US5843021A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Cell necrosis apparatus
Assignee: Gyrus ACMI Inc
•
Filing: 1997-08-05
•
Granted: 1998-12-01
•
Expires: 2017-08-05
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus that reduces a volume of a selected site in an interior of the tongue includes a handpiece means and an electrode means at least partially positioned in the interior of the handpiece means. The electrode means includes an electrode means electromagnetic energy delivery surface and is advance able from the interior of the handpiece means into the interior of the tongue. An electrode means advancement member is coupled to the electrode means and configured to advance the electrode means an advancement distance in the interior of the tongue. The advancement distance is sufficient for the electrode means electromagnetic energy delivery surface to deliver electromagnetic energy to the selected tissue site and reduce a volume of the selected site without damaging a hypoglossal nerve. A cable means is coupled to the electrode means.
Inventors
- 👤 Stuart D. Edwards
- 👤 Ronald G. Lax
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 05:11
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/24; A61B18/00; A61B18/04; A61B18/12; A61B18/1206; A61B18/14; A61B18/1477; A61B18/1485; A61B18/18; A61B18/1815; A61N; A61N1/00; A61N1/02; A61N1/04; A61N1/06; A61N1/40; A61N1/403; A61N5/00; A61N5/02; A61N5/04; A61N5/045; A61B18/1402; A61B18/1442; A61B18/20; A61B2017/00017; A61B2017/00022; A61B2017/00026; A61B2017/00084; A61B17/00234; A61B2017/00292; A61B2017/00296; A61B2017/00743; A61B2017/00814; A61B2017/248; A61B2018/00005; A61B2018/00011; A61B2018/00023; A61B2018/00053; A61B2018/00059; A61B2018/00089; A61B2018/00101; A61B2018/00184; A61B2018/00196; A61B2018/00273; A61B2018/00291; A61B2018/00315; A61B2018/00321; A61B2018/00327; A61B2018/00636; A61B2018/00666; A61B2018/00678; A61B2018/00696; A61B2018/00702; A61B2018/00708; A61B2018/00744; A61B2018/00773; A61B2018/00791; A61B2018/00875; A61B2018/00982; A61B2018/1405; A61B2018/1425; A61B90/00; A61B90/36; A61B90/37; A61B2090/378; A61B2090/3782; A61B2218/00; A61B2218/001; A61B2218/002; A61B2218/003; A61M; A61M25/00; A61M25/0067; A61M25/0082; A61M2025/0096
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 90
Claim 1
Independent Claim
106 words
A cell necrosis apparatus to reduce a volume of a selected site in an interior of a tongue in an oral cavity, comprising: a handpiece means; an electrode means coupled to a distal portion of the handpiece means including a tissue piercing distal end, the electrode means being configured to be maneuverable in the oral cavity to pierce a tongue surface and advance into an interior of the tongue a sufficient distance to a tissue site, deliver electromagnetic energy to the tissue site and create controlled cell necrosis without damaging a main branch of the hypoglossal nerve; and a cable means coupled to the electrode means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
106 words
A cell necrosis apparatus to reduce a volume of a selected site in an interior of a tongue in an oral cavity, comprising: a handpiece means; an electrode means coupled to a distal portion of the handpiece means including a tissue piercing distal end, the electrode means being configured to be maneuverable in the oral cavity to pierce a tongue surface and advance into an interior of the tongue a sufficient distance to a tissue site, deliver electromagnetic energy to the tissue site and create controlled cell necrosis without damaging a main branch of the hypoglossal nerve; and a cable means coupled to the electrode means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the electrode means is an RF electrode means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising: an RF energy source coupled to the RF electrode means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a cooling device means coupled to the electrode means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus of claim 4, further comprising: a flow rate control device means coupled to the cooling device means and configured to control a cooling medium flow rate through the cooling device means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: an insulator means at least partially positioned around an exterior of the electrode means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising: a sensor means coupled to the electrode means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a sensor means positioned at a distal end of the electrode means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a feedback control device means coupled to the electrode means, a sensor means and an RF energy source means.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: an infusion medium source means coupled to the electrode means.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
64 words
The apparatus of claim 1, where in the electrode means has an electrode means advancement length extending from an exterior of the handpiece means to the interior of the tongue, wherein the advancement length is sufficient to position the energy delivery surface at the selected site and deliver sufficient electromagnetic energy to create cell necrosis without damaging a main branch of a hypoglossal nerve.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
116 words
A cell necrosis apparatus to reduce a volume of a selected site in an interior of a uvula, comprising: a handpiece means; an electrode means coupled to a distal portion of the handpiece means including a tissue piercing distal end, the electrode means being configured to be maneuverable in the oral cavity to pierce a uvula surface and advance into an interior of the uvula a sufficient distance to a tissue site, deliver electromagnetic energy to the tissue site and create controlled cell necrosis and a repositioning of the uvula in the oral cavity while substantially preserving an uvula mucosal layer at an exterior of the uvula; and a cable means coupled to the electrode means.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
116 words
A cell necrosis apparatus to reduce a volume of a selected site in an interior of a uvula, comprising: a handpiece means; an electrode means coupled to a distal portion of the handpiece means including a tissue piercing distal end, the electrode means being configured to be maneuverable in the oral cavity to pierce a uvula surface and advance into an interior of the uvula a sufficient distance to a tissue site, deliver electromagnetic energy to the tissue site and create controlled cell necrosis and a repositioning of the uvula in the oral cavity while substantially preserving an uvula mucosal layer at an exterior of the uvula; and a cable means coupled to the electrode means.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the electrode means is configured to create controlled cell necrosis and the repositioning of the uvula without creating an ulceration line at a tip of the uvula.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the electrode means is configured to create controlled cell necrosis and a tightening of a uvula tissue to reposition the uvula.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the electrode means is configured to create controlled cell necrosis and a reshaping of a uvula tissue to reposition the uvula.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the electrode means is an RF electrode means.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising: an RF energy source means coupled to the RF electrode means.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising: a cooling device means coupled to the electrode means.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus of claim 18, further comprising: a flow rate control device means coupled to the cooling device means and configured to control a cooling medium flow rate through the cooling device means.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising: an insulator means at least partially positioned around an exterior of the electrode means.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising: a sensor means coupled to the electrode means.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising: a sensor means positioned at a distal end of the electrode means.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising: a feedback control device means coupled to the electrode means, a sensor means and an RF energy source means.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising: an infusion medium source means coupled to the electrode means.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
62 words
The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the electrode means has an electrode means advancement length extending from an exterior of the handpiece means to the interior of the uvula, wherein the advancement length is sufficient to position the energy delivery surface at the selected site and deliver sufficient electromagnetic energy to create cell necrosis with reduced necrosis of an exterior mucosal surface.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
123 words
A cell necrosis apparatus to reduce a volume of a selected site in an interior of a turbinate structure, comprising: a handpiece means; an electrode means coupled to a distal portion of the handpiece means including a tissue piercing distal end, the electrode means being configured to be maneuverable in a nostril to pierce a turbinate structure exterior surface, advance a sufficient distance in an interior of the turbinate structure to a tissue site, deliver electromagnetic energy to the tissue site and create controlled cell necrosis of the turbinate structure to increase a size of a nasal passageway without sufficiently limiting blood flow to the optic nerve and create a permanent impairment of vision; and a cable means coupled to the electrode means.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
123 words
A cell necrosis apparatus to reduce a volume of a selected site in an interior of a turbinate structure, comprising: a handpiece means; an electrode means coupled to a distal portion of the handpiece means including a tissue piercing distal end, the electrode means being configured to be maneuverable in a nostril to pierce a turbinate structure exterior surface, advance a sufficient distance in an interior of the turbinate structure to a tissue site, deliver electromagnetic energy to the tissue site and create controlled cell necrosis of the turbinate structure to increase a size of a nasal passageway without sufficiently limiting blood flow to the optic nerve and create a permanent impairment of vision; and a cable means coupled to the electrode means.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the electrode means creates controlled cell necrosis without creating a permanent dysosmic state.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the electrode means creates controlled cell necrosis of the mucosal layer without creating a permanent dry nose condition.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the electrode means creates controlled cell necrosis of the mucosal layer without creating a permanent atrophic rhinitis condition.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the electrodes means creates controlled cell necrosis of the mucosal layer without creating a permanent loss of ciliary function.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the electrode means is an RF electrode means.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 30, further comprising: an RF energy source means coupled to the RF electrode means.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 26, further comprising: a cooling device means coupled to the electrode means.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus of claim 26, further comprising: a flow rate control device means coupled to the cooling device means and configured to control a cooling medium flow rate through the cooling device means.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 26, further comprising: an insulator means at least partially positioned around an exterior of the electrode means.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 26, further comprising: a sensor means coupled to the electrode means.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 26, further comprising: a sensor means positioned at a distal end of the electrode means.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 26, further comprising: a feedback control device means coupled to the electrode means, a sensor means and an RF energy source means.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 26, further comprising: an infusion medium source means coupled to the electrode means.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
85 words
The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the electrode means has an electrode means advancement length extending from an exterior of the handpiece means to the interior of the turbinate structure, wherein the advancement length is sufficient to position the energy delivery surface at the selected site and deliver sufficient electromagnetic energy to the selected tissue site and create controlled cell necrosis of a mucosal layer of a turbinate bone while preserving a sufficient amount of turbinate bone and prevent creating a permanent dry nose condition.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
121 words
A cell necrosis apparatus to reduce a volume of a selected site in an interior of a soft palate structure, comprising: a handpiece means; an electrode means coupled to a distal portion of the handpiece means including a tissue piercing distal end, the electrode means being configured to be maneuverable in an oral cavity to pierce a soft palate structure surface and advance into an interior of the soft palate structure a sufficient distance to a tissue site, deliver electromagnetic energy to the tissue site, create controlled cell necrosis and reposition the soft palate structure in an oral cavity with reduced necrosis of an exterior mucosal surface of the soft palate structure; and a cable means coupled to the electrode means.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
121 words
A cell necrosis apparatus to reduce a volume of a selected site in an interior of a soft palate structure, comprising: a handpiece means; an electrode means coupled to a distal portion of the handpiece means including a tissue piercing distal end, the electrode means being configured to be maneuverable in an oral cavity to pierce a soft palate structure surface and advance into an interior of the soft palate structure a sufficient distance to a tissue site, deliver electromagnetic energy to the tissue site, create controlled cell necrosis and reposition the soft palate structure in an oral cavity with reduced necrosis of an exterior mucosal surface of the soft palate structure; and a cable means coupled to the electrode means.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus of claim 41, wherein the electrode means is configured to create controlled cell necrosis and a tightening of a soft palate tissue to reposition the soft palate structure.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus of claim 41, wherein the electrode means is configured to create controlled cell necrosis and a reshaping of a soft palate tissue to reposition the soft palate structure.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 41, wherein the electrode means is an RF electrode means.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 44, further comprising: an RF energy source means coupled to the RF electrode means.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 41, further comprising: a cooling device means coupled to the electrode means.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus of claim 46, further comprising: a flow rate control device means coupled to the cooling device means and configured to control a cooling medium flow rate through the cooling device means.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 41, further comprising: an insulator means at least partially positioned around an exterior of the electrode means.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 41, further comprising: a sensor means coupled to the electrode means.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 41, further comprising: a sensor means positioned at a distal end of the electrode means.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 41, further comprising: a feedback control device means coupled to the electrode means, a sensor means and an RF energy source means.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 41, further comprising: an infusion medium source means coupled to the electrode means.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
69 words
The apparatus of claim 41, wherein the electrode means has an electrode means advancement length extending from an exterior of the handpiece means to the interior of the soft palate structure, wherein the advancement length is sufficient to position the energy delivery surface at the selected site and deliver sufficient electromagnetic energy to create cell necrosis with reduced necrosis of an exterior mucosal surface of the soft palate structure.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
122 words
A cell necrosis apparatus to reduce a volume of a selected site in an interior of a turbinate structure, comprising: a handpiece means; an electrode means coupled to a distal portion of the handpiece means including a tissue piercing distal end, the electrode means being configured to be maneuverable in a nostril to pierce a turbinate structure exterior surface, advance a sufficient distance in an interior of the turbinate structure to a tissue site, deliver electromagnetic energy to the tissue site and create controlled cell necrosis of the turbinate structure to increase a size of a nasal passageway without sufficiently limiting blood flow to the retina and create a permanent impairment of vision; and a cable means coupled to the electrode means.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
122 words
A cell necrosis apparatus to reduce a volume of a selected site in an interior of a turbinate structure, comprising: a handpiece means; an electrode means coupled to a distal portion of the handpiece means including a tissue piercing distal end, the electrode means being configured to be maneuverable in a nostril to pierce a turbinate structure exterior surface, advance a sufficient distance in an interior of the turbinate structure to a tissue site, deliver electromagnetic energy to the tissue site and create controlled cell necrosis of the turbinate structure to increase a size of a nasal passageway without sufficiently limiting blood flow to the retina and create a permanent impairment of vision; and a cable means coupled to the electrode means.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 54, wherein the electrode means creates controlled cell necrosis without creating a permanent dysosmic state.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 54, wherein the electrode means creates controlled cell necrosis of the mucosal layer without creating a permanent dry nose condition.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 54, wherein the electrode means creates controlled cell necrosis of the mucosal layer without creating a permanent atrophic rhinitis condition.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 54, wherein the electrodes means creates controlled cell necrosis of the mucosal layer without creating a permanent loss of ciliary function.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 54, wherein the electrode means is an RF electrode means.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 59, further comprising: an RF energy source means coupled to the RF electrode means.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 54, further comprising: a cooling device means coupled to the electrode means.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 54, further comprising: an insulator means at least partially positioned around an exterior of the electrode means.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 54, further comprising: a sensor means coupled to the electrode means.
Claim 69
Independent Claim
123 words
A method of ablating a portion of a uvula, comprising steps of: providing an RF ablation apparatus including a handle, an RF ablation electrode coupled to the handle, the RF ablation electrode having a distal end sharpened sufficiently to pierce the uvula, and an RF energy source coupled to the ablation electrode; introducing at least a portion of the RF ablation apparatus including the ablation electrode including the ablation electrode distal end into a mouth cavity; positioning the RF ablation apparatus distal end adjacent to the uvula; urging the RF ablation electrode distal end against the uvula to pierce and extend within the uvula; applying RF ablation energy to the ablation electrode; and removing the RF ablation electrode distal end from the uvula.
Claim 70
Independent Claim
123 words
A method of ablating a portion of a uvula, comprising steps of: providing an RF ablation apparatus including a handle, an RF ablation electrode coupled to the handle, the RF ablation electrode having a distal end sharpened sufficiently to pierce the uvula, and an RF energy source coupled to the ablation electrode; introducing at least a portion of the RF ablation apparatus including the ablation electrode including the ablation electrode distal end into a mouth cavity; positioning the RF ablation apparatus distal end adjacent to the uvula; urging the RF ablation electrode distal end against the uvula to pierce and extend within the uvula; applying RF ablation energy to the ablation electrode; and removing the RF ablation electrode distal end from the uvula.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
49 words
The method of claim 64, the step of providing an RF ablation apparatus further comprising a step of providing an RF ablation apparatus wherein the distal end of the RF ablation electrode is sufficiently sharpened to pierce the uvula while it is unsupported to remain in a stationary position.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 64, the step of providing an RF ablation apparatus further comprising a step of providing an RF ablation apparatus wherein the RF ablation electrode is a needle electrode.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 64, the step of providing an RF ablation apparatus further comprising a step of providing an RF ablation apparatus including a second ablation electrode with a distal end sharpened sufficiently to pierce the uvula.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 67, further comprising steps of urging the second ablation electrode distal end against the uvula to pierce and extend within the uvula; and applying RF ablation energy to the second ablation electrode.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 68, the step of providing an RF ablation apparatus further comprising a step of providing an RF ablation apparatus that the RF ablation apparatus operates in a bipolar mode.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 64, the step of providing an RF ablation apparatus further comprising a step of providing an RF ablation apparatus that the RF ablation apparatus operates in a monopolar mode.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 70, the step of providing an RF ablation apparatus further comprising a step of providing an RF ablation apparatus that includes a ground pad electrode coupled to the RF energy source.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
77 words
The method of claim 64, the step of providing an RF ablation apparatus further comprising a step of providing an RF ablation apparatus that includes an advancement and retraction device interposed between the handle and the RF ablation electrode, the step of urging the RF ablation apparatus distal end against the uvula further comprising a step of actuating the advancement and retraction device to advance the RF ablation electrode distal end within the uvula a desired distance.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method of claim 72, the step of removing the RF ablation electrode distal end from the uvula further comprising a step of actuating the advancement and retraction device to retract the RF ablation electrode distal end from within the uvula.
Claim 80
Independent Claim
125 words
A method of ablating a portion of a soft palate, comprising steps of: providing an RF ablation apparatus including a handle, an RF ablation electrode coupled to the handle, the RF ablation electrode having a distal end sharpened sufficiently to pierce the soft palate, and an RF energy source coupled to the ablation electrode; introducing at least a portion of the RF ablation apparatus including the ablation electrode distal end into a mouth cavity; positioning the RF ablation apparatus distal end adjacent to the soft palate; urging the RF ablation electrode distal end against the soft palate to pierce and extend within the soft palate; applying RF ablation energy to the ablation electrode; and removing the RF ablation electrode distal end from the soft palate.
Claim 81
Independent Claim
125 words
A method of ablating a portion of a soft palate, comprising steps of: providing an RF ablation apparatus including a handle, an RF ablation electrode coupled to the handle, the RF ablation electrode having a distal end sharpened sufficiently to pierce the soft palate, and an RF energy source coupled to the ablation electrode; introducing at least a portion of the RF ablation apparatus including the ablation electrode distal end into a mouth cavity; positioning the RF ablation apparatus distal end adjacent to the soft palate; urging the RF ablation electrode distal end against the soft palate to pierce and extend within the soft palate; applying RF ablation energy to the ablation electrode; and removing the RF ablation electrode distal end from the soft palate.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
50 words
The method of claim 74, the step of providing an RF ablation apparatus further comprising a step of providing an RF ablation apparatus wherein the distal end of the RF ablation electrode is sufficiently sharpened to pierce the soft palate while it is unsupported to remain in a stationary position.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 74, the step of providing an RF ablation apparatus further comprising a step of providing an RF ablation apparatus wherein the RF ablation electrode is a needle electrode.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method of claim 74, the step of providing an RF ablation apparatus further comprising a step of providing an RF ablation apparatus including a second ablation electrode with a distal end sharpened sufficiently to pierce the soft palate.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 77 further comprising steps of urging the second ablation electrode distal end against the soft palate to pierce and extend within the soft palate; and applying RF ablation energy to the second ablation electrode.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 78, the step of providing an RF ablation apparatus further comprising a step of providing an RF ablation apparatus that the RF ablation apparatus operates in a bipolar mode.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 74, the step of providing an RF ablation apparatus further comprising a step of providing an RF ablation apparatus that the RF ablation apparatus operates in a monopolar mode.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 80, the step of providing an RF ablation apparatus further comprising a step of providing an RF ablation apparatus that includes a ground pad electrode coupled to the RF energy source.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
79 words
The method of claim 74, the step of providing an RF ablation apparatus further comprising a step of providing an RF ablation apparatus that comprises an advancement and retraction device interposed between the handle and the RF ablation electrode, the step of urging the RF ablation apparatus distal end against the soft palate further comprising a step of actuating the advancement and retraction device to advance the RF ablation electrode distal end within the soft palate a desired distance.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method of claim 82, the step of removing the RF ablation electrode distal end from the soft palate further comprising a step of actuating the advancement and retraction device to retract the RF ablation electrode distal end from within the soft palate.
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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) | 2001-11-30 | 2002-06-01 | 2002-12-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2005-11-30 | 2006-06-01 | 2006-12-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2009-11-30 | 2010-06-01 | 2010-12-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |