US6224592B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Systems and methods for electrosurgical tissue treatment in conductive fluid
Assignee: Arthrocare Corp
•
Filing: 1998-07-27
•
Granted: 2001-05-01
•
Expires: 2018-07-27
Abstract
Abstract An electrosurgical probe ( 10 ) comprises a shaft ( 13 ) having an electrode array ( 58 ) at its distal end and a connector ( 19 ) at its proximal end for coupling the electrode array to a high frequency power supply ( 28 ). The shaft includes a return electrode ( 56 ) recessed from its distal end and enclosed within an insulating jacket ( 18 ). The return electrode defines an inner passage ( 83 ) electrically connected to both the return electrode and the electrode array for passage of an electrically conducting liquid ( 50 ). By applying high frequency voltage to the electrode array and the return electrode, the electrically conducting liquid generates a current flow path between the return electrode and the electrode array so that target tissue may be cut or ablated. The probe is particularly useful in dry environments, such as the mouth or abdominal cavity, because the electrically conducting liquid provides the necessary return current path between the active and return electrodes.
Inventors
- 👤 Philip E. Eggers
- 👤 Hira V. Thapliyal
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 13:54
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B18/00; A61B18/04; A61B18/12; A61B18/14; A61B18/1492; A61B18/1206; A61B18/1402; A61B18/148; A61B18/1482; A61B18/1485; A61B18/149; A61M; A61M25/00; A61M25/01; A61M25/0105; A61M25/0133; A61B18/042; A61B17/00; A61B2017/00017; A61B2017/00022; A61B2017/00026; A61B2017/00084; A61B2017/00092; A61B2017/00097; A61B2017/00101; A61B2017/00106; A61B17/00234; A61B2017/00238; A61B2017/00243; A61B2017/00247; A61B2017/00292; A61B2017/003; A61B17/22; A61B2017/22001; A61B2017/22038; A61B2018/00005; A61B2018/00011; A61B2018/00029; A61B2018/00053; A61B2018/00059; A61B2018/00071; A61B2018/00083; A61B2018/00107; A61B2018/00119; A61B2018/0016; A61B2018/00172; A61B2018/00178; A61B2018/00184; A61B2018/00196; A61B2018/00315; A61B2018/00321; A61B2018/00327; A61B2018/00345; A61B2018/00351; A61B2018/00392; A61B2018/00452; A61B2018/0047; A61B2018/00476; A61B2018/00505; A61B2018/00571; A61B2018/00577; A61B2018/00583; A61B2018/00601; A61B2018/00636; A61B2018/00642; A61B2018/0066; A61B2018/00666; A61B2018/00678; A61B2018/00696; A61B2018/00702; A61B2018/00726; A61B2018/00738; A61B2018/00755; A61B2018/00761; A61B2018/00773; A61B2018/00791; A61B2018/00797; A61B2018/00821; A61B2018/00827; A61B2018/00875; A61B2018/00886; A61B2018/00982; A61B2018/1213; A61B2018/124; A61B2018/1246; A61B2018/1253; A61B2018/126; A61B2018/1273; A61B2018/1405; A61B2018/1407; A61B2018/1467; A61B2018/1472; A61B18/16; A61B2018/162; A61B2018/165; A61B90/00; A61B90/36; A61B90/37; A61B2090/378; A61B2090/3782; A61B2218/00; A61B2218/001; A61B2218/002; A61B2218/007; A61F; A61F2/00; A61F2/02; A61F2/24; A61F2/2493; A61F2/95; A61M25/0147; A61M25/0158
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 45
Claim 1
Independent Claim
122 words
A method for applying electrical energy to a target site on a body structure on or within a patient's body, the method comprising: positioning an electrode terminal into at least close proximity with the target site in the presence of an electrically conductive fluid; positioning a return electrode within the electrically conductive fluid such that the return electrode is not in contact with the body structure to generate a current flow path between the electrode terminal and the return electrode; and applying a high frequency voltage difference between the electrode terminal and the return electrode such that an electrical current flows from the electrode terminal, through the region of the target site, and to the return electrode through the current flow path.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
122 words
A method for applying electrical energy to a target site on a body structure on or within a patient's body, the method comprising: positioning an electrode terminal into at least close proximity with the target site in the presence of an electrically conductive fluid; positioning a return electrode within the electrically conductive fluid such that the return electrode is not in contact with the body structure to generate a current flow path between the electrode terminal and the return electrode; and applying a high frequency voltage difference between the electrode terminal and the return electrode such that an electrical current flows from the electrode terminal, through the region of the target site, and to the return electrode through the current flow path.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the electric current flows substantially through the electrically conductive fluid while minimizing electric current flow passing through the body structure.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
45 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising immersing the target site within a volume of the electrically conductive fluid and positioning the return electrode within the volume of electrically conductive fluid to generate the current flow path between the electrode terminal and the return electrode.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising delivering the electrically conductive fluid to the target site.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
56 words
The method of claim 4 wherein the electrode terminal is located on the distal end of a probe, and wherein the delivering step comprises supplying the electrically conductive fluid to a proximal end of an axial lumen within the probe and directing the fluid through a distal end of the axial lumen to the electrode terminal.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
58 words
The method of claim 5 wherein the return electrode is an outer tubular member defining an axial passage between the outer surface of the probe and the inner surface of the outer tubular member, the delivering step including directing the electrically conductive fluid through the axial passage to the distal end of the probe over the electrode terminal.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
63 words
The method of claim 4 further including positioning a distal end of a fluid supply shaft adjacent the electrode terminal, the delivering step comprising directing the electrically conductive fluid through an inner lumen in the fluid supply shaft that is electrically connected to the return electrode and discharging the fluid through an open distal end of the supply shaft towards the electrode terminal.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
54 words
The method of claim 4 wherein the electrode terminal is located on a distal end of a probe and the return electrode is an inner tubular member defining an axial lumen, the delivering step including directing electrically conductive fluid through the axial lumen to the distal end of the probe over the electrode terminal.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the electrode terminal comprises a single active electrode disposed near the distal end of an instrument shaft.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the electrode terminal includes an array of electrically isolated electrode terminals disposed near the distal end of an instrument shaft.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the electrically conductive fluid comprises isotonic saline.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 1 including independently controlling current flow to the electrode terminal based on electrical impedance between the electrode terminal and the return electrode.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
58 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the return electrode is spaced from the electrode terminal such that when the electrode terminal is brought adjacent a tissue structure immersed in electrically conductive fluid, the return electrode is spaced from the tissue structure and the electrically conductive fluid completes a conduction path between the electrode terminal and the return electrode.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein the return electrode is located on a distal end of an instrument shaft, further comprising an insulating matrix on the instrument shaft between the return electrode and the electrode terminal, the insulating matrix comprising an inorganic material.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 14 wherein the inorganic material is selected from the group consisting essentially of ceramic, glass and glass/ceramic compositions.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 14 further comprising applying a sufficient voltage difference between the return electrode and the electrode terminal to effect the electrical breakdown of tissue in the immediate vicinity of the electrode terminal.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising measuring the temperature at the target site and limiting power delivery to the electrode terminal if the measured temperature exceeds a threshold value.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
50 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising applying a sufficient high frequency voltage difference to vaporize the electrically conductive fluid in a thin layer over at least a portion of the electrode terminal and to induce the discharge of energy to the target site in contact with the vapor layer.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 18 wherein at least a portion of the energy induced is in the form of photons having a wavelength in the ultraviolet spectrum.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 18 wherein at least a portion of the energy is in the form of energetic electrons.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the voltage is in the range from 500 to 1400 volts peak to peak.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising generating a voltage gradient between the electrode terminal and tissue at the target site, the voltage gradient being sufficient to create an electric field that causes the breakdown of tissue through molecular dissociation or disintegration.
Claim 24
Independent Claim
91 words
A method for applying electrical energy to a target site on a body structure on or within a patient's body, the method comprising: contacting an active electrode with the body structure in the presence of an electrically conductive fluid; spacing a return electrode away from the body structure in the presence of the electrically conductive fluid; and applying a high frequency voltage difference between the active electrode and the return electrode such that an electrical current flows from the active electrode, through the electrically conductive fluid, and to the return electrode.
Claim 25
Independent Claim
91 words
A method for applying electrical energy to a target site on a body structure on or within a patient's body, the method comprising: contacting an active electrode with the body structure in the presence of an electrically conductive fluid; spacing a return electrode away from the body structure in the presence of the electrically conductive fluid; and applying a high frequency voltage difference between the active electrode and the return electrode such that an electrical current flows from the active electrode, through the electrically conductive fluid, and to the return electrode.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 23 wherein the electric current flows substantially through the electrically conductive fluid while minimizing electric current flow passing through the body structure.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 23 wherein at least a portion of the electric current passes through the body structure.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
45 words
The method of claim 23 further comprising immersing the target site within a volume of the electrically conductive fluid and positioning the return electrode within the volume of electrically conductive fluid to generate a current flow path between the active electrode and the return electrode.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 23 further comprising delivering the electrically conductive fluid to the target site.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
56 words
The method of claim 27 wherein the active electrode is located on the distal end of a probe, and wherein the delivering step comprises supplying the electrically conductive fluid to a proximal end of an axial lumen within the probe and directing the fluid through a distal end of the axial lumen to the active electrode.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
63 words
The method of claim 27 further including positioning a distal end of a fluid supply shaft adjacent the active electrode, the delivering step comprising directing the electrically conductive fluid through an inner lumen in the fluid supply shaft that is electrically connected to the return electrode and discharging the fluid through an open distal end of the supply shaft towards the active electrode.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 23 wherein the active electrode comprises a single active electrode disposed near the distal end of an instrument shaft.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 23 wherein the active electrode includes an array of electrically isolated electrode terminals disposed near the distal end of an instrument shaft.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 23 wherein the electrically conductive fluid comprises isotonic saline.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 23 including independently controlling current flow to the active electrode based on electrical impedance between the active electrode and the return electrode.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
58 words
The method of claim 23 wherein the return electrode is spaced from the active electrode such that when the active electrode is brought adjacent a tissue structure immersed in electrically conductive fluid, the return electrode is spaced from the tissue structure and the electrically conductive fluid completes a conduction path between the active electrode and the return electrode.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
46 words
The method of claim 23 , wherein the return electrode is located on a distal end of a probe, further comprising an insulating matrix at the distal tip of the probe between the return electrode and the active electrode, the insulating matrix comprising an inorganic material.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 35 wherein the inorganic material is selected from the group consisting essentially of ceramic, glass and glass/ceramic compositions.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 23 further comprising applying a sufficient voltage difference between the return electrode and the active electrode to effect the electrical breakdown of tissue in the immediate vicinity of the active electrode.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 23 further comprising measuring the temperature at the target site and limiting power delivery to the active electrode if the measured temperature exceeds a threshold value.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
50 words
The method of claim 23 further comprising applying a sufficient high frequency voltage difference to vaporize the electrically conductive fluid in a thin layer over at least a portion of the active electrode and to induce the discharge of energy to the target site in contact with the vapor layer.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 39 wherein at least a portion of the energy induced is in the form of photons having a wavelength in the ultraviolet spectrum.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 39 wherein at least a portion of the energy is in the form of energetic electrons.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 23 wherein the voltage is in the range from 500 to 1400 volts peak to peak.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 23 further comprising generating a voltage gradient between the active electrode and tissue at the target site, the voltage gradient being sufficient to create an electric field that causes the breakdown of tissue through molecular dissociation or disintegration.
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| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
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| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2004-04-30 | 2004-10-30 | 2005-05-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2008-04-30 | 2008-10-30 | 2009-05-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
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