independent Claim
172 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, at least a portion of the wall comprising an electrically conductive material adapted to be coupled to a source of electrical energy to transmit electrical energy, a lumen for conveying a medium containing ions into the interior area, at least a portion of the electrically conductive material comprising a porous material sized to pass ions contained in the medium without allowing substantial medium perfusion through the porous material, electrically coupling a source of radio frequency energy to the electrically conductive material to a return electrode in contact with body tissue, guiding the catheter tube into a body, and ohmically heating body tissue by transmitting radio frequency through the electrically conductive material while conveying medium containing ions into the interior area of the wall to enable ionic transport through the porous material while the electrically conductive material transmits electrical energy.
Claim 111
Independent Claim
172 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, at least a portion of the wall comprising an electrically conductive material adapted to be coupled to a source of electrical energy to transmit electrical energy, a lumen for conveying a medium containing ions into the interior area, at least a portion of the electrically conductive material comprising a porous material sized to pass ions contained in the medium without allowing substantial medium perfusion through the porous material, electrically coupling a source of radio frequency energy to the electrically conductive material to a return electrode in contact with body tissue, guiding the catheter tube into a body, and ohmically heating body tissue by transmitting radio frequency through the electrically conductive material while conveying medium containing ions into the interior area of the wall to enable ionic transport through the porous material while the electrically conductive material transmits electrical energy.
Claim 112
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method according to claim 97 and further including the step of conditioning the electrically conductive material to sense electrical events in the tissue.
Claim 113
Dependent Claim
83 words
A method according to claim 97 and further including an electrically conductive element in the medium that is in contact within the interior area of the wall, the step of electrically coupling the electrically conductive element and the electrically conductive material to a source of a radio frequency energy and to a return electrode in contact with body tissue, and the step of ohmically heating body tissue by transmitting radio frequency through the porous material while the electrically conductive material transmits electrical energy.
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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) | 2001-08-24 | 2002-02-23 | 2002-08-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2005-08-24 | 2006-02-23 | 2006-08-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2009-08-24 | 2010-02-23 | 2010-08-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |