Patent US5961513A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5961513A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Tissue heating and ablation systems and methods using porous electrode structures
Assignee: EP Technologies Inc
•
Filing: 1996-04-12
•
Granted: 1999-10-05
•
Expires: 2016-04-12
Abstract
Abstract Porous electrode assemblies for tissue heating and ablation systems and methods enable ionic transport of electrical energy to occur substantially free of liquid perfusion.
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
2026-10-24 22:49
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B18/00; A61B18/04; A61B18/12; A61B18/14; A61B18/1492; A61B17/00; A61B17/22; A61B2017/22051; A61B2017/22061; A61B2018/00053; A61B2018/00059; A61B2018/00071; A61B2018/00083; A61B2018/00089; A61B2018/00095; A61B2018/00107; A61B2018/00148; A61B2018/00214; A61B2018/0022
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 114
Claim 1
Independent Claim
98 words
A porous electrode assembly for heating body tissue comprising a wall having an exterior peripherally surrounding an interior area, a lumen for conveying a medium containing ions into the interior area, and an element for electrically coupling the medium within the interior area to a source of electrical energy, wherein at least a portion of the wall comprises a porous material sized to block passage of macromolecules while allowing passage of ions contained in the medium to thereby enable ionic transport of electrical energy sufficient to heat tissue through the porous material to the exterior of the wall.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
98 words
A porous electrode assembly for heating body tissue comprising a wall having an exterior peripherally surrounding an interior area, a lumen for conveying a medium containing ions into the interior area, and an element for electrically coupling the medium within the interior area to a source of electrical energy, wherein at least a portion of the wall comprises a porous material sized to block passage of macromolecules while allowing passage of ions contained in the medium to thereby enable ionic transport of electrical energy sufficient to heat tissue through the porous material to the exterior of the wall.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
96 words
A porous electrode assembly for heating body tissue comprising a wall having an exterior peripherally surrounding an interior area, a medium containing ions filling the interior area and subject to internal pressure, and an element for electrically coupling the medium to a source of electrical energy, wherein at least a portion of the wall comprises a porous material sized to pass ions contained in the medium without substantial liquid perfusion through the porous material, to thereby enable ionic transport of electrical energy sufficient to heat tissue through the porous material to the exterior of the wall.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
96 words
A porous electrode assembly for heating body tissue comprising a wall having an exterior peripherally surrounding an interior area, a medium containing ions filling the interior area and subject to internal pressure, and an element for electrically coupling the medium to a source of electrical energy, wherein at least a portion of the wall comprises a porous material sized to pass ions contained in the medium without substantial liquid perfusion through the porous material, to thereby enable ionic transport of electrical energy sufficient to heat tissue through the porous material to the exterior of the wall.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
101 words
A porous electrode assembly for heating body tissue comprising a wall having an exterior peripherally surrounding an interior area, a medium containing ions filling the interior area and subject to internal pressure, and an element for electrically coupling the medium to a source of electrical energy, wherein at least a portion of the wall comprises a porous material sized to pass ions contained in the medium to thereby enable ionic transport of electrical energy sufficient to heat tissue through the porous material to the exterior of the wall, the porous material having a bubble point value greater than the internal pressure.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
101 words
A porous electrode assembly for heating body tissue comprising a wall having an exterior peripherally surrounding an interior area, a medium containing ions filling the interior area and subject to internal pressure, and an element for electrically coupling the medium to a source of electrical energy, wherein at least a portion of the wall comprises a porous material sized to pass ions contained in the medium to thereby enable ionic transport of electrical energy sufficient to heat tissue through the porous material to the exterior of the wall, the porous material having a bubble point value greater than the internal pressure.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
115 words
A porous electrode assembly for heating body tissue comprising a wall having an exterior peripherally surrounding an interior area, a medium containing ions filling the interior area and subject to internal pressure, and an element for electrically coupling the medium to a source of electrical energy, wherein at least a portion of the wall comprises a hydrophilic porous material sized to pass ions contained in the medium to thereby enable ionic transport of electrical energy sufficient to heat tissue through the porous material to the exterior of the wall, the porous material having a bubble point value greater than the internal pressure, whereby ionic transport occurs substantially free of liquid perfusion through the porous material.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
115 words
A porous electrode assembly for heating body tissue comprising a wall having an exterior peripherally surrounding an interior area, a medium containing ions filling the interior area and subject to internal pressure, and an element for electrically coupling the medium to a source of electrical energy, wherein at least a portion of the wall comprises a hydrophilic porous material sized to pass ions contained in the medium to thereby enable ionic transport of electrical energy sufficient to heat tissue through the porous material to the exterior of the wall, the porous material having a bubble point value greater than the internal pressure, whereby ionic transport occurs substantially free of liquid perfusion through the porous material.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
22 words
A porous electrode assembly according to claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 wherein the porous material comprises an ultrafiltration membrane.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
29 words
A porous electrode assembly according to claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 wherein the element comprises an electrically conductive electrode in the interior area of the wall.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
15 words
An assembly according to claim 6, wherein the electrically conductive electrode comprises a noble metal.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
27 words
An assembly according to claim 6 wherein the electrically conductive electrode includes a material selected from the group consisting essentially of gold, platinum, platinum/iridium, 4and combinations thereof.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
22 words
An assembly according to claim 1, wherein the electrode assembly includes the medium containing ions, and the medium comprises a hypertonic solution.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
13 words
An assembly according to claim 9 wherein the hypertonic solution includes sodium chloride.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
19 words
An assembly according to claim 10 wherein the sodium chloride is present in a concentration at or near saturation.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
23 words
An assembly according to claim 10 wherein the sodium chloride is present in a concentration of up to about 9% weight by volume.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
13 words
An assembly according to claim 9 wherein the hypertonic solution includes potassium chloride.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
22 words
An assembly according to claim 2 or 3 or 4, wherein the medium has a resistivity lower than about 150 ohm cm.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
22 words
An assembly according to claim 2 or 3 or 4, wherein the medium has a resistivity lower than about 10 ohm cm.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
21 words
An assembly according to claim 2 or 3 or 4, wherein the medium has a resistivity of about 5 ohm cm.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
17 words
An assembly according to claim 2 or 3 or 4, wherein the medium carries a radiopaque substance.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
26 words
An assembly according to claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 wherein the porous material has an electrical resistivity of at least about 500 ohm·cm.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
25 words
An assembly according to claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 wherein the porous material has an electrical resistivity less than about 500 ohm·cm.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
25 words
An assembly according to claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 wherein at least a portion of the wall includes an electrically conductive material.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
16 words
An assembly according to claim 20 wherein the electrically conductive material of the wall is porous.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
16 words
An assembly according to claim 20 wherein the electrically conductive material of the wall is nonporous.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
18 words
An assembly according to claim 20 wherein the electrically conductive material comprises a coating deposited on the wall.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
17 words
An assembly according to claim 20 wherein the electrically conductive material comprises foil affixed to the wall.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
16 words
An assembly according to claim 20 wherein the electrically conductive material is located in the wall.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
22 words
An assembly according to claim 20 wherein the electrically conductive material comprises noninsulated signal wire exposed on the exterior of the wall.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
21 words
An electrode assembly according to claim 20 wherein at least a portion of the wall is free of electrically conductive material.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
27 words
An electrode assembly according to claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 wherein at least a portion of the wall is free of electrically conductive material.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
29 words
An assembly according to claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 and further including members assembled within the interior area to form a support structure underlying the wall.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
15 words
An assembly according to claim 29 wherein the support members are made from metal material.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
13 words
An assembly according to claim 30 wherein the metal material includes nickel titanium.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
13 words
An assembly according to claim 30 wherein the metal material includes stainless steel.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
15 words
An assembly according to claim 29 wherein the support members are made from plastic material.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
20 words
An assembly according to claim 29 wherein the support members comprise elongated spline elements assembled in a circumferentially spaced relationship.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
15 words
An assembly according to claim 29 wherein the support members comprise a porous foam structure.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
38 words
An assembly according to claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 wherein the wall includes a distal region and a proximal region, and wherein the porous material occupies more of the distal region than the proximal region.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
19 words
An assembly according to claim 36 wherein at least 1/3rd of the proximal region is free of porous material.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
18 words
An assembly according to claim 36 wherein the porous material occupies at least 1/3rd of the distal region.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
22 words
An assembly according to claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 and further including a radiopaque material carried by the assembly.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
30 words
A porous electrode assembly according to claim 2 wherein at least one temperature sensing element is carried by the wall in thermal conductive contact with the exterior of the wall.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
16 words
A porous electrode assembly according to claim 2 wherein the porous material comprises a microporous membrane.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
29 words
A porous electrode assembly according to claim 2 wherein at least a portion of the wall includes an electrically conductive material that is a coextruded part of the wall.
Claim 47
Independent Claim
173 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; an electrode on the distal end of the catheter tube adapted to be electrically coupled to the return electrode through tissue, the electrode comprising a wall having an exterior peripherally surrounding an interior area, a lumen for conveying the medium containing ions from the fluid source into the interior area, an electrically conductive element in the interior area; a source of energy; and means for coupling the electrically conductive element and the return electrode to the source of energy to transmit the energy, wherein at least a portion of the wall comprises a porous material sized to block passage of macromolecules while allowing passage of ions contained in the medium, thereby allowing 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 to heat tissue located between the return electrode and the electrode.
Claim 48
Independent Claim
173 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; an electrode on the distal end of the catheter tube adapted to be electrically coupled to the return electrode through tissue, the electrode comprising a wall having an exterior peripherally surrounding an interior area, a lumen for conveying the medium containing ions from the fluid source into the interior area, an electrically conductive element in the interior area; a source of energy; and means for coupling the electrically conductive element and the return electrode to the source of energy to transmit the energy, wherein at least a portion of the wall comprises a porous material sized to block passage of macromolecules while allowing passage of ions contained in the medium, thereby allowing 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 to heat tissue located between the return electrode and the electrode.
Claim 49
Independent Claim
174 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; an electrode on the distal end of the catheter tube adapted to be electrically coupled to the return electrode through tissue, the electrode comprising a wall having an exterior peripherally surrounding an interior area, a lumen for conveying the medium containing ions from the fluid source into the interior area, and an electrically conductive element in the interior area; a source of energy; and means for coupling the electrically conductive element and the return electrode to the source of energy to transmit the energy, wherein at least a portion of the wall comprises a porous material sized to block passage of macromolecules while allowing passage of ions contained in the medium, thereby allowing 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 to ablate tissue located between the return electrode and the electrode.
Claim 50
Independent Claim
174 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; an electrode on the distal end of the catheter tube adapted to be electrically coupled to the return electrode through tissue, the electrode comprising a wall having an exterior peripherally surrounding an interior area, a lumen for conveying the medium containing ions from the fluid source into the interior area, and an electrically conductive element in the interior area; a source of energy; and means for coupling the electrically conductive element and the return electrode to the source of energy to transmit the energy, wherein at least a portion of the wall comprises a porous material sized to block passage of macromolecules while allowing passage of ions contained in the medium, thereby allowing 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 to ablate tissue located between the return electrode and the electrode.
Claim 51
Independent Claim
182 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; an electrode on the distal end of the catheter tube adapted to be electrically coupled to the return electrode through heart tissue, the electrode comprising a wall having an exterior peripherally surrounding an interior area, a lumen for conveying the medium containing ions from the fluid source into the interior area, and an electrically conductive element in the interior area; a source of energy; and means for coupling the electrically conductive element and the return electrode to the source of energy to transmit the energy, wherein at least a portion of the wall comprises a porous material sized to block passage of macromolecules while allowing passage of ions contained in the medium, thereby allowing 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 to ablate heart tissue located between the return electrode and the electrode.
Claim 52
Independent Claim
182 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; an electrode on the distal end of the catheter tube adapted to be electrically coupled to the return electrode through heart tissue, the electrode comprising a wall having an exterior peripherally surrounding an interior area, a lumen for conveying the medium containing ions from the fluid source into the interior area, and an electrically conductive element in the interior area; a source of energy; and means for coupling the electrically conductive element and the return electrode to the source of energy to transmit the energy, wherein at least a portion of the wall comprises a porous material sized to block passage of macromolecules while allowing passage of ions contained in the medium, thereby allowing 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 to ablate heart tissue located between the return electrode and the electrode.
Claim 53
Independent Claim
175 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; an electrode on the distal end of the catheter tube adapted to be electrically coupled to the return electrode through tissue, the electrode comprising a wall having an exterior peripherally surrounding an interior area, a lumen for conveying the medium containing ions from the fluid source into the interior area, and an electrically conductive element in the interior area; a source of energy; and means for coupling the electrically conductive element and the return electrode to the source of energy to transmit the energy, wherein at least a portion of the wall comprises a porous material sized to pass ions contained in the medium without substantial liquid perfusion through the porous material, thereby allowing 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 to heat tissue located between the return electrode and the electrode.
Claim 54
Independent Claim
175 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; an electrode on the distal end of the catheter tube adapted to be electrically coupled to the return electrode through tissue, the electrode comprising a wall having an exterior peripherally surrounding an interior area, a lumen for conveying the medium containing ions from the fluid source into the interior area, and an electrically conductive element in the interior area; a source of energy; and means for coupling the electrically conductive element and the return electrode to the source of energy to transmit the energy, wherein at least a portion of the wall comprises a porous material sized to pass ions contained in the medium without substantial liquid perfusion through the porous material, thereby allowing 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 to heat tissue located between the return electrode and the electrode.
Claim 55
Independent Claim
175 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; an electrode on the distal end of the catheter tube adapted to be electrically coupled to the return electrode through tissue, the electrode comprising a wall having an exterior peripherally surrounding an interior area, a lumen for conveying the medium containing ions from the fluid source into the interior area, and an electrically conductive element in the interior area; a source of energy; and means for coupling the electrically conductive element and the return electrode to the source of energy to transmit the energy, wherein at least a portion of the wall comprises a porous material sized to pass ions contained in the medium without substantial liquid perfusion through the porous material, thereby allowing 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 to ablate tissue located between the return electrode and the electrode.
Claim 56
Independent Claim
175 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; an electrode on the distal end of the catheter tube adapted to be electrically coupled to the return electrode through tissue, the electrode comprising a wall having an exterior peripherally surrounding an interior area, a lumen for conveying the medium containing ions from the fluid source into the interior area, and an electrically conductive element in the interior area; a source of energy; and means for coupling the electrically conductive element and the return electrode to the source of energy to transmit the energy, wherein at least a portion of the wall comprises a porous material sized to pass ions contained in the medium without substantial liquid perfusion through the porous material, thereby allowing 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 to ablate tissue located between the return electrode and the electrode.
Claim 57
Independent Claim
183 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; an electrode on the distal end of the catheter tube adapted to be electrically coupled to the return electrode through heart tissue, the electrode comprising a wall having an exterior peripherally surrounding an interior area, a lumen for conveying the medium containing ions from the fluid source into the interior area, and an electrically conductive element in the interior area; a source of energy; and means for coupling the electrically conductive element and the return electrode to the source of energy to transmit the energy, wherein at least a portion of the wall comprises a porous material sized to pass ions contained in the medium without substantial liquid perfusion through the porous material, thereby allowing 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 to ablate heart tissue located between the return electrode and the electrode.
Claim 58
Independent Claim
183 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; an electrode on the distal end of the catheter tube adapted to be electrically coupled to the return electrode through heart tissue, the electrode comprising a wall having an exterior peripherally surrounding an interior area, a lumen for conveying the medium containing ions from the fluid source into the interior area, and an electrically conductive element in the interior area; a source of energy; and means for coupling the electrically conductive element and the return electrode to the source of energy to transmit the energy, wherein at least a portion of the wall comprises a porous material sized to pass ions contained in the medium without substantial liquid perfusion through the porous material, thereby allowing 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 to ablate heart tissue located between the return electrode and the electrode.
Claim 59
Independent Claim
184 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; an electrode on the distal end of the catheter tube adapted to be electrically coupled to the return electrode through tissue, the electrode comprising a wall having an exterior peripherally surrounding an interior area, a lumen for conveying the medium containing ions from the fluid source into the interior area, subject to internal pressure, and an electrically conductive element in the interior area; a source of energy; and means for coupling the electrically conductive element and the return electrode to the source of energy to transmit the energy, wherein at least a portion of the wall comprises a porous material sized to pass ions contained in the medium, thereby allowing 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 to heat tissue located between the return electrode and the electrode, the porous material having a bubble point value greater than the internal pressure.
Claim 60
Independent Claim
184 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; an electrode on the distal end of the catheter tube adapted to be electrically coupled to the return electrode through tissue, the electrode comprising a wall having an exterior peripherally surrounding an interior area, a lumen for conveying the medium containing ions from the fluid source into the interior area, subject to internal pressure, and an electrically conductive element in the interior area; a source of energy; and means for coupling the electrically conductive element and the return electrode to the source of energy to transmit the energy, wherein at least a portion of the wall comprises a porous material sized to pass ions contained in the medium, thereby allowing 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 to heat tissue located between the return electrode and the electrode, the porous material having a bubble point value greater than the internal pressure.
Claim 61
Independent Claim
185 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; an electrode on the distal end of the catheter tube adapted to be electrically coupled to the return electrode through tissue, the electrode comprising a wall having an exterior peripherally surrounding an interior area, a lumen for conveying the medium containing ions from the fluid source into the interior area subject to an internal pressure, and an electrically conductive element in the interior area; a source of energy; and means for coupling the electrically conductive element and the return electrode to the source of energy to transmit the energy, wherein at least a portion of the wall comprises a porous material sized to pass ions contained in the medium, thereby allowing 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 to ablate tissue located between the return electrode and the electrode, the porous material having a bubble point value greater than the internal pressure.
Claim 62
Independent Claim
185 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; an electrode on the distal end of the catheter tube adapted to be electrically coupled to the return electrode through tissue, the electrode comprising a wall having an exterior peripherally surrounding an interior area, a lumen for conveying the medium containing ions from the fluid source into the interior area subject to an internal pressure, and an electrically conductive element in the interior area; a source of energy; and means for coupling the electrically conductive element and the return electrode to the source of energy to transmit the energy, wherein at least a portion of the wall comprises a porous material sized to pass ions contained in the medium, thereby allowing 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 to ablate tissue located between the return electrode and the electrode, the porous material having a bubble point value greater than the internal pressure.
Claim 63
Independent Claim
193 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; an electrode on the distal end of the catheter tube adapted to be electrically coupled to the return electrode through heart tissue, the electrode comprising a wall having an exterior peripherally surrounding an interior area, a lumen for conveying the medium containing ions from the fluid source into the interior area subject to an internal pressure, and an electrically conductive element in the interior area; a source of energy; and means for coupling the electrically conductive element and the return electrode to the source of energy to transmit the energy, wherein at least a portion of the wall comprises a porous material sized to pass ions contained in the medium, thereby allowing 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 to ablate heart tissue located between the return electrode and the electrode, the porous material having a bubble point value greater than the internal pressure.
Claim 64
Independent Claim
193 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; an electrode on the distal end of the catheter tube adapted to be electrically coupled to the return electrode through heart tissue, the electrode comprising a wall having an exterior peripherally surrounding an interior area, a lumen for conveying the medium containing ions from the fluid source into the interior area subject to an internal pressure, and an electrically conductive element in the interior area; a source of energy; and means for coupling the electrically conductive element and the return electrode to the source of energy to transmit the energy, wherein at least a portion of the wall comprises a porous material sized to pass ions contained in the medium, thereby allowing 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 to ablate heart tissue located between the return electrode and the electrode, the porous material having a bubble point value greater than the internal pressure.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
29 words
A system according to claim 43 or 44 or 45 or 46 or 47 or 48 or 49 or 50 or 51 wherein the medium comprises a hypertonic solution.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
13 words
A system according to claim 52 wherein the hypertonic solution includes sodium chloride.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
19 words
A system according to claim 53 wherein the sodium chloride is present in a concentration at or near saturation.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
23 words
A system according to claim 53 wherein the sodium chloride is present in a concentration of up to about 9% weight by volume.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
13 words
A system according to claim 52 wherein the hypertonic solution includes potassium chloride.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
33 words
A system according to claim 43 or 44 or 45 or 46 or 47 or 48 or 49 or 50 or 51 wherein the medium has a resistivity lower than about 150 ohm·cm.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
17 words
A system according to claim 57 wherein the medium has a resistivity lower than about 10 ohm·cm.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
16 words
A system according to claim 57 wherein the medium has a resistivity of about 5 ohm·cm.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
36 words
A system according to claim 43 or 44 or 45 or 46 or 47 or 48 or 49 or 50 or 51 wherein the porous material has an electrical resistivity of at least about 500 ohm·cm.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
36 words
A system according to claim 43 or 44 or 45 or 46 or 47 or 48 or 49 or 50 or 51 wherein the porous material has an electrical resistivity of less than about 500 ohm·cm.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
35 words
A system according to claim 43 or 44 or 45 or 46 or 47 or 48 or 49 or 50 or 51 wherein at least a portion of the wall includes an electrically conductive material.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
16 words
A system according to claim 62 wherein the electrically conductive material of the wall is porous.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
16 words
A system according to claim 62 wherein the electrically conductive material of the wall is nonporous.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
19 words
A system according to claim 62 wherein at least a portion the wall is free of electrically conductive material.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
35 words
A system according to claim 43 or 44 or 45 or 46 or 47 or 48 or 49 or 50 or 51 wherein at least a portion the wall is free of electrically conductive material.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
48 words
A system according to claim 43 or 44 or 45 or 46 or 47 or 48 or 49 or 50 or 51, wherein the wall includes a distal region and a proximal region, and wherein the porous material occupies more of the distal region than the proximal region.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
19 words
A system according to claim 67 wherein at least 1/3rd of the proximal region is free of porous material.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
18 words
A system according to claim 67, wherein the porous material occupies at least 1/3rd of the distal region.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
32 words
A system according to claim 43 or 44 or 45 or 46 or 47 or 48 or 49 or 50 or 51 and further including a radiopaque material carried by the electrode.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
48 words
A system according to claim 43 or 44 or 45 or 46 or 47 or 48 or 49 or 50 or 51 and further including a controller including means for specifying an electrical resistivity for the porous material based, at least in part, upon a desired physiological effect.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
69 words
A system according to claim 44 or 45 or 47 or 48 or 50 or 51 and further including a controller including means for specifying a first electrical resistivity for the porous material to achieve a first tissue lesion characteristic and specifying a second electrical resistivity for the porous material different than the first electrical resistivity to achieve a second tissue lesion characteristic different than the first lesion characteristic.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
55 words
A system according to claim 45 or 48 or 51 and further including a controller for specifying a first electrical resistivity for the porous material to achieve a deep tissue lesion geometry and specifying a second electrical resistivity for the porous material greater than the first electrical resistivity to achieve a shallow tissue lesion geometry.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
61 words
A system according to claim 43 or 44 or 45 or 46 or 47 or 48 or 49 or 50 or 51 and further including a temperature sensing element carried by the electrode, and further including a controller including means for specifying transmission of energy to the medium based, at least in part, upon temperature sensed by the temperature sensing element.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
28 words
A system according to claim 43 or 44 or 45 or 46 or 47 or 48 or 49 or 50 or 51 wherein the porous material is hydrophilic.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
28 words
A system according to claim 46 wherein at least one temperature sensing element is carried by the wall in thermal conductive contact with the exterior of the wall.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
14 words
A system according to claim 46 wherein the porous material comprises a microporous membrane.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
14 words
A system according to claim 46 wherein the porous material comprises an ultrafiltration membrane.
Claim 92
Independent Claim
137 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, an electrically conductive element in the interior area, at least a portion of the wall including an ultraporous material sized to block passage of macromolecules while allowing passage of ions, 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, 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 ultraporous material to the exterior of the wall for transmission to the return electrode.
Claim 93
Independent Claim
137 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, an electrically conductive element in the interior area, at least a portion of the wall including an ultraporous material sized to block passage of macromolecules while allowing passage of ions, 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, 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 ultraporous material to the exterior of the wall for transmission to the return electrode.
Claim 94
Independent Claim
139 words
A method for ablating 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, an electrically conductive element in the interior area, at least a portion of the wall including an ultraporous material sized to block passage of macromolecules while allowing passage of ions, electrically coupling a source of radio frequency energy to the electrically conductive element and to a return electrode in contact with body tissue, guiding the catheter tube into a body, conveying a medium containing ions into the interior area, and ablating tissue by ohmically heating tissue by transmitting radio frequency energy to the electrically conductive element for ionic transport through the medium and ultraporous material to the exterior of the wall for transmission to the return electrode.
Claim 95
Independent Claim
139 words
A method for ablating 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, an electrically conductive element in the interior area, at least a portion of the wall including an ultraporous material sized to block passage of macromolecules while allowing passage of ions, electrically coupling a source of radio frequency energy to the electrically conductive element and to a return electrode in contact with body tissue, guiding the catheter tube into a body, conveying a medium containing ions into the interior area, and ablating tissue by ohmically heating tissue by transmitting radio frequency energy to the electrically conductive element for ionic transport through the medium and ultraporous material to the exterior of the wall for transmission to the return electrode.
Claim 96
Independent Claim
143 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, an electrically conductive element in the interior area, at least a portion of the wall including an ultraporous material sized to block passage of macromolecules while allowing passage of ions, electrically coupling a source of radio frequency energy to the electrically conductive element and to a return electrode in contact with body tissue, guiding the catheter tube into a heart chamber, conveying an medium containing ions into the interior area, and ablating heart tissue by ohmically heating heart tissue by transmitting radio frequency energy to the electrically conductive element for ionic transport through the medium and ultraporous material to the exterior of the wall for transmission to the return electrode.
Claim 97
Independent Claim
143 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, an electrically conductive element in the interior area, at least a portion of the wall including an ultraporous material sized to block passage of macromolecules while allowing passage of ions, electrically coupling a source of radio frequency energy to the electrically conductive element and to a return electrode in contact with body tissue, guiding the catheter tube into a heart chamber, conveying an medium containing ions into the interior area, and ablating heart tissue by ohmically heating heart tissue by transmitting radio frequency energy to the electrically conductive element for ionic transport through the medium and ultraporous material to the exterior of the wall for transmission to the return electrode.
Claim 98
Independent Claim
151 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, an electrically conductive element in the interior area, at least a portion of the wall comprising a porous material sized to pass ions contained in the medium without substantial liquid perfusion through the porous material, 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, 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 material to the exterior of the wall for transmission to the return electrode free of substantial liquid perfusion through the porous material.
Claim 99
Independent Claim
151 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, an electrically conductive element in the interior area, at least a portion of the wall comprising a porous material sized to pass ions contained in the medium without substantial liquid perfusion through the porous material, 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, 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 material to the exterior of the wall for transmission to the return electrode free of substantial liquid perfusion through the porous material.
Claim 100
Independent Claim
153 words
A method for ablating 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, an electrically conductive element in the interior area, at least a portion of the wall comprising a porous material sized to pass ions contained in the medium without substantial liquid perfusion through the porous material, electrically coupling a source of radio frequency energy to the electrically conductive element and to a return electrode in contact with body tissue, guiding the catheter tube into a body, conveying a medium containing ions into the interior area, and ablating tissue by ohmically heating tissue by transmitting radio frequency energy to the electrically conductive element for ionic transport through the medium and porous material to the exterior of the wall for transmission to the return electrode substantially free of liquid perfusion through the porous material.
Claim 101
Independent Claim
153 words
A method for ablating 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, an electrically conductive element in the interior area, at least a portion of the wall comprising a porous material sized to pass ions contained in the medium without substantial liquid perfusion through the porous material, electrically coupling a source of radio frequency energy to the electrically conductive element and to a return electrode in contact with body tissue, guiding the catheter tube into a body, conveying a medium containing ions into the interior area, and ablating tissue by ohmically heating tissue by transmitting radio frequency energy to the electrically conductive element for ionic transport through the medium and porous material to the exterior of the wall for transmission to the return electrode substantially free of liquid perfusion through the porous material.
Claim 102
Independent Claim
157 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, an electrically conductive element in the interior area, at least a portion of the wall comprising a porous material sized to pass ions contained in the medium without substantial liquid perfusion through the porous material, electrically coupling a source of radio frequency energy to the electrically conductive element and to a return electrode in contact with body tissue, guiding the catheter tube into a heart chamber, conveying an medium containing ions into the interior area, and ablating heart tissue by ohmically heating heart tissue by transmitting radio frequency energy to the electrically conductive element for ionic transport through the medium and porous material to the exterior of the wall for transmission to the return electrode substantially free of liquid perfusion through the porous material.
Claim 103
Independent Claim
157 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, an electrically conductive element in the interior area, at least a portion of the wall comprising a porous material sized to pass ions contained in the medium without substantial liquid perfusion through the porous material, electrically coupling a source of radio frequency energy to the electrically conductive element and to a return electrode in contact with body tissue, guiding the catheter tube into a heart chamber, conveying an medium containing ions into the interior area, and ablating heart tissue by ohmically heating heart tissue by transmitting radio frequency energy to the electrically conductive element for ionic transport through the medium and porous material to the exterior of the wall for transmission to the return electrode substantially free of liquid perfusion through the porous material.
Claim 104
Independent Claim
149 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, an electrically conductive element in the interior area, at least a portion of the wall including a porous material sized to pass ions, the porous material having a bubble point value, 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, conveying a medium containing ions into the interior area subject to an internal pressure less than the bubble point value, and ohmically heating body tissue by transmitting radio frequency energy to the electrically conductive element for ionic transport through the medium and porous material to the exterior of the wall for transmission to the return electrode.
Claim 105
Independent Claim
149 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, an electrically conductive element in the interior area, at least a portion of the wall including a porous material sized to pass ions, the porous material having a bubble point value, 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, conveying a medium containing ions into the interior area subject to an internal pressure less than the bubble point value, and ohmically heating body tissue by transmitting radio frequency energy to the electrically conductive element for ionic transport through the medium and porous material to the exterior of the wall for transmission to the return electrode.
Claim 106
Independent Claim
151 words
A method for ablating 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, an electrically conductive element in the interior area, at least a portion of the wall including a porous material sized to pass ions, the porous material having a bubble point value, electrically coupling a source of radio frequency energy to the electrically conductive element and to a return electrode in contact with body tissue, guiding the catheter tube into a body, conveying a medium containing ions into the interior area subject to an internal pressure less than the bubble point value, and ablating tissue by ohmically heating tissue by transmitting radio frequency energy to the electrically conductive element for ionic transport through the medium and porous material to the exterior of the wall for transmission to the return electrode.
Claim 107
Independent Claim
151 words
A method for ablating 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, an electrically conductive element in the interior area, at least a portion of the wall including a porous material sized to pass ions, the porous material having a bubble point value, electrically coupling a source of radio frequency energy to the electrically conductive element and to a return electrode in contact with body tissue, guiding the catheter tube into a body, conveying a medium containing ions into the interior area subject to an internal pressure less than the bubble point value, and ablating tissue by ohmically heating tissue by transmitting radio frequency energy to the electrically conductive element for ionic transport through the medium and porous material to the exterior of the wall for transmission to the return electrode.
Claim 108
Independent Claim
155 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, an electrically conductive element in the interior area, at least a portion of the wall including a porous material sized to pass ions, the porous material having a bubble point value, electrically coupling a source of radio frequency energy to the electrically conductive element and to a return electrode in contact with body tissue, guiding the catheter tube into a heart chamber, conveying an medium containing ions into the interior area subject to an internal pressure less than the bubble point value, and ablating heart tissue by ohmically heating heart tissue by transmitting radio frequency energy to the electrically conductive element for ionic transport through the medium and porous material to the exterior of the wall for transmission to the return electrode.
Claim 109
Independent Claim
155 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, an electrically conductive element in the interior area, at least a portion of the wall including a porous material sized to pass ions, the porous material having a bubble point value, electrically coupling a source of radio frequency energy to the electrically conductive element and to a return electrode in contact with body tissue, guiding the catheter tube into a heart chamber, conveying an medium containing ions into the interior area subject to an internal pressure less than the bubble point value, and ablating heart tissue by ohmically heating heart tissue by transmitting radio frequency energy to the electrically conductive element for ionic transport through the medium and porous material to the exterior of the wall for transmission to the return electrode.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
46 words
A method according to claim 79 or 80 or 81 or 82 or 83 or 84 or 85 or 86 or 87 and further including the step of specifying an electrical resistivity for the porous material based, at least in part, upon a desired physiological effect.
Claim 111
Dependent Claim
67 words
A method according to claim 80 or 81 or 83 or 84 or 86 or 87 and further including the step of specifying a first electrical resistivity for the porous material to achieve a first tissue lesion characteristic and specifying a second electrical resistivity for the porous material different than the first electrical resistivity to achieve a second tissue lesion characteristic different than the first lesion characteristic.
Claim 112
Dependent Claim
61 words
A method according to claim 80 or 81 or 83 or 84 or 86 or 87 and further including the step of specifying a first electrical resistivity for the porous material to achieve a deep tissue lesion geometry and specifying a second electrical resistivity for the porous material greater than the first electrical resistivity to achieve a shallow tissue lesion geometry.
Claim 113
Dependent Claim
53 words
A method according to claim 80 or 81 or 83 or 84 or 86 or 87 and further including the steps of sensing temperature using a sensing element carried by the electrode, and specifying transmission of energy to the medium based, at least in part, upon temperature sensed by the temperature sensing element.
Claim 114
Dependent Claim
55 words
A method according to claim 83 further including the steps of providing at least one temperature sensing element that is carried by the wall and in thermal conductive contact with the exterior of the wall, and sensing temperature using the at least one temperature sensing element at least partially during the step of ablating tissue.
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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) | 2002-10-04 | 2003-04-05 | 2003-10-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2006-10-04 | 2007-04-05 | 2007-10-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2010-10-04 | 2011-04-05 | 2011-10-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |