US6325796B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Microwave ablation instrument with insertion probe
Assignee: Maquet Cardiovascular LLC
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Filing: 1999-05-04
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Granted: 2001-12-04
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Expires: 2019-05-04
Abstract
Abstract A microwave ablation assembly and method including a relatively thin, elongated probe ( 21 ) having a proximal access end ( 22 ) and an opposite distal penetration end ( 23 ) adapted to penetrate into bio-tissue ( 25 ). The probe ( 21 ) defines an insert passage ( 26 ) extending therethrough from the access end ( 22 ) to the penetration end ( 23 ) thereof. An ablation catheter includes a coaxial transmission line ( 28 ) with an antenna device ( 30 ) coupled to a distal end of the transmission line ( 28 ) for generating an electric field sufficiently strong to cause tissue ablation. The coaxial transmission line ( 28 ) includes an inner conductor ( 31 ) and an outer conductor ( 32 ) separated by a dielectric material medium ( 33 ). A proximal end of the transmission line ( 28 ) is coupled to a microwave energy source. The antenna device ( 30 ) and the transmission line ( 28 ) each have a transverse cross-sectional dimension adapted for sliding receipt through the insert passage ( 26 ) while the elongated probe ( 21 ) is positioned in the bio-tissue ( 25 ). Such sliding advancement continues until the antenna device ( 30 ) is moved to a position beyond the penetration end ( 23 ) and further into direct contact with the bio-tissue ( 25 ).
Inventors
- 👤 Dany Berube
- 👤 M. Elizabeth Bush
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 12:40
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B18/00; A61B18/18; A61B18/1815
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 48
Claim 1
Independent Claim
168 words
A microwave ablation assembly comprising: an elongated probe having a penetration end adapted to penetrate into bio-tissue and an opposite access end, said probe defining an insert passage extending therethrough from the access end to the penetration end thereof; a coaxial transmission line including an inner conductor and an outer conductor separated by a dielectric material medium, and having a proximal end coupled to a microwave energy source; and an antenna device for generating an electric field sufficiently strong to cause tissue ablation, said antenna device being integrally formed by said inner conductor and said dielectric material medium extending beyond a distal portion of said outer conductor, said dielectric material medium having a transverse cross-sectional dimension sized for sliding receipt through said insert passage, while said elongated probe is positioned in the bio-tissue, to a position advancing said antenna device beyond said penetration end and further into said bio-tissue, and said dielectric material medium further being sized to prevent said outer conductor from extending through said insert passage.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
168 words
A microwave ablation assembly comprising: an elongated probe having a penetration end adapted to penetrate into bio-tissue and an opposite access end, said probe defining an insert passage extending therethrough from the access end to the penetration end thereof; a coaxial transmission line including an inner conductor and an outer conductor separated by a dielectric material medium, and having a proximal end coupled to a microwave energy source; and an antenna device for generating an electric field sufficiently strong to cause tissue ablation, said antenna device being integrally formed by said inner conductor and said dielectric material medium extending beyond a distal portion of said outer conductor, said dielectric material medium having a transverse cross-sectional dimension sized for sliding receipt through said insert passage, while said elongated probe is positioned in the bio-tissue, to a position advancing said antenna device beyond said penetration end and further into said bio-tissue, and said dielectric material medium further being sized to prevent said outer conductor from extending through said insert passage.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
A microwave ablation assembly as defined in claim 1 , wherein said elongated probe is a conductor.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
43 words
A microwave ablation assembly as defined in claim 1 , wherein a distal end of said outer conductor is adapted to electrically couple to said elongated probe proximate the access end such that said probe functions as a shield for said transmission line.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
A microwave ablation assembly as defined in claim 3 , wherein the length of antenna device is a function of the frequency of said electric field.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
49 words
A microwave ablation assembly as defined in claim 1 , wherein said elongated probe is metallic, and a distal end of said outer conductor is adapted to electrically couple to said elongated probe proximate the access end such that said probe functions as a shield for said transmission line.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
A microwave ablation assembly as defined in claim 1 , wherein the length of antenna device is a function of the frequency of said electric field.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
56 words
A microwave ablation assembly as defined in claim 1 , wherein said coaxial transmission line is suitable for transmission of microwave energy at frequencies in the range of about 400 to about 6000 megahertz, and the diameter of said inner connector in combination with said dielectric material medium is sufficient to enable penetration into said bio-tissue.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
56 words
A microwave ablation assembly as defined in claim 1 , wherein said coaxial transmission line is suitable for transmission of microwave energy at frequencies in the range of about 400 to about 6000 megahertz, and the diameter of said inner connector in combination with said dielectric material medium is sufficient to enable penetration into said bio-tissue.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
229 words
A microwave ablation assembly for insertion through an insert passage of an elongated metallic biopsy needle having a penetration end adapted to penetrate into bio-tissue, said insert passage extending from an access opening to an insert opening at the penetration end, said ablation assembly comprising: a coaxial transmission line including an inner conductor and an outer conductor separated by a dielectric material medium, and having a proximal end thereof coupled to a microwave energy source; and an antenna device for generating an electric field sufficiently strong to cause tissue ablation, said antenna device being integrally formed by said inner conductor and said dielectric material medium extending beyond a distal portion of said outer conductor, wherein said dielectric material medium has a transverse cross-sectional dimension adapted for sliding receipt through said insert passage while said biopsy needle is positioned in the bio-tissue, and to a position advancing said antenna beyond said insert opening and further into said bio-tissue, and wherein said outer conductor has a transverse cross section dimension sized to prevent passage thereof through said access opening and into said insert passage in a manner contacting said biopsy needle to limit the advancement of said antenna beyond said insert opening, and to electrically couple to said biopsy needle such that said needle functions as a shield for the dielectric material medium and said inner conductor in said insert passage.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
229 words
A microwave ablation assembly for insertion through an insert passage of an elongated metallic biopsy needle having a penetration end adapted to penetrate into bio-tissue, said insert passage extending from an access opening to an insert opening at the penetration end, said ablation assembly comprising: a coaxial transmission line including an inner conductor and an outer conductor separated by a dielectric material medium, and having a proximal end thereof coupled to a microwave energy source; and an antenna device for generating an electric field sufficiently strong to cause tissue ablation, said antenna device being integrally formed by said inner conductor and said dielectric material medium extending beyond a distal portion of said outer conductor, wherein said dielectric material medium has a transverse cross-sectional dimension adapted for sliding receipt through said insert passage while said biopsy needle is positioned in the bio-tissue, and to a position advancing said antenna beyond said insert opening and further into said bio-tissue, and wherein said outer conductor has a transverse cross section dimension sized to prevent passage thereof through said access opening and into said insert passage in a manner contacting said biopsy needle to limit the advancement of said antenna beyond said insert opening, and to electrically couple to said biopsy needle such that said needle functions as a shield for the dielectric material medium and said inner conductor in said insert passage.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
26 words
A microwave ablation assembly as defined in claim 9 , wherein the length of antenna device is a function of the frequency of said electric field.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
31 words
A microwave ablation assembly as defined in claim 9 , wherein a distal end of said outer conductor is adapted to electrically couple to said biopsy needle proximate the access opening.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
32 words
A microwave ablation assembly as defined in claim 9 , wherein the diameter of said inner connector in combination with said dielectric material medium is sufficient to enable penetration into said bio-tissue.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
112 words
A method for ablating bio-tissue comprising: piercing an elongated probe into the bio-tissue percutaneously to a predetermined depth, said probe defining a passage extending therethrough from a proximal access end to an opposite distal end thereof; removing a specimen of bio-tissue through said biopsy needle; introducing into the passage an elongated microwave ablation device having a distal antenna coupled to a transmission line which in turn is coupled to a microwave energy source at a proximal end thereof; positioning the distal antenna at least at the probe distal end; and generating an electric field at the distal antenna which is sufficiently strong to cause ablation of the bio-tissue within the electric field.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
112 words
A method for ablating bio-tissue comprising: piercing an elongated probe into the bio-tissue percutaneously to a predetermined depth, said probe defining a passage extending therethrough from a proximal access end to an opposite distal end thereof; removing a specimen of bio-tissue through said biopsy needle; introducing into the passage an elongated microwave ablation device having a distal antenna coupled to a transmission line which in turn is coupled to a microwave energy source at a proximal end thereof; positioning the distal antenna at least at the probe distal end; and generating an electric field at the distal antenna which is sufficiently strong to cause ablation of the bio-tissue within the electric field.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method according to claim 13 , wherein said opposite distal end is needle-shaped.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method according to claim 13 , wherein, said positioning the distal antenna includes advancing the distal antenna through said passage to a position beyond said penetration end and further into said bio-tissue.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
61 words
The method according to claim 13 , further including: said transmission line is coaxial including an inner conductor and an outer conductor separated by a dielectric material medium therebetween, and further including: removing a portion of said outer conductor proximate a distal end of said transmission line to expose a portion of the dielectric material medium to form said antenna device.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method according to claim 16 , wherein, said elongated probe is electrically conductive, and further including: electrically connecting said outer conductor to said elongated probe causing the same to function as the transmission line and the antenna device.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method according to claim 13 , wherein, said antenna device is sufficiently rigid to enable further penetration into the bio-tissue during the advancing the distal antenna.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
46 words
The method according to claim 18 , wherein, said transmission line is coaxial having an inner conductor and an outer conductor separated by a dielectric material medium such that the diameter of said inner connector in combination with said dielectric material medium provides the sufficient rigidity.
Claim 23
Independent Claim
137 words
A method of percutaneously ablating bio-tissue in a body cavity comprising: percutaneously piercing a penetration end of a biopsy needle into the bio-tissue to a predetermined depth from outside the body cavity, said biopsy needle defining an insert passage extending therethrough from an opposite access end to the penetration end thereof; removing a specimen of bio-tissue through said biopsy needle; inserting into the insert passage an elongated microwave ablation device having a distal antenna coupled to a transmission line which in turn is coupled to a microwave energy source at a proximal end thereof; advancing the distal antenna through said insert passage to a position beyond said penetration end and further into said bio-tissue; and generating an electric field at the distal antenna which is sufficiently strong to cause ablation of the bio-tissue within the electric field.
Claim 24
Independent Claim
137 words
A method of percutaneously ablating bio-tissue in a body cavity comprising: percutaneously piercing a penetration end of a biopsy needle into the bio-tissue to a predetermined depth from outside the body cavity, said biopsy needle defining an insert passage extending therethrough from an opposite access end to the penetration end thereof; removing a specimen of bio-tissue through said biopsy needle; inserting into the insert passage an elongated microwave ablation device having a distal antenna coupled to a transmission line which in turn is coupled to a microwave energy source at a proximal end thereof; advancing the distal antenna through said insert passage to a position beyond said penetration end and further into said bio-tissue; and generating an electric field at the distal antenna which is sufficiently strong to cause ablation of the bio-tissue within the electric field.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
60 words
The method according to claim 20 , wherein said transmission line is coaxial including an inner conductor and an outer conductor separated by a dielectric material medium therebetween, and further including: removing a portion of said outer conductor proximate a distal end of said transmission line to expose a portion of the dielectric material medium to form said antenna device.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method according to claim 21 , wherein said biopsy needle is metallic, and further including: electrically connecting said outer conductor to said biopsy needle causing the same to function as a portion of the transmission line and antenna device.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method according to claim 22 , wherein said electrically connecting includes contacting the outer conductor with the biopsy needle during the advancing of the distal antenna into the insert passage.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
82 words
