US5871483A — Folding electrode structures

Claim 1

Independent Claim 123 words

A folding electrode assembly comprising a structure comprising a wall peripherally enclosing an interior, the structure adapted to selectively assume a geometry that changes between 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 material having resistivity carried by the wall adapted for transmitting ablation energy, the electrically conductive material conforming to both the expanded geometry and the collapsed geometry, and at least one folding region in the wall adapted to fold upon itself along a predefined fold line as the structure geometry changes, the at least one folding region having resistivity that is greater than about ten times the resistivity of the electrically conductive material.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 123 words

A folding electrode assembly comprising a structure comprising a wall peripherally enclosing an interior, the structure adapted to selectively assume a geometry that changes between 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 material having resistivity carried by the wall adapted for transmitting ablation energy, the electrically conductive material conforming to both the expanded geometry and the collapsed geometry, and at least one folding region in the wall adapted to fold upon itself along a predefined fold line as the structure geometry changes, the at least one folding region having resistivity that is greater than about ten times the resistivity of the electrically conductive material.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 17 words

An assembly according to claim 1 wherein the folding region is essentially free of electrically conductive material.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 15 words

An assembly according to claim 1 wherein the folding region includes an electrical insulating material.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 29 words

An assembly according to claim 1 and further including at least one temperature sensing element on the structure located proximal to where electrically conductive material adjoins the folding region.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 23 words

An assembly according to claim 1 and further including at least one temperature sensing element on the structure located in the folding region.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 24 words

An assembly according to claim 1 and further including at least one temperature sensing element on the structure located in the electrically conductive material.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 28 words

An assembly according to claim 1 and further including at least one temperature sensing element on the structure located where the electrically conductive material adjoins the folding region.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 18 words

An assembly according to claim 1 wherein the electrically conductive material comprises a coating deposited on the wall.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 17 words

An assembly according to claim 1 wherein the electrically conductive material comprises foil affixed to the wall.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 17 words

An assembly according to claim 1 wherein the electrically conductive material comprises material located within the wall.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 19 words

An assembly according to claim 10 wherein the electrically conductive material comprises an electrically conductive shell on the wall.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 16 words

An assembly according to claim 1 and further including a radiopaque material carried by the structure.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 135 words

A folding electrode assembly comprising a structure comprising a wall peripherally enclosing an interior, the structure adapted to selectively assume a geometry that changes between an expanded geometry having a first maximum diameter and a collapsed geometry having a second maximum diameter less than the first maximum diameter, at least two spaced apart zones of electrically conductive material having resistivity carried by the wall adapted for transmitting ablation energy, the electrically conductive material in the at least two zones conforming to both the expanded geometry and the collapsed geometry, and a folding region in the wall between the spaced apart zones adapted to fold upon itself along a predefined fold line as the structure geometry changes, the folding region having resistivity that is greater than about ten times the resistivity of the electrically conductive material.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 135 words

A folding electrode assembly comprising a structure comprising a wall peripherally enclosing an interior, the structure adapted to selectively assume a geometry that changes between an expanded geometry having a first maximum diameter and a collapsed geometry having a second maximum diameter less than the first maximum diameter, at least two spaced apart zones of electrically conductive material having resistivity carried by the wall adapted for transmitting ablation energy, the electrically conductive material in the at least two zones conforming to both the expanded geometry and the collapsed geometry, and a folding region in the wall between the spaced apart zones adapted to fold upon itself along a predefined fold line as the structure geometry changes, the folding region having resistivity that is greater than about ten times the resistivity of the electrically conductive material.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 17 words

An assembly according to claim 13 wherein the folding region is essentially free of electrically conductive material.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 15 words

An assembly according to claim 13 wherein the folding region includes an electrical insulating material.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 18 words

An assembly according to claim 13 wherein the electrically conductive material comprises a coating deposited on the wall.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 17 words

An assembly according to claim 13 wherein the electrically conductive material comprises foil affixed to the wall.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 17 words

An assembly according to claim 13 wherein the electrically conductive material comprises material located within the wall.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 19 words

An assembly according to claim 18 wherein the electrically conductive material comprises an electrically conductive shell on the wall.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 16 words

An assembly according to claim 13 and further including a radiopaque material carried by the structure.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 122 words

A folding electrode assembly comprising a structure comprising a wall peripherally enclosing an interior, the structure adapted to selectively assume a geometry that changes between an expanded geometry having a first maximum diameter and a collapsed geometry having a second maximum diameter less than the first maximum diameter, and at least two spaced apart coatings of electrically conductive material applied to the wall adapted for transmitting ablation energy, the coatings conforming to both the expanded geometry and the collapsed geometry, the coatings being spaced apart by a predetermined distance (x) that, taking into account thickness (t) of the coatings, defines a folding region having a desired minimum fold angle (2a) when the structure is in its collapsed geometry, expressed as follows: ##EQU10##

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 122 words

A folding electrode assembly comprising a structure comprising a wall peripherally enclosing an interior, the structure adapted to selectively assume a geometry that changes between an expanded geometry having a first maximum diameter and a collapsed geometry having a second maximum diameter less than the first maximum diameter, and at least two spaced apart coatings of electrically conductive material applied to the wall adapted for transmitting ablation energy, the coatings conforming to both the expanded geometry and the collapsed geometry, the coatings being spaced apart by a predetermined distance (x) that, taking into account thickness (t) of the coatings, defines a folding region having a desired minimum fold angle (2a) when the structure is in its collapsed geometry, expressed as follows: ##EQU10##

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 37 words

An assembly according to claim 21 wherein the electrically conductive material of the coatings has resistivity, and wherein the folding region has resistivity that is greater than about ten times the resistivity of the electrically conductive material.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 17 words

An assembly according to claim 21 wherein the folding region is essentially free of electrically conductive material.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 15 words

An assembly according to claim 21 wherein the folding region includes an electrical insulating material.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 34 words

An assembly according to claim 21 and further including at least one temperature sensing element on the structure located proximal to where electrically conductive material of at least one coating adjoins the folding region.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 34 words

An assembly according to claim 21 and further including at least one temperature sensing element located proximal to where the electrically conductive material of at least one of the coatings adjoins the folding region.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 23 words

An assembly according to claim 21 and further including at least one temperature sensing element on the structure located in the folding region.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 31 words

An assembly according to claim 21 and further including at least one temperature sensing element on the structure located in the electrically conductive material of at least one of the coatings.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 35 words

An assembly according to claim 21 and further including at least one temperature sensing element on the structure located where the electrically conductive material of at least one of the coatings adjoins the folding region.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 13 words

An assembly according to claim 21 wherein the wall contains electrically conductive material.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 16 words

An assembly according to claim 21 and further including a radiopaque material carried by the structure.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 119 words

A folding electrode assembly comprising a structure comprising a wall peripherally enclosing an interior, the structure adapted to selectively assume a geometry that changes between an expanded geometry having a first maximum diameter and a collapsed geometry having a second maximum diameter less than the first maximum diameter, at least two spaced apart zones of electrically conductive material carried by the wall adapted for transmitting ablation energy, the electrically conductive material in the at least two zones conforming to both the expanded geometry and the collapsed geometry, and an array of apertures in the wall between the spaced apart zones defining a folding region adapted to fold upon itself along a predefined fold line as the structure geometry changes.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 119 words

A folding electrode assembly comprising a structure comprising a wall peripherally enclosing an interior, the structure adapted to selectively assume a geometry that changes between an expanded geometry having a first maximum diameter and a collapsed geometry having a second maximum diameter less than the first maximum diameter, at least two spaced apart zones of electrically conductive material carried by the wall adapted for transmitting ablation energy, the electrically conductive material in the at least two zones conforming to both the expanded geometry and the collapsed geometry, and an array of apertures in the wall between the spaced apart zones defining a folding region adapted to fold upon itself along a predefined fold line as the structure geometry changes.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 34 words

An assembly according to claim 32 wherein the electrically conductive material has resistivity, and wherein the folding region has resistivity that is greater than about ten times the resistivity of the electrically conductive material.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 17 words

An assembly according to claim 32 wherein the folding region is essentially free of electrically conductive material.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 15 words

An assembly according to claim 32 wherein the folding region includes an electrical insulating material.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 36 words

An assembly according to claim 32 and further including at least one temperature sensing element on the structure located proximal to where electrically conductive material of at least one of the zones adjoins the folding region.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 34 words

An assembly according to claim 32 and further including at least one temperature sensing element located proximal to where the electrically conductive material of at least one of the zones adjoins the folding region.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 23 words

An assembly according to claim 32 and further including at least one temperature sensing element on the structure located in the folding region.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 31 words

An assembly according to claim 32 and further including at least one temperature sensing element on the structure located in the electrically conductive material of at least one of the zones.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 35 words

An assembly according to claim 32 and further including at least one temperature sensing element on the structure located where the electrically conductive material of at least one of the zones adjoins the folding region.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 13 words

An assembly according to claim 32 wherein the wall contains electrically conductive material.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 16 words

An assembly according to claim 32 and further including a radiopaque material carried by the structure.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 31 words

An assembly according to claim 32 and further including a lumen to conduct fluid into the interior for passage through the apertures to cool the at least two spaced apart zones.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 43 words

An assembly according to claim 1 or 13 or 21 or 32 wherein the structure includes a body inflatable in response to internal fluid pressure to assume the expanded geometry, the body assuming the collapsed geometry in the absence of internal fluid pressure.

Claim 49

Dependent Claim 47 words

An assembly according to claim 1 or 13 or 21 or 32 wherein the structure includes an array of support members assembled to normally assume the expanded geometry, the structure adapted to be compressed into the collapsed geometry in response to exterior force upon the support members.

Claim 50

Dependent Claim 162 words

An assembly for ablating heart tissue comprising a catheter tube having a distal end, a return electrode, and a folding electrode assembly comprising a wall peripherally enclosing an interior, the structure adapted to selectively assume a geometry that changes between an expanded geometry having a first maximum diameter and a collapsed geometry having a second maximum diameter less than the first maximum diameter, at least two spaced apart zones of electrically conductive material coupled to the return electrode and carried by the wall adapted for transmitting ablation energy, the electrically conductive material in the at least two zones conforming to both the expanded geometry and the collapsed geometry, an array of apertures in the wall between the spaced apart zones defining a folding region adapted to fold upon itself along a predefined fold line as the structure geometry changes, and a lumen to conduct fluid into the interior for passage through the apertures to cool the at least two spaced apart zones.

Claim 51

Dependent Claim 162 words

An assembly for ablating heart tissue comprising a catheter tube having a distal end, a return electrode, and a folding electrode assembly comprising a wall peripherally enclosing an interior, the structure adapted to selectively assume a geometry that changes between an expanded geometry having a first maximum diameter and a collapsed geometry having a second maximum diameter less than the first maximum diameter, at least two spaced apart zones of electrically conductive material coupled to the return electrode and carried by the wall adapted for transmitting ablation energy, the electrically conductive material in the at least two zones conforming to both the expanded geometry and the collapsed geometry, an array of apertures in the wall between the spaced apart zones defining a folding region adapted to fold upon itself along a predefined fold line as the structure geometry changes, and a lumen to conduct fluid into the interior for passage through the apertures to cool the at least two spaced apart zones.

Claim 52

Dependent Claim 118 words

A method for heating body tissue comprising the steps of providing a catheter tube having a distal end that carries a foldable electrode assembly according to claim 1 or 13 or 21 or 32, electrically coupling a source of radio frequency energy to the electrically conductive material and to a return electrode in contact with body tissue, guiding the catheter tube into a body while causing the foldable electrode assembly to fold about the fold line to assume the collapsed geometry, causing the foldable electrode assembly to assume the expanded geometry in association with body tissue, and ohmically heating body tissue by transmitting radio frequency energy through the electrically conductive material from the source to the return electrode.

Claim 53

Dependent Claim 118 words

A method for ablating body tissue comprising the steps of providing a catheter tube having a distal end that carries a foldable electrode assembly according to claim 1 or 13 or 21 or 32, electrically coupling a source of radio frequency energy to the electrically conductive material and to a return electrode in contact with body tissue, guiding the catheter tube into a body while causing the foldable electrode assembly to fold about the folding region to assume the collapsed geometry, causing the foldable electrode assembly to assume the expanded geometry in association with body tissue, and ohmically ablating body tissue by transmitting radio frequency energy through the electrically conductive material from the source to the return electrode.

Claim 54

Dependent Claim 118 words

A method for ablating heart tissue comprising the steps of providing a catheter tube having a distal end that carries a foldable electrode assembly according to claim 1 or 13 or 21 or 32, electrically coupling a source of radio frequency energy to the electrically conductive material and to a return electrode in contact with body tissue, guiding the catheter tube into a heart chamber while causing the folding electrode assembly to fold about the fold line to assume the collapsed geometry, causing the folding electrode to assume the expanded geometry in association with heart tissue, and ohmically ablating heart tissue by transmitting radio frequency energy through the electrically conductive material from the source to the return electrode.

Claim 55

Dependent Claim 122 words

A method for ablating heart tissue comprising the steps of providing a catheter tube having a distal end that carries a foldable electrode assembly according to claim 32, electrically coupling a source of radio frequency energy to the electrically conductive material and to a return electrode in contact with body tissue, guiding the catheter tube into a heart chamber while causing the foldable electrode assembly to fold about the fold line to assume the collapsed geometry, causing the foldable electrode assembly to assume the expanded geometry in association with heart tissue, ohmically ablating heart tissue by transmitting radio frequency energy through the electrically conductive material from the source to the return electrode, and conducting a cooling fluid through the array of apertures.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	2002-02-15	2002-08-17	2003-02-16	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2006-02-15	2006-08-17	2007-02-16	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2010-02-15	2010-08-17	2011-02-16	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Folding electrode structures

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