Patent US5840076A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5840076A
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Tissue heating and ablation systems and methods using electrode structures with distally oriented porous regions
Assignee: EP Technologies Inc
•
Filing: 1996-04-12
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Granted: 1998-11-24
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Expires: 2016-04-12
Abstract
Abstract Systems and methods for heating or ablating body tissue use a porous electrode structure in which the porous section of the structure occupies more of the distal region of the structure than the proximal region. In a preferred embodiment, at least +E,fra 1/3+EE rd of the proximal region of the structure is free of pores. The porous section can be either ultraporous or microporous.
Inventors
- 👤 David K. Swanson
- 👤 Dorin Panescu
- 👤 James G. Whayne
- 👤 Russell B. Thompson
- 👤 Patrick M. Owens
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 14:01
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: 86
Claim 1
Independent Claim
150 words
A porous electrode assembly for ablating body tissue comprising a structure having a wall comprising a distal region and a proximal region, the wall having an exterior peripherally surrounding an interior area, the wall adapted to selectively assume an expanded geometry having a first maximum diameter and a collapsed geometry having a second maximum diameter less than the first maximum diameter, a medium containing ions substantially filling the interior area when the wall is in the expanded geometry, and an element for electrically coupling the medium to a source of electrical energy, wherein the wall includes a porous section sized to pass ions contained in the medium to thereby enable ionic transport of electrical energy sufficient to ablate tissue from the source through the medium and porous section to the exterior of the wall, the porous section occupying more of the distal region of the wall than the proximal region.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
150 words
A porous electrode assembly for ablating body tissue comprising a structure having a wall comprising a distal region and a proximal region, the wall having an exterior peripherally surrounding an interior area, the wall adapted to selectively assume an expanded geometry having a first maximum diameter and a collapsed geometry having a second maximum diameter less than the first maximum diameter, a medium containing ions substantially filling the interior area when the wall is in the expanded geometry, and an element for electrically coupling the medium to a source of electrical energy, wherein the wall includes a porous section sized to pass ions contained in the medium to thereby enable ionic transport of electrical energy sufficient to ablate tissue from the source through the medium and porous section to the exterior of the wall, the porous section occupying more of the distal region of the wall than the proximal region.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
A porous electrode assembly according to claim 1 wherein at least 1/3rd of the proximal region of the wall is free of pores.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
A porous electrode assembly according to claim 1 wherein the porous section comprises at least first and second porous zones spaced apart by a third zone free of pores.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
33 words
A porous electrode assembly according to claim 3 wherein the structure includes an axis, and wherein the first and second porous zones are circumferentially spaced apart by the third zone about the axis.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
32 words
A porous electrode assembly according to claim 3 wherein the structure includes an axis, and wherein the first and second porous zones are spaced apart by the third zone along the axis.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
14 words
A porous electrode assembly according to claim 1 wherein the wall is electrically conductive.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
18 words
A porous electrode assembly according to claim 1 and further including a radiopaque element carried by the structure.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
16 words
A porous electrode assembly according to claim 1 wherein the medium carries a radiopaque contrast substance.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
22 words
A porous electrode assembly according to claim 1 wherein the porous section has an electrical resistivity of at least about 500 ohm·cm.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
22 words
A porous electrode assembly according to claim 1 wherein the porous section has an electrical resistivity of less than about 500 ohm·cm.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
15 words
A porous electrode assembly according to claim 1 wherein the medium comprises a hypertonic solution.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
15 words
A porous electrode assembly according to claim 11 wherein the hypertonic solution includes sodium chloride.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
21 words
A porous electrode assembly according to claim 12 wherein the sodium chloride is present in a concentration at or near saturation.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
25 words
A porous electrode assembly according to claim 12 wherein the sodium chloride is present in a concentration of up to about 9% weight by volume.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
15 words
A porous electrode assembly according to claim 11 wherein the hypertonic solution includes potassium chloride.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
26 words
A porous electrode assembly according to claim 1 wherein the element comprises an electrically conductive electrode carried within the interior area adapted to transmit electrical energy.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
17 words
A porous electrode assembly according to claim 16 wherein the electrically conductive electrode comprises a nobel metal.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
29 words
A porous electrode assembly according to claim 16 wherein the electrically conductive electrode includes a material selected from the group consisting essentially of gold, platinum, platinum/iridium, and combinations thereof.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
14 words
A porous electrode assembly according to claim 1 wherein the porous section is hydrophilic.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
38 words
A porous electrode assembly according to claim 19 wherein the medium occupies the interior area subject to interior pressure, wherein the porous section has a bubble point value, and wherein the bubble point value exceeds the interior pressure.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
14 words
A porous electrode assembly according to claim 1 wherein the porous section is hydrophobic.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
43 words
A porous electrode assembly according to claim 21 wherein the medium occupies the interior area subject to interior pressure, wherein the porous section has a bubble point value, and wherein the bubble point value is equal to or less than the interior pressure.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
38 words
A porous electrode assembly according to claim 1 wherein the medium occupies the interior area subject to interior pressure, wherein the porous section has a bubble point value, and wherein the bubble point value exceeds the interior pressure.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
43 words
A porous electrode assembly according to claim 1 wherein the medium occupies the interior area subject to interior pressure, wherein the porous section has a bubble point value, and wherein the bubble point value is equal to or less than the interior pressure.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
16 words
A porous electrode assembly according to claim 1 wherein the porous section includes a hydrophilic coating.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
22 words
A porous electrode assembly according to claim 1 wherein the wall is hydrophobic, and wherein the porous section includes a hydrophilic coating.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
16 words
A porous electrode assembly according to claim 1 wherein the porous section comprises an ultraporous material.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
16 words
A porous electrode assembly according to claim 1 wherein the porous section comprises a microporous material.
Claim 30
Independent Claim
210 words
A system for heating body tissue comprising a catheter tube having a distal end, a return electrode, a fluid source of a medium containing ions, a porous electrode on the distal end of the catheter tube adapted to be electrically coupled to the return electrode through tissue, the porous electrode comprising a wall comprising a distal region and a proximal region, the wall having an exterior peripherally surrounding an interior area, the wall adapted to selectively assume an expanded geometry having a first maximum diameter and a collapsed geometry having a second maximum diameter less than the first maximum diameter, and a lumen communicating with the interior area and the fluid source to convey into the interior area the medium containing ions, the wall including a porous section sized to pass ions contained in the medium, the porous section occupying more of the distal region of the wall than the proximal region, and means for coupling the medium within the interior area to a source of electrical energy to establish ionic transport of electrical energy from the electrically conductive element through the medium to the exterior of the wall for transmission to the return electrode, thereby causing tissue located between the return electrode and the porous electrode to be heated.
Claim 31
Independent Claim
210 words
A system for heating body tissue comprising a catheter tube having a distal end, a return electrode, a fluid source of a medium containing ions, a porous electrode on the distal end of the catheter tube adapted to be electrically coupled to the return electrode through tissue, the porous electrode comprising a wall comprising a distal region and a proximal region, the wall having an exterior peripherally surrounding an interior area, the wall adapted to selectively assume an expanded geometry having a first maximum diameter and a collapsed geometry having a second maximum diameter less than the first maximum diameter, and a lumen communicating with the interior area and the fluid source to convey into the interior area the medium containing ions, the wall including a porous section sized to pass ions contained in the medium, the porous section occupying more of the distal region of the wall than the proximal region, and means for coupling the medium within the interior area to a source of electrical energy to establish ionic transport of electrical energy from the electrically conductive element through the medium to the exterior of the wall for transmission to the return electrode, thereby causing tissue located between the return electrode and the porous electrode to be heated.
Claim 32
Independent Claim
210 words
A system for ablating body tissue comprising a catheter tube having a distal end, a return electrode, a fluid source of a medium containing ions, a porous electrode on the distal end of the catheter tube adapted to be electrically coupled to the return electrode through tissue, the porous electrode comprising a wall comprising a distal region and a proximal region, the wall having an exterior peripherally surrounding an interior area, the wall adapted to selectively assume an expanded geometry having a first maximum diameter and a collapsed geometry having a second maximum diameter less than the first maximum diameter, and a lumen communicating with the interior area and the fluid source to convey into the interior area the medium containing ions, the wall including a porous section sized to pass ions contained in the medium, the porous section occupying more of the distal region of the wall than the proximal region, and means for coupling the medium within the interior area to a source of electrical energy to establish ionic transport of electrical energy from the electrically conductive element through the medium to the exterior of the wall for transmission to the return electrode, thereby causing tissue located between the return electrode and the porous electrode to be ablated.
Claim 33
Independent Claim
210 words
A system for ablating body tissue comprising a catheter tube having a distal end, a return electrode, a fluid source of a medium containing ions, a porous electrode on the distal end of the catheter tube adapted to be electrically coupled to the return electrode through tissue, the porous electrode comprising a wall comprising a distal region and a proximal region, the wall having an exterior peripherally surrounding an interior area, the wall adapted to selectively assume an expanded geometry having a first maximum diameter and a collapsed geometry having a second maximum diameter less than the first maximum diameter, and a lumen communicating with the interior area and the fluid source to convey into the interior area the medium containing ions, the wall including a porous section sized to pass ions contained in the medium, the porous section occupying more of the distal region of the wall than the proximal region, and means for coupling the medium within the interior area to a source of electrical energy to establish ionic transport of electrical energy from the electrically conductive element through the medium to the exterior of the wall for transmission to the return electrode, thereby causing tissue located between the return electrode and the porous electrode to be ablated.
Claim 34
Independent Claim
218 words
A system for ablating heart tissue comprising a catheter tube having a distal end for deployment in a heart chamber, a return electrode, a fluid source of a medium containing ions, a porous electrode on the distal end of the catheter tube adapted to be electrically coupled to the return electrode through heart tissue, the porous electrode comprising a wall comprising a distal region and a proximal region, the wall having an exterior peripherally surrounding an interior area, the wall adapted to selectively assume an expanded geometry having a first maximum diameter and a collapsed geometry having a second maximum diameter less than the first maximum diameter, and a lumen communicating with the interior area and the fluid source to convey into the interior area the medium containing ions, the wall including a porous section sized to pass ions contained in the medium, the porous section occupying more of the distal region of the wall than the proximal region, and means for coupling the medium within the interior area to a source of electrical energy to establish ionic transport of electrical energy from the electrically conductive element through the medium to the exterior of the wall for transmission to the return electrode, thereby causing heart tissue located between the return electrode and the porous electrode to be ablated.
Claim 35
Independent Claim
218 words
A system for ablating heart tissue comprising a catheter tube having a distal end for deployment in a heart chamber, a return electrode, a fluid source of a medium containing ions, a porous electrode on the distal end of the catheter tube adapted to be electrically coupled to the return electrode through heart tissue, the porous electrode comprising a wall comprising a distal region and a proximal region, the wall having an exterior peripherally surrounding an interior area, the wall adapted to selectively assume an expanded geometry having a first maximum diameter and a collapsed geometry having a second maximum diameter less than the first maximum diameter, and a lumen communicating with the interior area and the fluid source to convey into the interior area the medium containing ions, the wall including a porous section sized to pass ions contained in the medium, the porous section occupying more of the distal region of the wall than the proximal region, and means for coupling the medium within the interior area to a source of electrical energy to establish ionic transport of electrical energy from the electrically conductive element through the medium to the exterior of the wall for transmission to the return electrode, thereby causing heart tissue located between the return electrode and the porous electrode to be ablated.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
27 words
A system according to claim 29 or 30 or 31, wherein at wherein at least 1/3rd of the proximal region of the wall is free of pores.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
31 words
A system according to claim 29 or 30 or 31 wherein the porous section comprises at least first and second porous zones spaced apart by a third zone free of pores.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
31 words
A system according to claim 33 wherein the structure includes an axis, and wherein the first and second porous zones are circumferentially spaced apart by the third zone about the axis.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
30 words
A system according to claim 33 wherein the structure includes an axis, and wherein the first and second porous zones are spaced apart by the third zone along the axis.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
16 words
A system according to claim 29 or 30 or 31 wherein the wall is electrically conductive.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
20 words
A system according to claim 29 or 30 or 31 and further including a radiopaque element carried by the structure.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
18 words
A system according to claim 29 or 30 or 31 wherein the medium carries a radiopaque contrast substance.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
24 words
A system according to claim 29 or 30 or 31 wherein the porous section has an electrical resistivity of at least about 500 ohm·cm.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
24 words
A system according to claim 29 or 30 or 31 wherein the porous section has an electrical resistivity of less than about 500 ohm·cm.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
17 words
A system according to claim 29 or 30 or 31 wherein the medium comprises a hypertonic solution.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
13 words
A system according to claim 41 wherein the hypertonic solution includes sodium chloride.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
19 words
A system according to claim 42 wherein the sodium chloride is present in a concentration at or near saturation.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
23 words
A system according to claim 42 wherein the sodium chloride is present in a concentration of up to about 9% weight by volume.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
17 words
A system according to claim 29 or 30 or 31 wherein the hypertonic solution includes potassium chloride.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
21 words
A system according to claim 29 or 30 or 31 wherein the medium has a resistivity lower than about 150 ohm·cm.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
17 words
A system according to claim 46 wherein the medium has a resistivity lower than about 10 ohm·cm.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
17 words
A system according to claim 46 wherein the medium has a resistivity lower than about 5 ohm·cm.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
23 words
A system according to claim 29 or 30 or 31 wherein the medium includes a material whose presence increases viscosity of the medium.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
26 words
A system according to claim 29 or 30 or 31 wherein the medium includes at least one ionic material whose presence increases viscosity of the medium.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
17 words
A system according to claim 50, wherein the at least one ionic material comprises a radiopaque substance.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
24 words
A system according to claim 29 or 30 or 31 wherein the medium includes a nonionic material whose presence increases viscosity of the medium.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
12 words
A system according to claim 52 wherein the nonionic material includes glycerol.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
12 words
A system according to claim 52 wherein the nonionic material includes mannitol.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
18 words
A system according to claim 29 or 30 or 31 wherein the porous section comprises an ultraporous material.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
18 words
A system according to claim 29 or 30 or 31 wherein the porous section comprises a microporous material.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
39 words
A system according to claim 29 or 30 or 31 and further including a controller including means for specifying ionic transport through the porous section at a desired rate based, at least in part, upon a desired physiological effect.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
38 words
A system according to claim 57 wherein the controller includes means for specifying a pressure difference across the porous section to achieve a desired rate of liquid perfusion based, at least in part, upon the desired physiological effect.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
28 words
A system according to claim 57 wherein the controller includes means for specifying the viscosity of the medium independent, at least in part, upon the desired physiological effect.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
36 words
A system according to claim 29 or 30 or 31 and further including a controller including means for specifying an electrical resistivity for the porous section based, at least in part, upon a desired physiological effect.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
61 words
A system according to claim 30 or 31 and further including a controller including means for specifying a first electrical resistivity for the porous section to achieve a first tissue lesion characteristic and specifying a second electrical resistivity for the porous section different than the first electrical resistivity to achieve a second tissue lesion characteristic different than the first lesion characteristic.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
53 words
A system according to claim 30 or 31 and further including a controller for specifying a first electrical resistivity for the porous section to achieve a deep tissue lesion geometry and specifying a second electrical resistivity for the porous section greater than the first electrical resistivity to achieve a shallow tissue lesion geometry.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
50 words
A system according to claim 29 or 30 or 31 and further including a temperature sensing element carried by the electrode, and further including a controller including means for specifying delivery of electrical energy to the medium based, at least in part, upon temperature sensed by the temperature sensing element.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
16 words
A system according to claim 29 or 30 or 31 wherein the porous section is hydrophilic.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
36 words
A system according to claim 64 wherein the medium occupies the interior area subject to interior pressure, wherein the porous section has a bubble point value, and wherein the bubble point value exceeds the interior pressure.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
16 words
A system according to claim 29 or 30 or 31 wherein the porous section is hydrophobic.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
41 words
A system according to claim 66 wherein the medium occupies the interior area subject to interior pressure, wherein the porous section has a bubble point value, and wherein the bubble point value is equal to or less than the interior pressure.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
40 words
A system according to claim 29 or 30 or 31 wherein the medium occupies the interior area subject to interior pressure, wherein the porous section has a bubble point value, and wherein the bubble point value exceeds the interior pressure.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
45 words
A system according to claim 29 or 30 or 31 wherein the medium occupies the interior area subject to interior pressure, wherein the porous section has a bubble point value, and wherein the bubble point value is equal to or less than the interior pressure.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
18 words
A system according to claim 29 or 30 or 31 wherein the porous section includes a hydrophilic coating.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
24 words
A system according to claim 29 or 30 or 31 wherein the wall is hydrophobic, and wherein the porous section includes a hydrophilic coating.
Claim 76
Independent Claim
220 words
A method for heating body tissue comprising the steps of providing a catheter tube having a distal end that carries a porous electrode comprising a wall comprising a distal region and a proximal region, the wall having an exterior peripherally surrounding an interior area, the wall adapted to selectively assume an expanded geometry having a first maximum diameter and a collapsed geometry having a second maximum diameter less than the first maximum diameter, an electrically conductive element carried within the interior area adapted to transmit electrical energy, the wall including a porous section sized to pass ions, the porous section occupying more of the distal region of the wall than the proximal region, electrically coupling a source of radio frequency energy to the electrically conductive element to a return electrode in contact with body tissue, guiding the catheter tube into a body while causing the porous electrode to assume the collapsed geometry, causing the porous electrode to assume the expanded geometry with at least part of the porous section oriented in association with body tissue, conveying a medium containing ions into the interior area, and ohmically heating body tissue by transmitting radio frequency energy to the electrically conductive element for ionic transport through the medium and porous section to the exterior of the wall for transmission to the return electrode.
Claim 77
Independent Claim
220 words
A method for heating body tissue comprising the steps of providing a catheter tube having a distal end that carries a porous electrode comprising a wall comprising a distal region and a proximal region, the wall having an exterior peripherally surrounding an interior area, the wall adapted to selectively assume an expanded geometry having a first maximum diameter and a collapsed geometry having a second maximum diameter less than the first maximum diameter, an electrically conductive element carried within the interior area adapted to transmit electrical energy, the wall including a porous section sized to pass ions, the porous section occupying more of the distal region of the wall than the proximal region, electrically coupling a source of radio frequency energy to the electrically conductive element to a return electrode in contact with body tissue, guiding the catheter tube into a body while causing the porous electrode to assume the collapsed geometry, causing the porous electrode to assume the expanded geometry with at least part of the porous section oriented in association with body tissue, conveying a medium containing ions into the interior area, and ohmically heating body tissue by transmitting radio frequency energy to the electrically conductive element for ionic transport through the medium and porous section to the exterior of the wall for transmission to the return electrode.
Claim 78
Independent Claim
219 words
A method for ablating tissue comprising the steps of providing a catheter tube having a distal end that carries a porous electrode comprising a wall comprising a distal region and a proximal region, the wall having an exterior peripherally surrounding an interior area, the wall adapted to selectively assume an expanded geometry having a first maximum diameter and a collapsed geometry having a second maximum diameter less than the first maximum diameter, an electrically conductive element carried within the interior area adapted to transmit electrical energy, the wall including a porous section sized to pass ions, the porous section occupying more of the distal region of the wall than the proximal region, electrically coupling a source of radio frequency energy to the electrically conductive element to a return electrode in contact with body tissue, guiding the catheter tube into a body while causing the porous electrode to assume the collapsed geometry, causing the porous electrode to assume the expanded geometry with at least part of the porous section oriented in association with body tissue, conveying a medium containing ions into the interior area, and ohmically ablating body tissue by transmitting radio frequency energy to the electrically conductive element for ionic transport through the medium and porous section to the exterior of the wall for transmission to the return electrode.
Claim 79
Independent Claim
219 words
A method for ablating tissue comprising the steps of providing a catheter tube having a distal end that carries a porous electrode comprising a wall comprising a distal region and a proximal region, the wall having an exterior peripherally surrounding an interior area, the wall adapted to selectively assume an expanded geometry having a first maximum diameter and a collapsed geometry having a second maximum diameter less than the first maximum diameter, an electrically conductive element carried within the interior area adapted to transmit electrical energy, the wall including a porous section sized to pass ions, the porous section occupying more of the distal region of the wall than the proximal region, electrically coupling a source of radio frequency energy to the electrically conductive element to a return electrode in contact with body tissue, guiding the catheter tube into a body while causing the porous electrode to assume the collapsed geometry, causing the porous electrode to assume the expanded geometry with at least part of the porous section oriented in association with body tissue, conveying a medium containing ions into the interior area, and ohmically ablating body tissue by transmitting radio frequency energy to the electrically conductive element for ionic transport through the medium and porous section to the exterior of the wall for transmission to the return electrode.
Claim 80
Independent Claim
221 words
A method for ablating heart tissue comprising the steps of providing a catheter tube having a distal end that carries a porous electrode comprising a wall comprising a distal region and a proximal region, the wall having an exterior peripherally surrounding an interior area, the wall adapted to selectively assume an expanded geometry having a first maximum diameter and a collapsed geometry having a second maximum diameter less than the first maximum diameter, an electrically conductive element carried within the interior area adapted to transmit electrical energy, the wall including a porous section sized to pass ions, the porous section occupying more of the distal region of the wall than the proximal region, electrically coupling a source of radio frequency energy to the electrically conductive element to a return electrode in contact with body tissue, guiding the catheter tube into a heart chamber while causing the porous electrode to assume the collapsed geometry, causing the porous electrode to assume the expanded geometry with at least part of the porous section oriented in association with heart tissue, conveying a medium containing ions into the interior area, and ohmically ablating heart tissue by transmitting radio frequency energy to the electrically conductive element for ionic transport through the medium and porous section to the exterior of the wall for transmission to the return electrode.
Claim 81
Independent Claim
221 words
A method for ablating heart tissue comprising the steps of providing a catheter tube having a distal end that carries a porous electrode comprising a wall comprising a distal region and a proximal region, the wall having an exterior peripherally surrounding an interior area, the wall adapted to selectively assume an expanded geometry having a first maximum diameter and a collapsed geometry having a second maximum diameter less than the first maximum diameter, an electrically conductive element carried within the interior area adapted to transmit electrical energy, the wall including a porous section sized to pass ions, the porous section occupying more of the distal region of the wall than the proximal region, electrically coupling a source of radio frequency energy to the electrically conductive element to a return electrode in contact with body tissue, guiding the catheter tube into a heart chamber while causing the porous electrode to assume the collapsed geometry, causing the porous electrode to assume the expanded geometry with at least part of the porous section oriented in association with heart tissue, conveying a medium containing ions into the interior area, and ohmically ablating heart tissue by transmitting radio frequency energy to the electrically conductive element for ionic transport through the medium and porous section to the exterior of the wall for transmission to the return electrode.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
59 words
A method according to claim 73 or 74 and further including the step of specifying a first electrical resistivity for the porous section to achieve a first tissue lesion characteristic and specifying a second electrical resistivity for the porous section different than the first electrical resistivity to achieve a second tissue lesion characteristic different than the first lesion characteristic.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
53 words
A method according to claim 73 or 74 and further including the step of specifying a first electrical resistivity for the porous section to achieve a deep tissue lesion geometry and specifying a second electrical resistivity for the porous section greater than the first electrical resistivity to achieve a shallow tissue lesion geometry.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
37 words
A method according to claim 72 or 73 or 74 and further including the step of specifying ionic transport through the porous section at a desired rate based, at least in part, upon a desired physiological effect.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
34 words
A system according to claim 72 or 73 or 74 and further including the step of specifying an electrical resistivity for the porous section based, at least in part, upon a desired physiological effect.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
45 words
A method according to claim 72 or 73 or 74 and further including the steps of sensing temperature using a sensing element carried by the electrode, and specifying transmission of radio frequency energy based, at least in part, upon temperature sensed by the sensing element.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
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| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2001-11-23 | 2002-05-25 | 2002-11-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2005-11-23 | 2006-05-25 | 2006-11-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2009-11-23 | 2010-05-25 | 2010-11-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |