US5248312A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Liquid metal-filled balloon
Assignee: SENSOR ELECTRONICS Inc A CORP OF NEW JERSEY
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Filing: 1992-06-01
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Granted: 1993-09-28
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Expires: 2012-06-01
Abstract
Abstract Liquid metal gallium-filled balloon catheter is connected to a source of heating power. An improved method of hyperthermia and ablation is made possible by ease of insertion and conformity to complex intracavitary geometry by liquid metal. Closeness of gallium melting point to body temperature makes insertion of solid gallium possible and subsequent melting after insertion. Method of balloon ablation of endometrium is described.
Inventors
- 👤 Edwin Langberg
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 11:46
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B18/00; A61B18/04; A61B18/08; A61B17/00; A61B17/22; A61B18/18; A61B18/1815; A61B17/42; A61B17/4208; A61B2017/22051; A61B2017/22062; A61B2017/4216; A61B2018/00053; A61B2018/00059; A61B2018/00089; A61B2018/00095; A61B2018/00315; A61B2018/00559; A61B2018/1861; A61B2218/00; A61B2218/001; A61B2218/002; A61M; A61M29/00; A61M29/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
36 words
An improved balloon catheter of a type inserted into a bodily cavity, the balloon catheter having means for filling and emptying the balloon with a fluid, wherein the improvement comprises fluid which is a liquid metal.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
36 words
An improved balloon catheter of a type inserted into a bodily cavity, the balloon catheter having means for filling and emptying the balloon with a fluid, wherein the improvement comprises fluid which is a liquid metal.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
An improved balloon catheter in accordance with claim 1 wherein said liquid metal is gallium.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
An improved balloon catheter in accordance with claim 1 further comprising means for pumping said liquid metal between said balloon and an external reservoir for cooling of the balloon.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
48 words
An improved balloon catheter in accordance with claim 1 wherein said liquid metal, filling said balloon, forms an electrode separated from said bodily cavity by a wall of said balloon, and further comprising a generator of electromagnetic power connected to said electrode for heating of said bodily cavity.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
33 words
An improved balloon catheter in accordance with claim 1 further comprising an external applicator of electromagnetic power for coupling the power to said liquid metal filling the balloon thereby heating said bodily cavity.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
46 words
A method of using a gallium-filled balloon which comprises external cooling and solidifying of gallium for retention of a predetermined shape, insertion of thus shaped balloon into a bodily cavity, followed by melting of gallium by application of heat for conformal filling of a bodily cavity.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
46 words
A method of using a gallium-filled balloon which comprises external cooling and solidifying of gallium for retention of a predetermined shape, insertion of thus shaped balloon into a bodily cavity, followed by melting of gallium by application of heat for conformal filling of a bodily cavity.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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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) | 1996-09-27 | 1997-03-29 | 1997-09-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2000-09-27 | 2001-03-29 | 2001-09-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2004-09-27 | 2005-03-29 | 2005-09-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |