Patent US20030109871A1 successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US20030109871A1
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Apparatus for detecting and treating tumors using locaIized impedance measurement
Assignee: Angiodynamics Inc
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Filing: 2001-07-25
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Granted: —
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Expires: 2021-07-25
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus for treating tumors comprises an elongated delivery device that includes a lumen and is maneuverable in tissue. An impedance sensor array is deployable from the elongated device and configured to be coupled to at least one of an energy source or a switching device. The impedance array includes a plurality of resilient members, at least one of the plurality being positionable in the elongated device in a compacted state and deployable with curvature into tissue from the elongated device in a deployed state. In the deployed state, the plurality of resilient members defines a sample volume. At least one of the resilient members includes an impedance sensor and at least a portion of the array is configured to sample tissue impedance through a plurality of conductive pathways. An energy delivery device is coupled to one of the array, the at least one resilient member or the elongated device.
Inventors
- 👤 Theodore Johnson
- 👤 Daniel Balbierz
- 👤 Robert Pearson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 05:29
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B18/00; A61B18/18; A61B18/04; A61B18/12; A61B18/14; A61B18/1477; A61B2018/00005; A61B2018/00011; A61B2018/00053; A61B2018/00059; A61B2018/00071; A61B2018/00083; A61B2018/00184; A61B2018/00196; A61B2018/00571; A61B2018/00577; A61B2018/00636; A61B2018/00642; A61B2018/00654; A61B2018/00773; A61B2018/00875; A61B18/1206; A61B2018/124; A61B2018/1273; A61B2018/128; A61B2018/1497; A61B2218/00; A61B2218/001; A61B2218/002
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 42
Claim 1
Independent Claim
211 words
1 . An apparatus for multi-pathway impedance characterization and ablative treatment of tumors, the apparatus comprising: an elongated delivery device including a lumen, the elongated delivery device being maneuverable in tissue; an impedance sensor array deployable from the elongated delivery device and configured to be coupled to at least one of an electromagnetic energy source or a switching device, the impedance array including a plurality of resilient members, at least one of the plurality of resilient members being positionable in the elongated delivery device in a compacted state and deployable with curvature into tissue from the elongated delivery device in a deployed state, the plurality of resilient members defining a sample volume in the deployed state, at least one of the plurality of resilient members including an impedance sensor, at least a portion of the impedance array configured to sample tissue impedance through a plurality of conductive pathways; an energy delivery device coupled to one of the sensor array, the at least one resilient member or the elongated delivery device, the energy delivery device including at least one RF electrode; and an advancement member coupled to the impedance array, the advancement member including an actuable portion, the advancement member configured to control deployment of at least a portion of the array.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
211 words
1 . An apparatus for multi-pathway impedance characterization and ablative treatment of tumors, the apparatus comprising: an elongated delivery device including a lumen, the elongated delivery device being maneuverable in tissue; an impedance sensor array deployable from the elongated delivery device and configured to be coupled to at least one of an electromagnetic energy source or a switching device, the impedance array including a plurality of resilient members, at least one of the plurality of resilient members being positionable in the elongated delivery device in a compacted state and deployable with curvature into tissue from the elongated delivery device in a deployed state, the plurality of resilient members defining a sample volume in the deployed state, at least one of the plurality of resilient members including an impedance sensor, at least a portion of the impedance array configured to sample tissue impedance through a plurality of conductive pathways; an energy delivery device coupled to one of the sensor array, the at least one resilient member or the elongated delivery device, the energy delivery device including at least one RF electrode; and an advancement member coupled to the impedance array, the advancement member including an actuable portion, the advancement member configured to control deployment of at least a portion of the array.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
212 words
2 . An apparatus for vector impedance characterization and ablative treatment of tumors: an elongated delivery device including a lumen, the elongated delivery device being maneuverable in tissue; an impedance sensor array deployable from the elongated delivery device and configured to be coupled to at least one of an electromagnetic energy source or a switching device, the impedance array including a plurality of resilient members, at least one of the plurality of resilient members being positionable in the elongated delivery device in a compacted state and deployable with curvature into tissue from the elongated delivery device in a deployed state, the plurality of resilient members defining a sample volume in the deployed state, at least one of the plurality of resilient members including an impedance sensor, at least a portion of the impedance array configured to measure an impedance vector within a selectable tissue site; an energy delivery device coupled to one of the sensor array, the at least one resilient member or the elongated delivery device, the energy delivery device including at least one electrode or antenna; and an advancement member coupled to the energy delivery device, the advancement member including an actuable portion, the advancement member configured to control deployment of at least a portion of the energy delivery device.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
212 words
2 . An apparatus for vector impedance characterization and ablative treatment of tumors: an elongated delivery device including a lumen, the elongated delivery device being maneuverable in tissue; an impedance sensor array deployable from the elongated delivery device and configured to be coupled to at least one of an electromagnetic energy source or a switching device, the impedance array including a plurality of resilient members, at least one of the plurality of resilient members being positionable in the elongated delivery device in a compacted state and deployable with curvature into tissue from the elongated delivery device in a deployed state, the plurality of resilient members defining a sample volume in the deployed state, at least one of the plurality of resilient members including an impedance sensor, at least a portion of the impedance array configured to measure an impedance vector within a selectable tissue site; an energy delivery device coupled to one of the sensor array, the at least one resilient member or the elongated delivery device, the energy delivery device including at least one electrode or antenna; and an advancement member coupled to the energy delivery device, the advancement member including an actuable portion, the advancement member configured to control deployment of at least a portion of the energy delivery device.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
3 . The apparatus of claim 1 or 2 , wherein the plurality of resilient members includes a first, a second and a third resilient member.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
29 words
4 . The apparatus of claim 1 or 2 , wherein the sensor has a resistance gradient or a resistance gradient configured to improve measurement of a complex impedance.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
33 words
5 . The apparatus of claim 4 , wherein the resistance gradient is along a length of the sensor and configured compensate for resistive losses or hysteresis along the length of the sensor.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
36 words
6 . The apparatus of claim 1 or 2 , at least a portion of the impedance arrays is configured to measure at least one of an intracellular impedance, an interstitial impedance or an intercellular capacitance.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
26 words
7 . The apparatus of claim 1 or 2 , wherein the impedance array is configured to determine a locus of impedance within the sample volume.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
29 words
8 . The apparatus of claim 1 or 2 , wherein the impedance array is configured to sample an impedance of at least a portion of the sample volume.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
22 words
9 . The apparatus of claim 8 , wherein the at least a portion includes a first portion and a second portion.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
34 words
10 . The apparatus of claim 9 , wherein the impedance array is configured to substantially simultaneously measure a first impedance profile of the first portion and second impedance profile of the second portion.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
27 words
11 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of conductive pathways are configured to be substantially evenly distributed or spaced within the sample volume.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
22 words
12 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of conductive pathways includes a first pathway and a second pathway.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
32 words
13 . The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the impedance array is configured to substantially simultaneously measure a first impedance of the first pathway and second impedance of the second pathway.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
22 words
14 . The apparatus of claim 12 , the first pathway is positioned at a selectable angle relative to the second pathway.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
18 words
15 . The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the first and second pathway have no common segments.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
18 words
16 . The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the first and second pathway have a common origin.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
31 words
17 . The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the first and second pathway have substantially the same pathway, the second pathway being in an opposite direction to the first pathway.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
24 words
18 . The apparatus of claim 1 or 2 , wherein the impedance array is configured to detect at an indicator of cell necrosis.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
39 words
19 . The apparatus of claim 1 or 2 , wherein the impedance array is configured to detect at least one of a tissue ablation volume, a cell necrosis volume, a tissue thermal volume or a tissue hyperthermic volume.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
43 words
20 . The apparatus of claim 1 or 2 , further comprising: logic resources coupled to one of at least a portion of the impedance array, the energy delivery device, the switching device or the electromagnetic source, the logic resources including a processor.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
38 words
21 . The apparatus of claim 20 , wherein one of the impedance array or logic resources is configured to measure or analyze tissue impedance or complex impedance at a measurement frequency distinct from an RF ablation frequency.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
37 words
22 . The apparatus of claim 20 , wherein the logic resources are configured to identify a tissue condition or differentiate tissue responsive to an impedance signal from the at least a portion of the impedance array.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
32 words
23 . The apparatus of claim 22 , wherein the logic resources are configured to analyze the signal at a frequency having an increased tissue condition sensitivity relative to a frequency spectrum.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
42 words
24 . The apparatus of claim 20 , wherein the logic resources are configured to distinguish between normal and abnormal tissue, the abnormal tissue including at least one of abnormally mutated tissue, abnormally dividing tissue, cancerous tissue, metastatic tissue or hypoxic tissue.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
21 words
25 . The apparatus of claim 20 , wherein the logic resources are configured to distinguish between necrosed and non-necrosed tissue.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
33 words
26 . The apparatus of claim 20 , wherein the logic resources are configured to analyze at least one of an intracellular impedance, an interstitial impedance an intercellular capacitance or a complex impedance.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
32 words
27 . The apparatus of claim 20 , wherein the logic resources are configured to identify one of an inflection point, an asymptote, a minimum or a maximum of an impedance signal.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
50 words
28 . The apparatus of claim 27 , wherein the logic resources are configured to identify at least one of an endpoint, an amount of tissue injury or a tissue type utilizing at least one of the inflection point, the asymptote, the minimum or the maximum of the impedance signal.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
37 words
29 . The apparatus of claim 20 , wherein the logic resources are configured to identify an endpoint for an ablation procedure responsive to an impedance signal from the at least a portion of the impedance array.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
64 words
30 . The apparatus of claim 22 , wherein the impedance signal includes at least one of an intracellular impedance, an interstitial impedance an intercellular capacitance or a complex impedance, the logic resources configured to identify a tissue condition utilizing at least one of an impedance ratio including at least one of interstitial to intercellular impedance, real to imaginary impedance or impedance to capacitance.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
41 words
31 . The apparatus of claim 22 , wherein the impedance signal is a complex impedance and the logic resources are configured to identify a tissue condition of the sample volume utilizing real and imaginary components of the complex impedance signal.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
53 words
32 . The apparatus of claim 20 , wherein the impedance array is configured to substantially simultaneously measure an impedance of a first tissue volume portion and a second tissue volume portion and the logic resources are configured to compare the impedance of the first portion to an impedance of the second portion.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
32 words
33 . The apparatus of claim 2 , the impedance array is configured to detect real and imaginary components of the impedance vector or magnitude and phase angle of the impedance vector.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
182 words
34 . An apparatus for multi-pathway impedance characterization and ablative treatment of tumors, the apparatus comprising: an elongated delivery device including a lumen, the elongated delivery device being maneuverable in tissue; an impedance sensor array deployable from the elongated delivery device and configured to be coupled to at least one of an electromagnetic energy source or a switching device, the impedance array including a plurality of resilient members, at least one of the plurality of resilient members being positionable in the elongated delivery device in a compacted state and deployable with curvature into tissue from the elongated delivery device in a deployed state, the plurality of resilient members defining a sample volume in the deployed state, at least one of the plurality of resilient members including an impedance sensor, at least a portion of the impedance array configured to sample tissue impedance through a plurality of conductive pathways; and an energy delivery device coupled to one of the sensor array, the at least one resilient member or the elongated delivery device, the energy delivery device including at least one electrode or antenna.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
182 words
34 . An apparatus for multi-pathway impedance characterization and ablative treatment of tumors, the apparatus comprising: an elongated delivery device including a lumen, the elongated delivery device being maneuverable in tissue; an impedance sensor array deployable from the elongated delivery device and configured to be coupled to at least one of an electromagnetic energy source or a switching device, the impedance array including a plurality of resilient members, at least one of the plurality of resilient members being positionable in the elongated delivery device in a compacted state and deployable with curvature into tissue from the elongated delivery device in a deployed state, the plurality of resilient members defining a sample volume in the deployed state, at least one of the plurality of resilient members including an impedance sensor, at least a portion of the impedance array configured to sample tissue impedance through a plurality of conductive pathways; and an energy delivery device coupled to one of the sensor array, the at least one resilient member or the elongated delivery device, the energy delivery device including at least one electrode or antenna.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
121 words
35 . An apparatus for complex impedance characterization of tumors, the apparatus comprising: an introducer including a lumen, the introducer being maneuverable in tissue; and an impedance sensor array positionable in the introducer in a compacted state and deployable from the introducer to define a sample volume in a deployed state, the impedance array configured to be coupled to at least one of an electromagnetic energy source, logic resources or a switching device, the impedance array defining a sample volume in a deployed state, at least a portion of the impedance array configured to sample a complex tissue impedance through a plurality of conductive pathways and detect or measure an indicator of at least one of tumorous tissue or cell necrosis.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
121 words
35 . An apparatus for complex impedance characterization of tumors, the apparatus comprising: an introducer including a lumen, the introducer being maneuverable in tissue; and an impedance sensor array positionable in the introducer in a compacted state and deployable from the introducer to define a sample volume in a deployed state, the impedance array configured to be coupled to at least one of an electromagnetic energy source, logic resources or a switching device, the impedance array defining a sample volume in a deployed state, at least a portion of the impedance array configured to sample a complex tissue impedance through a plurality of conductive pathways and detect or measure an indicator of at least one of tumorous tissue or cell necrosis.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
35 words
36 . The apparatus of claim 35 , wherein the impedance array includes a sensor, the sensor having one of a resistance gradient or a resistance gradient configured to improve measurement of a complex impedance.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
176 words
37 . An apparatus for impedance characterization and frequency directed RF ablative treatment of tumors, the apparatus comprising: an elongated delivery device including a lumen, the elongated delivery device being maneuverable in tissue; an impedance sensor array deployable from the elongated delivery device and configured to be coupled to at least one of an electromagnetic energy source or a switching device, the impedance array including a plurality of resilient members, at least one of the plurality of resilient members being positionable in the elongated delivery device in a compacted state and deployable with curvature into tissue from the elongated delivery device in a deployed state, the plurality of resilient members defining a sample volume in the deployed state, at least one of the plurality of resilient members including an impedance sensor; and an energy delivery device coupled to one of the sensor array, the at least one resilient member or the elongated delivery device, the energy delivery device including a plurality of RF electrodes configured to generate a directional ablation zone responsive to an RF frequency.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
176 words
37 . An apparatus for impedance characterization and frequency directed RF ablative treatment of tumors, the apparatus comprising: an elongated delivery device including a lumen, the elongated delivery device being maneuverable in tissue; an impedance sensor array deployable from the elongated delivery device and configured to be coupled to at least one of an electromagnetic energy source or a switching device, the impedance array including a plurality of resilient members, at least one of the plurality of resilient members being positionable in the elongated delivery device in a compacted state and deployable with curvature into tissue from the elongated delivery device in a deployed state, the plurality of resilient members defining a sample volume in the deployed state, at least one of the plurality of resilient members including an impedance sensor; and an energy delivery device coupled to one of the sensor array, the at least one resilient member or the elongated delivery device, the energy delivery device including a plurality of RF electrodes configured to generate a directional ablation zone responsive to an RF frequency.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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