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US20020147479A1
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Apparatus and methods for sealing openings through tissue
Assignee: Core Medical Inc
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Filing: 2001-04-06
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Granted: —
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Expires: 2021-04-06
Abstract
Abstract An energy delivery device includes a handle member having a connector on its distal end, the connector including an electrically conductive region. An electrically insulated elongate element extends from the distal that terminates in an uninsulated distal tip. During use, a needle connected to a syringe is inserted through tissue, e.g., into the interior of a spinal disc. A therapeutic agent is delivered through the needle, and then the syringe is disconnected from the needle. The elongate element is inserted into the needle until the distal tip extends beyond the distal end of the needle, and the connector connects the needle to the conductive region. Electrical energy is delivered from a source of electrical energy via the distal tip and the needle to tissue surrounding the passage to close the passage as the needle is withdrawn.
Inventors
- 👤 William Aldrich
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-22 22:08
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F2/00; A61F2/02; A61F2/30; A61F2/44; A61F2/441; A61F2/442; A61F2/46; A61F2/4603; A61F2/4611; A61B; A61B18/00; A61B18/04; A61B18/12; A61B18/14; A61B18/1402; A61B18/1477; A61B18/1492; A61B17/00; A61B17/00234; A61B2017/00238; A61B2017/00261; A61B2018/00315; A61B2018/00434; A61B2018/0044; A61B2018/00505; A61B2018/1405; A61B2018/1425; A61F2/30721; A61F2/30744; A61F2002/30001; A61F2002/30003; A61F2002/3006; A61F2002/30062; A61F2002/3008; A61F2002/30092; A61F2002/30316; A61F2002/30329; A61F2002/30405; A61F2002/30535; A61F2002/30589; A61F2002/30667; A61F2002/30677; A61F2002/4435; A61F2002/444; A61F2002/4625; A61F2002/4627; A61F2002/465; A61F2210/00; A61F2210/0004; A61F2210/0014; A61F2220/00; A61F2220/0025; A61F2250/00; A61F2250/0058; A61F2250/0096; A61F2250/0098; A61F2310/00; A61F2310/00005; A61F2310/00011; A61F2310/00017; A61F2310/00023; A61F2310/00365
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 40
Claim 1
Independent Claim
96 words
1 . An apparatus for closing a passage through tissue, comprising: a handle member comprising proximal and distal ends; a first connector on the distal end for connecting to a cooperating connector on a tubular needle, the first connector comprising an electrically conductive region for electrically coupling the tubular needle to a source of electrical energy; and an elongate electrode element extending from the distal end, the electrode element having a size for insertion into a lumen of a tubular needle, the electrode comprising an electrically insulated outer surface and terminating in an uninsulated distal tip.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
96 words
1 . An apparatus for closing a passage through tissue, comprising: a handle member comprising proximal and distal ends; a first connector on the distal end for connecting to a cooperating connector on a tubular needle, the first connector comprising an electrically conductive region for electrically coupling the tubular needle to a source of electrical energy; and an elongate electrode element extending from the distal end, the electrode element having a size for insertion into a lumen of a tubular needle, the electrode comprising an electrically insulated outer surface and terminating in an uninsulated distal tip.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
78 words
2 . The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a tubular needle comprising an electrically conductive tubular body including a lumen communicating between proximal and distal ends thereof, the proximal end comprising a second connector for detachably connecting to a source of therapeutic agent, the second connector configured to engage the first connector on the handle member such that the tubular body is coupled to the conductive region and the electrode element is received through the lumen.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
3 . The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the first and second connectors comprise cooperating luer lock connectors.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
45 words
4 . The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the electrode element and the tube have relative lengths such that the distal tip of the electrode element is exposed beyond the distal end of the tubular body when the first and second connectors are engaged.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
38 words
5 . The apparatus of claim 2 , further comprising a source of therapeutic agent detachably connected to the second connector, whereby therapeutic agent may be delivered through the lumen to the distal end of the tubular body.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
6 . The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the source of therapeutic agent comprises a syringe including therapeutic agent therein.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
54 words
7 . The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a cable extending from the proximal end of the handle member, the cable being connectable to a source of electrical energy for coupling the distal tip of the electrode element and the conductive region of the first connector to the source of electrical energy.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
46 words
8 . The apparatus of claim 7 , further comprising conductors extending between the proximal and distal ends of the handle member, the conductors coupling the distal tip of the electrode element and the conductive region of the first connector to the source of electrical energy.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
34 words
9 . The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a source of radio frequency (RF) energy coupled to the conductive region of the first connector and the distal tip of the electrode element.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
41 words
10 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the electrode element comprises a substantially rigid stylet formed from electrically conductive material, and wherein the outer surface of the stylet is covered with electrically insulating material except for the distal tip.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
100 words
11 . A method for closing an injection passage through tissue, the method comprising: inserting a distal end of a needle through tissue to a predetermined location within a patient's body; delivering a therapeutic agent through a lumen of the needle to the predetermined location; inserting an elongate element into the lumen until an electrode on a distal tip of the elongate element extends beyond the distal end of the needle; delivering electrical energy from a source of electrical energy via the electrode to tissue surrounding the electrode to substantially close the passage; and withdrawing the needle from the passage.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
100 words
11 . A method for closing an injection passage through tissue, the method comprising: inserting a distal end of a needle through tissue to a predetermined location within a patient's body; delivering a therapeutic agent through a lumen of the needle to the predetermined location; inserting an elongate element into the lumen until an electrode on a distal tip of the elongate element extends beyond the distal end of the needle; delivering electrical energy from a source of electrical energy via the electrode to tissue surrounding the electrode to substantially close the passage; and withdrawing the needle from the passage.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
35 words
12 . The method of claim 11 , wherein the step of delivering electrical energy comprises moving the needle and electrode along the passage, thereby closing the passage along a length contacted by the electrode.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
32 words
13 . The method of claim 11 , wherein the step of withdrawing the needle comprises continuing to deliver electrical energy to the electrode as the needle is removed from the passage.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
28 words
14 . The method of claim 11 , wherein the step of delivering electrical energy comprises coupling the electrode to a source of radio frequency (RF) electrical energy.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
43 words
15 . The method of claim 11 , wherein the step of inserting an elongate element into the lumen comprises connecting a handle member to a proximal end of the needle, the elongate element extending from a distal end of the handle member.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
52 words
16 . The method of claim 15 , wherein the needle comprises an electrically conductive material, and wherein the handle member comprises an electrically conductive region that is coupled to the needle when the handle member is connected to the needle, the conductive region being coupled to the source of electrical energy.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
23 words
17 . The method of claim 16 , wherein the elongate element comprises an electrically insulated outer surface that extends through the needle.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
35 words
18 . The method of claim 15 , wherein the step of delivering a therapeutic agent comprises injecting the therapeutic agent through the lumen from a syringe connected to the proximal end of the needle.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
29 words
19 . The method of claim 18 , further comprising disconnecting the syringe from the proximal end of the needle before connecting the handle member to the proximal end.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
19 words
20 . The method of claim 11 , wherein the predetermined location comprises a region within a spinal disc.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
15 words
21 . The method of claim 11 , wherein the predetermined location comprises cardiac tissue.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
17 words
22 . The method of claim 11 , wherein the predetermined location comprises a cancerous tissue region.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
40 words
23 . The method of claim 11 , wherein the therapeutic agent comprises at least one of an autologous therapeutic agent, an nsaid, a genetic material, a material for inhibiting nerve ingrowth, an antibiotic, a steroid, and a chemotherapy agent.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
57 words
24 . A method for closing an opening extending through annulus fibrosis into an interior of a spinal disc, the method comprising: creating an opening through the annulus fibrosis into the interior of the disc; performing a procedure within the interior of the disc; and applying energy to tissue surrounding the opening to substantially close the opening.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
57 words
24 . A method for closing an opening extending through annulus fibrosis into an interior of a spinal disc, the method comprising: creating an opening through the annulus fibrosis into the interior of the disc; performing a procedure within the interior of the disc; and applying energy to tissue surrounding the opening to substantially close the opening.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
33 words
25 . The method of claim 24 , wherein the step of performing a procedure comprises removing at least a portion of the nucleus pulposus material from the interior of the spinal disc.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
26 words
26 . The method of claim 24 , wherein the step of performing a procedure comprises introducing an implant within the interior of the spinal disc.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
27 words
27 . The method of claim 24 , wherein the step of performing a procedure comprises introducing a therapeutic agent into the interior of the spinal disc.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
18 words
28 . The method of claim 24 , wherein the step of applying energy comprises applying RF energy.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
30 words
29 . The method of claim 24 , wherein the step of performing a procedure comprises introducing a distal portion of an elongate member into the interior of the disc.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
38 words
30 . The method of claim 29 , wherein the step of applying energy comprises: disposing an energy element on the distal portion of the elongate member within the opening; and activating the energy element within the opening.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
27 words
31 . The method of claim 30 , further comprising withdrawing the distal portion of the elongate member through the opening while the energy element is activated.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
48 words
32 . The method of claim 29 , wherein the step of performing a procedure comprises: inserting a distal end of a needle through tissue to a predetermined location within a patient's body; and delivering a therapeutic agent through a lumen of the needle to the predetermined location.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
64 words
33 . The method of claim 32 , wherein the step of applying energy comprises: inserting an energy element into the lumen until an electrode on a distal tip of the energy element extends beyond the distal end of the needle; and delivering electrical energy from a source of electrical energy via the electrode to tissue surrounding the electrode to substantially close the passage.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
43 words
34 . The method of claim 11 , wherein the step of inserting an elongate element into the lumen comprises connecting a handle member to a proximal end of the needle, the elongate element extending from a distal end of the handle member.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
66 words
35 . The method of claim 34 , wherein: the needle comprises an electrically conductive material, and the elongate element comprises an electrically insulated outer surface that extends through the needle; and the handle member comprises an electrically conductive region that is coupled to the needle when the handle member is connected to the needle, the conductive region being coupled to the source of electrical energy.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
35 words
36 . The method of claim 35 , wherein the step of delivering a therapeutic agent comprises injecting the therapeutic agent through the lumen from a syringe connected to the proximal end of the needle.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
29 words
37 . The method of claim 36 , further comprising disconnecting the syringe from the proximal end of the needle before connecting the handle member to the proximal end.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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