The method according to claim 20 , wherein said transmission line is a coaxial transmission line suitable for transmission of microwave energy at frequencies in the range of about 400 to about 6000 megahertz, and includes an inner conductor and an outer conductor separated by a dielectric material medium therebetween, and further including: removing a portion of said outer conductor proximate a distal end of said transmission line to expose a portion of the dielectric material medium to form said antenna device.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method according to claim 24 , wherein, said biopsy needle is electrically conductive, and further including: electrically connecting said outer conductor to said elongated probe causing the same to function as the transmission line and the antenna device.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method according to claim 25 , wherein, said antenna device is sufficiently rigid to enable further penetration into the bio-tissue during the advancing the distal antenna.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
46 words
The method according to claim 26 , wherein, said transmission line is coaxial having an inner conductor and an outer conductor separated by a dielectric material medium such that the diameter of said inner connector in combination with said dielectric material medium provides the sufficient rigidity.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
191 words
A microwave ablation assembly comprising: a conductive, elongated probe having a penetration end adapted to penetrate into bio-tissue and an opposite access end, said probe defining an insert passage extending therethrough from the access end to the penetration end thereof; a coaxial transmission line including an inner conductor and an outer conductor separated by a dielectric material medium, and having a proximal end coupled to a microwave energy source; and an antenna device for generating an electric field sufficiently strong to cause tissue ablation, said antenna device being integrally formed by said inner conductor and said dielectric material medium extending beyond a distal portion of said outer conductor, said dielectric material medium having a transverse cross-sectional dimension sized for sliding receipt through said insert passage, while said elongated probe is positioned in the bio-tissue, to a position advancing said antenna device beyond said penetration end and further into said bio-tissue; wherein said distal portion of said outer conductor is adapted to contact and to electrically couple to said biopsy needle such that said needle functions as a shield for the dielectric material medium and said inner conductor in said insert passage.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
191 words
A microwave ablation assembly comprising: a conductive, elongated probe having a penetration end adapted to penetrate into bio-tissue and an opposite access end, said probe defining an insert passage extending therethrough from the access end to the penetration end thereof; a coaxial transmission line including an inner conductor and an outer conductor separated by a dielectric material medium, and having a proximal end coupled to a microwave energy source; and an antenna device for generating an electric field sufficiently strong to cause tissue ablation, said antenna device being integrally formed by said inner conductor and said dielectric material medium extending beyond a distal portion of said outer conductor, said dielectric material medium having a transverse cross-sectional dimension sized for sliding receipt through said insert passage, while said elongated probe is positioned in the bio-tissue, to a position advancing said antenna device beyond said penetration end and further into said bio-tissue; wherein said distal portion of said outer conductor is adapted to contact and to electrically couple to said biopsy needle such that said needle functions as a shield for the dielectric material medium and said inner conductor in said insert passage.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
26 words
A microwave ablation assembly as defined in claim 28 , wherein the length of antenna device is a function of the frequency of said electric field.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
16 words
A microwave ablation assembly as defined in claim 28 , wherein said elongated probe is metallic.
Claim 36
Independent Claim
188 words
A method of percutaneously ablating bio-tissue in a body cavity comprising: providing a coaxial transmission line having a proximal end coupled to a microwave energy source, and having an inner conductor and an outer conductor separated by a dielectric material medium therebetween, a portion of said outer conductor being removed proximate a distal end of said transmission line to expose a portion of the dielectric material medium to form a distal said antenna device; percutaneously piercing a penetration end of a conductive biopsy needle into the bio-tissue to a predetermined depth from outside the body cavity, said biopsy needle defining an insert passage extending therethrough from an opposite access end to the penetration end thereof; inserting into the insert passage the distal antenna; advancing the distal antenna through said insert passage to a position beyond said penetration end and further into said bio-tissue; electrically connecting said outer conductor to said elongated probe causing the same to function as the transmission line and the antenna device; and generating an electric field at the distal antenna which is sufficiently strong to cause ablation of the bio-tissue within the electric field.
Claim 37
Independent Claim
188 words
A method of percutaneously ablating bio-tissue in a body cavity comprising: providing a coaxial transmission line having a proximal end coupled to a microwave energy source, and having an inner conductor and an outer conductor separated by a dielectric material medium therebetween, a portion of said outer conductor being removed proximate a distal end of said transmission line to expose a portion of the dielectric material medium to form a distal said antenna device; percutaneously piercing a penetration end of a conductive biopsy needle into the bio-tissue to a predetermined depth from outside the body cavity, said biopsy needle defining an insert passage extending therethrough from an opposite access end to the penetration end thereof; inserting into the insert passage the distal antenna; advancing the distal antenna through said insert passage to a position beyond said penetration end and further into said bio-tissue; electrically connecting said outer conductor to said elongated probe causing the same to function as the transmission line and the antenna device; and generating an electric field at the distal antenna which is sufficiently strong to cause ablation of the bio-tissue within the electric field.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method according to claim 31 , further including: after the piercing and before the inserting, removing a specimen of bio-tissue through said biopsy needle.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method according to claim 31 , wherein said electrically connecting includes contacting the outer conductor with the biopsy needle during the advancing of the distal antenna into the insert passage.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method according to claim 31 , wherein, said antenna device is sufficiently rigid to enable further penetration into the bio-tissue during the advancing the distal antenna.
Claim 41
Independent Claim
162 words
A method for ablating bio-tissue comprising: providing a coaxial transmission line having a proximal end coupled to a microwave energy source, and having an inner conductor and an outer conductor separated by a dielectric material medium therebetween, a portion of said outer conductor being removed proximate a distal end of said transmission line to expose a portion of the dielectric material medium to form a distal said antenna device; introducing a conductive, elongated probe into the bio-tissue to a predetermined depth, said probe defining a passage extending therethrough from a proximal access end to an opposite distal end thereof; introducing into the passage the distal antenna; positioning the distal antenna at least at the probe distal end; electrically connecting said outer conductor to said elongated probe causing the same to function as the transmission line and the antenna device; and generating an electric field at the distal antenna which is sufficiently strong to cause ablation of the bio-tissue within the electric field.
Claim 42
Independent Claim
162 words
A method for ablating bio-tissue comprising: providing a coaxial transmission line having a proximal end coupled to a microwave energy source, and having an inner conductor and an outer conductor separated by a dielectric material medium therebetween, a portion of said outer conductor being removed proximate a distal end of said transmission line to expose a portion of the dielectric material medium to form a distal said antenna device; introducing a conductive, elongated probe into the bio-tissue to a predetermined depth, said probe defining a passage extending therethrough from a proximal access end to an opposite distal end thereof; introducing into the passage the distal antenna; positioning the distal antenna at least at the probe distal end; electrically connecting said outer conductor to said elongated probe causing the same to function as the transmission line and the antenna device; and generating an electric field at the distal antenna which is sufficiently strong to cause ablation of the bio-tissue within the electric field.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method according to claim 35 , wherein said introducing an elongated probe includes piercing the opposite distal end thereof into the bio-tissue percutaneously.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method according to claim 36 , wherein said opposite distal end is needle-shaped.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method according to claim 37 , wherein said elongated probe is a biopsy needle, and further including, after the piercing and before the introducing into the passage, removing a specimen of bio-tissue through said biopsy needle.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method according to claim 35 , wherein said electrically connecting includes contacting the outer conductor with the probe during the advancing of the distal antenna into the insert passage.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method according to claim 35 , wherein, said positioning the distal antenna includes advancing the distal antenna through said passage to a position beyond said penetration end and further into said bio-tissue.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method according to claim 35 , wherein, said antenna device is sufficiently rigid to enable further penetration into the bio-tissue during the advancing the distal antenna.
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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) | 2004-12-03 | 2005-06-04 | 2005-12-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2008-12-03 | 2009-06-04 | 2009-12-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2012-12-03 | 2013-06-04 | 2013-12-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |