US5904679A — Catheter with electrosurgical cutter

Claim 1

Independent Claim 122 words

A method for dilating a non-vascular body conduit, comprising: inserting into the non-vascular conduit a dilation catheter assembly comprising an elongate tubular body having a distal end carrying a radially dilatable member adapted to be positioned in the conduit and to exert pressure on surrounding body tissue to provide a substantially uniform tangential tension in the tissue, and a cutting element carried on the dilatable member; dilating the dilatable member to simultaneously stress the tissue and engage the tissue with the cutting element; electrically activating the cutting element; incising the stressed tissue with the cutting element; radially contracting the dilatable member to cause the dilatable member and cutting element to disengage the tissue; and withdrawing the dilation catheter assembly from the conduit.

Claim 2

Independent Claim 122 words

A method for dilating a non-vascular body conduit, comprising: inserting into the non-vascular conduit a dilation catheter assembly comprising an elongate tubular body having a distal end carrying a radially dilatable member adapted to be positioned in the conduit and to exert pressure on surrounding body tissue to provide a substantially uniform tangential tension in the tissue, and a cutting element carried on the dilatable member; dilating the dilatable member to simultaneously stress the tissue and engage the tissue with the cutting element; electrically activating the cutting element; incising the stressed tissue with the cutting element; radially contracting the dilatable member to cause the dilatable member and cutting element to disengage the tissue; and withdrawing the dilation catheter assembly from the conduit.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 48 words

The method of claim 1 wherein the cutting element is a radiofrequency cutter and the method further including the steps of: passing a radiofrequency current through the cutter during the dilating of the dilatable member; and, discontinuing the radiofrequency current during the radial contracting of the dilatable member.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 42 words

The method of claim 2 wherein the step of passing the radiofrequency current includes the steps of: introducing a radiofrequency signal into the cutting element to cut the tissue; and reducing the power of the radiofrequency signal to cauterize the cut tissue.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 16 words

The method of claim 1 including the step of cauterizing the tissue with the cutting element.

Claim 6

Independent Claim 75 words

A method for enlarging the diameter of a ureteral passage defined by body tissue, comprising: inserting into the ureteral passage a catheter having a catheter body, a cutting element in the form of an elongate wire, and means for advancing the cutting element laterally of the catheter body; advancing the cutting element into proximity with the tissue; and electrically activating the cutting element to cut the tissue and enlarge the diameter of the ureteral passage.

Claim 7

Independent Claim 75 words

A method for enlarging the diameter of a ureteral passage defined by body tissue, comprising: inserting into the ureteral passage a catheter having a catheter body, a cutting element in the form of an elongate wire, and means for advancing the cutting element laterally of the catheter body; advancing the cutting element into proximity with the tissue; and electrically activating the cutting element to cut the tissue and enlarge the diameter of the ureteral passage.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 32 words

The method recited in claim 5 wherein after the activating step, the method further comprises the steps of stretching the tissue defining the ureteral passage in order to enlarge the ureteral passage.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 21 words

The method recited in claim 6 further comprising the step of pressurizing the cut tissue to inhibit bleeding of the tissue.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 33 words

The method recited in claim 7 further comprising the steps of: deactivating the cutting element; retracting the cutting element into proximity to the catheter body; and withdrawing the catheter from the ureteral passage.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 41 words

The method recited in claim 7 wherein during the providing step, the catheter is provided with an inflatable balloon and during at least one of the advancing, stretching, and pressurizing steps, the method further comprises the step of inflating the balloon.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 28 words

The method recited in claim 5 wherein after the activating step, the method further comprises the step of advancing the cutting element into proximity with previously uncut tissue.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 42 words

The method recited in claim 5 wherein during the activating step the tissue is cut into two portions and the method further comprises the step of separating the two cut portions of the tissue to expose uncut tissue to the cutting element.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 28 words

The method recited in claim 5 wherein prior to the activation step the method further comprises the step of stretching the tissue in proximity to the cutting element.

Claim 15

Independent Claim 101 words

A method for enlarging the diameter of a passage defined by body tissue and having a longitudinal axis, comprising: inserting into the passage a catheter having an inflatable balloon and a cutting element in the form of an electrosurgical wire disposed in contact with the outer surface of the balloon; inflating the balloon to move the cutting element into proximity with the body tissue; activating electrically the cutting element to cut the body tissue in only a substantially axial direction; deflating the balloon to withdraw the cutting element from proximity with the body tissue; and withdrawing the catheter from the passage.

Claim 16

Independent Claim 101 words

A method for enlarging the diameter of a passage defined by body tissue and having a longitudinal axis, comprising: inserting into the passage a catheter having an inflatable balloon and a cutting element in the form of an electrosurgical wire disposed in contact with the outer surface of the balloon; inflating the balloon to move the cutting element into proximity with the body tissue; activating electrically the cutting element to cut the body tissue in only a substantially axial direction; deflating the balloon to withdraw the cutting element from proximity with the body tissue; and withdrawing the catheter from the passage.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 29 words

The method recited in claim 13 wherein prior to the deflating step the method further comprises the step of advancing the cutting element into proximity with previously uncut tissue.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 15 words

The method recited in claim 14 further comprising the step of repeating the activating step.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 23 words

The method recited in claim 13 wherein prior to the activating step the method further comprises the step of stretching the body tissue.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 26 words

The method recited in claim 13 wherein subsequent to the activating step the method further comprises the step of pressurizing the cut tissue to inhibit bleeding.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 29 words

The method recited in claim 13 wherein prior to the deflating step the method further comprises the step of deactivating the cutting element to discontinue cutting the body tissue.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 29 words

The method recited in claim 13 wherein during the deflating step the method further comprises the step of automatically retracting the cutting element from proximity with the body tissue.

Claim 23

Independent Claim 201 words

A method for enlarging the diameter of a passage defined by body tissue, comprising: inserting into the passage a catheter having a wall defining a lumen extending between a distal end of the catheter and a proximal end of the catheter, and an electrosurgical wire having first portions disposed exteriorly of the catheter and second portions disposed interiorly of the catheter, the wire including a first end fixed to the catheter and a second end movable within the lumen of the catheter to vary the length of the first portions of the wire relative to the length of the second portions of the wire; moving the second end of the wire distally within the lumen of the catheter to increase the length of the first portions of the wire and thereby move the first portions laterally of the catheter wall into proximity with the tissue; activating the electrosurgical wire to cut the tissue in proximity to the wire; and moving the second end of the wire proximally within the lumen of the catheter to decrease the length of the first portions of the wire and thereby move the first portions laterally of the catheter wall into proximity with the catheter wall.

Claim 24

Independent Claim 201 words

A method for enlarging the diameter of a passage defined by body tissue, comprising: inserting into the passage a catheter having a wall defining a lumen extending between a distal end of the catheter and a proximal end of the catheter, and an electrosurgical wire having first portions disposed exteriorly of the catheter and second portions disposed interiorly of the catheter, the wire including a first end fixed to the catheter and a second end movable within the lumen of the catheter to vary the length of the first portions of the wire relative to the length of the second portions of the wire; moving the second end of the wire distally within the lumen of the catheter to increase the length of the first portions of the wire and thereby move the first portions laterally of the catheter wall into proximity with the tissue; activating the electrosurgical wire to cut the tissue in proximity to the wire; and moving the second end of the wire proximally within the lumen of the catheter to decrease the length of the first portions of the wire and thereby move the first portions laterally of the catheter wall into proximity with the catheter wall.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 39 words

The method recited in claim 20 further comprising the step of providing the catheter with a balloon disposed between the wire and the catheter wall, the balloon being inflatable to move the wire into proximity with the body tissue.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 25 words

The method recited in claim 21 wherein the first moving step includes the step of inflating the balloon through the lumen of the catheter wall.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 25 words

The method recited in claim 22 wherein the second moving step includes the step of deflating the balloon through the lumen of the catheter wall.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 25 words

The method recited in claim 21 further comprising the step of attaching the first end of the wire to the catheter distally of the balloon.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 26 words

The method recited in claim 21 further comprising the step of attaching the first end of the wire to the catheter wall proximally of the balloon.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 178 words

A catheter assembly adapted for use in the urinary system and comprising in combination: an elongate tubular body having a lumen and an axis extending to a distal end; a dilatable member having an outwardly facing exterior surface and being disposed to surround the distal end of the tubular body in communication with the lumen of the tubular body, the dilatable member being adapted for disposition in the urinary system and being dilatable in response to fluid pressure in the lumen of the tubular body to exert pressure on surrounding body tissue in order to create tension in the body tissue; cutting means disposed substantially only axially to extend in close contacting relationship with the exterior surface of the dilatable member and having characteristics for being moved into proximity with the surrounding tissue when the dilatable member is dilated, for incising said tissue axially along the tubular body to relieve the tension in the body tissue and to enlarge the body conduit; and means for electrically energizing the cutting means to permit incision and cauterization of the tissue.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 178 words

A catheter assembly adapted for use in the urinary system and comprising in combination: an elongate tubular body having a lumen and an axis extending to a distal end; a dilatable member having an outwardly facing exterior surface and being disposed to surround the distal end of the tubular body in communication with the lumen of the tubular body, the dilatable member being adapted for disposition in the urinary system and being dilatable in response to fluid pressure in the lumen of the tubular body to exert pressure on surrounding body tissue in order to create tension in the body tissue; cutting means disposed substantially only axially to extend in close contacting relationship with the exterior surface of the dilatable member and having characteristics for being moved into proximity with the surrounding tissue when the dilatable member is dilated, for incising said tissue axially along the tubular body to relieve the tension in the body tissue and to enlarge the body conduit; and means for electrically energizing the cutting means to permit incision and cauterization of the tissue.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 25 words

The assembly of claim 26 wherein the dilatable member is an inflatable bladder that is adapted to be inflated to a predetermined volume and shape.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 16 words

The assembly of claim 27 wherein the cutting means is permanently affixed to the inflatable bladder.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 34 words

The catheter assembly recited in claim 27 wherein the inflatable bladder is symmetrically disposed around the tubular body and the dilation of the inflatable bladder exerts an uniform tangential tension on the surrounding tissue.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 17 words

The assembly of claim 26 wherein the cutting means is an integral component of the dilatable member.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 13 words

The assembly of claim 26 wherein the cutting means comprises a thin wire.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 31 words

The assembly of claim 26 including an open ended sheath from which the tubular body may be ejected for use and into which the tubular body may be retracted after use.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 17 words

The catheter assembly recited in claim 26 wherein the cutting means comprises a radiofrequency electrosurgical cutting element.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 118 words

A catheter adapted to cut tissue, comprising: a tube having a longitudinal axis extending between a distal end and a proximal end of the catheter; cutting means disposed generally at the distal end of the tube for cutting the tissue, the cutting means including only a single axially oriented wire, having no point of intersection with any second cutting wire, the single wire having portions movable radially of the axis of the catheter; means for moving the cutting means portions radially into close proximity to the tissue to be cut; means for electrically activating the cutting means to cut the tissue in proximity to the cutting means; and means for exposing previously uncut tissue to the cutting means.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 118 words

A catheter adapted to cut tissue, comprising: a tube having a longitudinal axis extending between a distal end and a proximal end of the catheter; cutting means disposed generally at the distal end of the tube for cutting the tissue, the cutting means including only a single axially oriented wire, having no point of intersection with any second cutting wire, the single wire having portions movable radially of the axis of the catheter; means for moving the cutting means portions radially into close proximity to the tissue to be cut; means for electrically activating the cutting means to cut the tissue in proximity to the cutting means; and means for exposing previously uncut tissue to the cutting means.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 31 words

The catheter recited in claim 34 wherein the moving means comprises a balloon inflatable through the tube and having portions disposed in a fixed relationship with the tube of the catheter.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 22 words

The catheter recited in claim 35 wherein the balloon has a longitudinal axis generally aligned with the longitudinal axis of the tube.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 28 words

The catheter recited in claim 35 wherein the balloon has an outer surface and the wire is movable radially with the outer surface when the balloon is inflated.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 45 words

The catheter recited in claim 34 wherein the exposing means includes means operable with the tube stationary relative to the tissue for applying a force to the tissue to separate the cut tissue and thereby move the uncut tissue into proximity with the cutting means.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 39 words

The catheter recited in claim 38 wherein the exposing means includes a balloon inflatable through the tube and having a curved outer surface, and the force is applied to the tissue tangentially of the outer surface of the balloon.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 17 words

The catheter recited in claim 34 further comprising tamponade means for applying pressure to the cut tissue.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 30 words

The catheter recited in claim 34 wherein the activating means comprises means for directing an electrosurgical signal through the wire, the signal having a magnitude sufficient to cut the tissue.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 200 words

A catheter adapted to cut tissue, comprising: a tube having a longitudinal axis extending between a distal end and a proximal end of the catheter; cutting means disposed generally at the distal end of the tube for cutting the tissue, the cutting means including only a single axially oriented wire having no point of intersection with any second cutting wire, the single wire having portions movable radially of the axis of the catheter; means for moving the cutting means portions radially into close proximity to the tissue to be cut, comprising a balloon inflatable through the tube and having portions disposed in a fixed relationship with the tube of the catheter, the balloon having an outer surface and the wire being movable radially with the outer surface when the balloon is inflated, the balloon having first and second ends fixed to the tube, and the wire having a first end fixed relative to the first end of the balloon and a second end movable relative to the second end of the balloon; and means for activating the cutting means to cut the tissue in proximity to the cutting means; and means for exposing previously uncut tissue to the cutting means.

Claim 49

Dependent Claim 200 words

A catheter adapted to cut tissue, comprising: a tube having a longitudinal axis extending between a distal end and a proximal end of the catheter; cutting means disposed generally at the distal end of the tube for cutting the tissue, the cutting means including only a single axially oriented wire having no point of intersection with any second cutting wire, the single wire having portions movable radially of the axis of the catheter; means for moving the cutting means portions radially into close proximity to the tissue to be cut, comprising a balloon inflatable through the tube and having portions disposed in a fixed relationship with the tube of the catheter, the balloon having an outer surface and the wire being movable radially with the outer surface when the balloon is inflated, the balloon having first and second ends fixed to the tube, and the wire having a first end fixed relative to the first end of the balloon and a second end movable relative to the second end of the balloon; and means for activating the cutting means to cut the tissue in proximity to the cutting means; and means for exposing previously uncut tissue to the cutting means.

Claim 50

Dependent Claim 31 words

The catheter recited in claim 42 wherein the wire has a proximal end and a distal end and the first end of the wire is the distal end of the wire.

Claim 51

Dependent Claim 95 words

Apparatus for cutting a non-vascular body conduit comprising: a supporting structure having an outer surface; an electrosurgical cutter in the form of a wire having first portions disposed in a fixed relationship with the supporting structure and second portions disposed outwardly of the outer surface in a movable relationship with the supporting structure; means disposed between the supporting structure and the second portions of the cutter for moving the second portions of the cutter into proximity with the tissue to be cut; and means for electrically activating the cutter to cut the non-vascular body conduit.

Claim 52

Dependent Claim 95 words

Apparatus for cutting a non-vascular body conduit comprising: a supporting structure having an outer surface; an electrosurgical cutter in the form of a wire having first portions disposed in a fixed relationship with the supporting structure and second portions disposed outwardly of the outer surface in a movable relationship with the supporting structure; means disposed between the supporting structure and the second portions of the cutter for moving the second portions of the cutter into proximity with the tissue to be cut; and means for electrically activating the cutter to cut the non-vascular body conduit.

Claim 53

Dependent Claim 74 words

The apparatus recited in claim 44 wherein the supporting structure defines a lumen and the moving means comprises a balloon inflatable through the lumen and having first portions fixed to the catheter and second portions movable relative to the catheter, the second portions of the balloon being disposed between the catheter and the second portions of the cutter to move the cutter into proximity with the non-vascular body conduit when the balloon is inflated.

Claim 54

Dependent Claim 132 words

Tissue cutting apparatus, comprising: a supporting structure including portions defining a lumen and having an outer surface; an electrosurgical cutter in the form of a wire having first portions disposed in a fixed relationship with the supporting structure, and second portions disposed outwardly of the outer surface in a movable relationship with the supporting structure; means disposed between the supporting structure and the second portions of the cutter for moving the second portions of the cutter into proximity with the tissue to be cut, the moving means comprising a balloon inflatable through the lumen of the supporting structure; means for electrically activating the cutter to cut the tissue; and means disposed between the cutter and the balloon for directing energy from the electrical cutter away from the balloon and toward the tissue.

Claim 55

Dependent Claim 132 words

Tissue cutting apparatus, comprising: a supporting structure including portions defining a lumen and having an outer surface; an electrosurgical cutter in the form of a wire having first portions disposed in a fixed relationship with the supporting structure, and second portions disposed outwardly of the outer surface in a movable relationship with the supporting structure; means disposed between the supporting structure and the second portions of the cutter for moving the second portions of the cutter into proximity with the tissue to be cut, the moving means comprising a balloon inflatable through the lumen of the supporting structure; means for electrically activating the cutter to cut the tissue; and means disposed between the cutter and the balloon for directing energy from the electrical cutter away from the balloon and toward the tissue.

Claim 56

Dependent Claim 36 words

The tissue cutting apparatus recited in claim 46 wherein the supporting structure is a catheter having a proximal end and a distal end, and the electrosurgical cutter is disposed near the distal end of the catheter.

Claim 57

Dependent Claim 72 words

The apparatus recited in claim 47 wherein the supporting structure defines a lumen and the moving means comprises a balloon inflatable through the lumen and having first portions fixed to the catheter and second portions movable relative to the catheter, the second portions of the balloon being disposed between the catheter and the second portions of the cutter to move the cutter into proximity with the tissue when the balloon is inflated.

Claim 58

Dependent Claim 54 words

The apparatus recited in claim 48 wherein the first portions of the balloon include first and second ends of the balloon fixed to the catheter, and the second portions of the balloon include a central region movable relative to the catheter to move the cutter outwardly from the catheter into proximity with the tissue.

Claim 59

Dependent Claim 37 words

The apparatus recited in claim 48 further comprising: means for inflating the balloon to move the cutter into proximity with the tissue to be cut; and means for deflating the balloon after the tissue has been cut.

Claim 60

Dependent Claim 29 words

The apparatus recited in claim 46 wherein the electrical cutter includes a wire and the directing means includes insulation disposed along the wire between the wire and the balloon.

Claim 61

Dependent Claim 32 words

The apparatus recited in claim 51 wherein the insulation forms a sleeve around the wire and portions of the sleeve are removed along the wire to direct the energy toward the tissue.

Claim 62

Dependent Claim 66 words

The apparatus recited in claim 46 wherein: the cutter comprises a wire disposed to extend generally longitudinally of the catheter along the balloon; the first portions of the cutter include a first end of the wire disposed in a fixed relationship with the catheter; and, the second portions of the cutter include a second end of the wire disposed in a movable relationship with the catheter.

Claim 63

Dependent Claim 117 words

A catheter having a longitudinal axis extending between a proximal end of the catheter and a distal end of the catheter, comprising: a catheter body defining a lumen and a hole extending from the lumen exteriorly of the catheter; an elongate cutting element in the form of a wire having a distal end with a fixed relationship to the catheter body, a proximal end extending through the hole into the lumen, and intermediate portions disposed between the proximal end and distal end of the wire; and means for moving the proximal end of the wire towards the distal end of the wire for advancing the intermediate portions of the wire laterally of the axis of the catheter.

Claim 64

Dependent Claim 117 words

A catheter having a longitudinal axis extending between a proximal end of the catheter and a distal end of the catheter, comprising: a catheter body defining a lumen and a hole extending from the lumen exteriorly of the catheter; an elongate cutting element in the form of a wire having a distal end with a fixed relationship to the catheter body, a proximal end extending through the hole into the lumen, and intermediate portions disposed between the proximal end and distal end of the wire; and means for moving the proximal end of the wire towards the distal end of the wire for advancing the intermediate portions of the wire laterally of the axis of the catheter.

Claim 65

Dependent Claim 18 words

The catheter recited in claim 54 further comprising means for maintaining a tensile force on the cutting element.

Claim 66

Dependent Claim 39 words

The catheter recited in claim 55 wherein the maintaining means comprises a tension spring with first portions having a fixed relationship with the catheter and second portions having a fixed relationship with the second end of the cutting element.

Claim 67

Dependent Claim 25 words

The catheter recited in claim 56 wherein portions of the catheter define a lumen and the spring is disposed in the lumen of the catheter.

Claim 68

Dependent Claim 29 words

The catheter recited in claim 55 wherein operation of the advancing means provides the cutting element with different configurations each of which has the general shape of a parabola.

Claim 69

Dependent Claim 55 words

The catheter recited in claim 54 wherein the advancing means comprises a balloon with properties for being inflated and deflated, and the catheter further comprises: means for inflating the balloon to advance the cutting element; means for deflating the balloon; and means for automatically retracting the cutting element in response to deflation of the balloon.

Claim 70

Dependent Claim 116 words

A catheter having a longitudinal axis extending between a proximal end of the catheter and a distal end of the catheter, comprising: a catheter body defining a lumen and a hole extending from the lumen exteriorly of the catheter; an elongate cutting element in the form of a wire having a proximal end with a fixed to the catheter body, a distal end extending through the hole into the lumen, and intermediate portions disposed between the proximal end and distal end of the wire; and means for moving the distal end of the wire toward the proximal end of the wire for advancing the intermediate portions of the wire laterally of the axis of the catheter.

Claim 71

Dependent Claim 116 words

A catheter having a longitudinal axis extending between a proximal end of the catheter and a distal end of the catheter, comprising: a catheter body defining a lumen and a hole extending from the lumen exteriorly of the catheter; an elongate cutting element in the form of a wire having a proximal end with a fixed to the catheter body, a distal end extending through the hole into the lumen, and intermediate portions disposed between the proximal end and distal end of the wire; and means for moving the distal end of the wire toward the proximal end of the wire for advancing the intermediate portions of the wire laterally of the axis of the catheter.

Claim 72

Dependent Claim 161 words

A catheter assembly comprising in combination: an elongate tubular body having a lumen and an axis extending to a distal end; a dilatable member having an outwardly facing exterior surface and being disposed to surround the distal end of the tubular body in communication with the lumen of the tubular body, the dilatable member being adapted for disposition in the urinary system and being dilatable in response to fluid pressure in the lumen of the tubular body to exert pressure on surrounding body tissue in order to create substantially circumferentially uniform tension in the body tissue; cutting means comprising a wire and being disposed to extend substantially only axially along at least one half of the length of the dilatable member, and having characteristics for being moved into proximity with the surrounding tissue when the dilatable member is dilated, for incising said tissue along the tubular body to relieve the tension in the body tissue and to enlarge the body conduit.

Claim 73

Dependent Claim 161 words

A catheter assembly comprising in combination: an elongate tubular body having a lumen and an axis extending to a distal end; a dilatable member having an outwardly facing exterior surface and being disposed to surround the distal end of the tubular body in communication with the lumen of the tubular body, the dilatable member being adapted for disposition in the urinary system and being dilatable in response to fluid pressure in the lumen of the tubular body to exert pressure on surrounding body tissue in order to create substantially circumferentially uniform tension in the body tissue; cutting means comprising a wire and being disposed to extend substantially only axially along at least one half of the length of the dilatable member, and having characteristics for being moved into proximity with the surrounding tissue when the dilatable member is dilated, for incising said tissue along the tubular body to relieve the tension in the body tissue and to enlarge the body conduit.

Claim 74

Dependent Claim 21 words

The assembly of claim 61 including means for electrically energizing the cutting means to permit incision and cauterization of the tissue.

Claim 75

Dependent Claim 132 words

A catheter having a longitudinal axis extending between a proximal end of the catheter and a distal end of the catheter, comprising: a catheter body defining a lumen and a hole extending from the lumen exteriorly of the catheter; an elongate cutting element, at least a portion of which is always disposed exteriorly of the catheter body, said cutting element having a proximal end with a fixed relationship with the catheter body, a distal end extending through the hole into the lumen, and intermediate portions disposed between the proximal end and distal end of the cutting element; and means for moving the distal end of the cutting element toward the proximal end of the cutting element for advancing the intermediate portions of the cutting element laterally of the axis of the catheter.

Claim 76

Dependent Claim 132 words

A catheter having a longitudinal axis extending between a proximal end of the catheter and a distal end of the catheter, comprising: a catheter body defining a lumen and a hole extending from the lumen exteriorly of the catheter; an elongate cutting element, at least a portion of which is always disposed exteriorly of the catheter body, said cutting element having a proximal end with a fixed relationship with the catheter body, a distal end extending through the hole into the lumen, and intermediate portions disposed between the proximal end and distal end of the cutting element; and means for moving the distal end of the cutting element toward the proximal end of the cutting element for advancing the intermediate portions of the cutting element laterally of the axis of the catheter.

Claim 77

Dependent Claim 110 words

Tissue cutting apparatus, comprising: a supporting structure having an outer surface; an electrosurgical cutter in the form of a wire having first portions disposed in a fixed relationship with the supporting structure and second portions disposed outwardly of the outer surface in a movable relationship with the supporting structure, at least a portion of said second portions of the wire being disposed exteriorly of the supporting structure at all times; means disposed between the supporting structure and the second portions of the cutter for moving the second portions of the cutter into proximity with the tissue to be cut; and means for electrically activating the cutter to cut the tissue.

Claim 78

Dependent Claim 110 words

Tissue cutting apparatus, comprising: a supporting structure having an outer surface; an electrosurgical cutter in the form of a wire having first portions disposed in a fixed relationship with the supporting structure and second portions disposed outwardly of the outer surface in a movable relationship with the supporting structure, at least a portion of said second portions of the wire being disposed exteriorly of the supporting structure at all times; means disposed between the supporting structure and the second portions of the cutter for moving the second portions of the cutter into proximity with the tissue to be cut; and means for electrically activating the cutter to cut the tissue.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	2002-05-17	2002-11-16	2003-05-18	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2006-05-17	2006-11-16	2007-05-18	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2010-05-17	2010-11-16	2011-05-18	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Catheter with electrosurgical cutter

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