US6010500A — Telescoping apparatus and method for linear lesio…

Claim 1

Independent Claim 154 words

An apparatus for creating linear lesions in body tissue, the apparatus comprising: a tubular outer member proportioned for insertion and manipulation through human vessels, the outer member having a distal section and a window formed at the distal section, the window positionable adjacent body tissue and including an area of fluid permeable material; an elongate inner member telescopically received within the outer member; at least one electrode carried on the inner member, the inner and outer members slidable between a first relative position in which the window is at least partially in register with the electrode and a second relative position in which the window is not in register with the electrode; and means for delivering ablation energy to the electrode such that, when the inner and outer members are in the first relative position and the window is positioned adjacent body tissue, ablation energy is deliverable to the body tissue through the window.

Claim 2

Independent Claim 154 words

An apparatus for creating linear lesions in body tissue, the apparatus comprising: a tubular outer member proportioned for insertion and manipulation through human vessels, the outer member having a distal section and a window formed at the distal section, the window positionable adjacent body tissue and including an area of fluid permeable material; an elongate inner member telescopically received within the outer member; at least one electrode carried on the inner member, the inner and outer members slidable between a first relative position in which the window is at least partially in register with the electrode and a second relative position in which the window is not in register with the electrode; and means for delivering ablation energy to the electrode such that, when the inner and outer members are in the first relative position and the window is positioned adjacent body tissue, ablation energy is deliverable to the body tissue through the window.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 71 words

The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the delivering means is for delivering current to the at least one electrode and wherein at least one of the inner and outer members includes a fluid lumen having an exit opening oriented for delivering conductive fluid into contact with the electrode to cause said fluid to create a conductive path between the electrode and the tissue when the electrode is positioned adjacent body tissue.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 14 words

The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the fluid lumen extends through the inner member.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 14 words

The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the fluid lumen extends through the outer member.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 17 words

The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the fluid permeable material is deformable in response to fluid pressure.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 34 words

The apparatus of claim 2 where the window includes an area of the outer member in which at least one opening extends from the fluid lumen to an exterior surface of the distal section.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 25 words

The apparatus of claim 2 further comprising a seal contacting an outer surface of the inner member and an inner surface of the outer member.

Claim 9

Independent Claim 204 words

An apparatus for creating linear lesions in body tissue, the apparatus comprising: a tubular outer member proportioned for insertion and manipulation through human vessels, the outer member having a distal section and a window formed at the distal section, the window positionable adjacent body tissue; an elongate inner member telescopically received within the outer member; a plurality of electrodes arranged on the inner member in an electrode array which has first and second ends and a length, the inner and outer members slidable between a first relative position in which the window is at least partially in register with at least one of the electrodes and a second relative position in which the window is not in register with the at least one of the electrodes, wherein the window has a length which is substantially longer than the length of the electrode array; a first seal on the outer surface of the inner member, adjacent to the first end of the array; and means for delivering ablation energy to the electrode such that, when the inner and outer members are in the first relative position and the window is positioned adjacent body tissue, ablation energy is deliverable to the body tissue through the window.

Claim 10

Independent Claim 204 words

An apparatus for creating linear lesions in body tissue, the apparatus comprising: a tubular outer member proportioned for insertion and manipulation through human vessels, the outer member having a distal section and a window formed at the distal section, the window positionable adjacent body tissue; an elongate inner member telescopically received within the outer member; a plurality of electrodes arranged on the inner member in an electrode array which has first and second ends and a length, the inner and outer members slidable between a first relative position in which the window is at least partially in register with at least one of the electrodes and a second relative position in which the window is not in register with the at least one of the electrodes, wherein the window has a length which is substantially longer than the length of the electrode array; a first seal on the outer surface of the inner member, adjacent to the first end of the array; and means for delivering ablation energy to the electrode such that, when the inner and outer members are in the first relative position and the window is positioned adjacent body tissue, ablation energy is deliverable to the body tissue through the window.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 27 words

The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising a second seal attached to the outer surface of the inner member adjacent to the second end of the array.

Claim 12

Independent Claim 204 words

An apparatus for creating linear lesions in body tissue, the apparatus comprising: a tubular outer member proportioned for insertion and manipulation through human vessels, the outer member having a distal section and a window formed at the distal section, the window positionable adjacent body tissue; an elongate inner member telescopically received within the outer member; a plurality of electrodes arranged on the inner member in an electrode array which has a length, the inner and outer members slidable between a first relative position in which the window is at least partially in register with at least one of the electrodes and a second relative position in which the window is not in register with the at least one of the electrodes, wherein the window has first and second ends and a length which is substantially shorter than the length of the electrode array; a first seal on the inner surface of the outer member, adjacent to the first end of the window; and means for delivering ablation energy to the electrode such that, when the inner and outer members are in the first relative position and the window is positioned adjacent body tissue, ablation energy is deliverable to the body tissue through the window.

Claim 13

Independent Claim 204 words

An apparatus for creating linear lesions in body tissue, the apparatus comprising: a tubular outer member proportioned for insertion and manipulation through human vessels, the outer member having a distal section and a window formed at the distal section, the window positionable adjacent body tissue; an elongate inner member telescopically received within the outer member; a plurality of electrodes arranged on the inner member in an electrode array which has a length, the inner and outer members slidable between a first relative position in which the window is at least partially in register with at least one of the electrodes and a second relative position in which the window is not in register with the at least one of the electrodes, wherein the window has first and second ends and a length which is substantially shorter than the length of the electrode array; a first seal on the inner surface of the outer member, adjacent to the first end of the window; and means for delivering ablation energy to the electrode such that, when the inner and outer members are in the first relative position and the window is positioned adjacent body tissue, ablation energy is deliverable to the body tissue through the window.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 27 words

The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising a second seal attached to the inner surface of the outer member adjacent to the second end of the window.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 32 words

The apparatus of claim 2, wherein: the outer shaft includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced windows; and the apparatus includes a first seal attached to the inner surface of the outer member.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 74 words

The apparatus of claim 12 wherein: the apparatus includes a plurality of electrodes arranged on the inner shaft in an electrode array having first and second ends; each window has a pair of ends; the seal is adjacent to a distal end of a distalmost one of the windows; and the apparatus includes additional seals on the inner surface of the outer member, the additional seals positioned adjacent to the ends of the windows.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 138 words

The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the inner shaft includes a core wire lumen and proximal and distal sections, the distal section having greater flexibility than the proximal section; and the apparatus further comprises a core wire having a distal portion with a predetermined non-linear shape, the core wire slidably receivable within the core wire lumen such that when the core wire is introduced into the proximal section of the inner shaft, its distal portion is substantially straightened by the proximal section of the inner shaft, and when said core wire is advanced so that at least a portion of the distal portion is within the distal section of the inner shaft, the catheter is deformed to approximate the non-linear shape of the portion of the distal portion of the core wire that is within the distal section.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 51 words

The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the apparatus further comprises a second core wire having a distal portion with a second predetermined non-linear shape, the second predetermined shape being different from the predetermined shape of the first core wire, and wherein the second core wire is slidably receivable within the lumen.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 14 words

The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a radiopaque marker positioned adjacent the window.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 28 words

The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the window has first and second ends and wherein the apparatus further includes radiopaque markers adjacent to the first and second ends.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 12 words

The apparatus of claim 17 wherein the radiopaque markers are mapping/pacing electrodes.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 17 words

The apparatus of claim 1, further including a pair of mapping/pacing electrodes positioned adjacent to the window.

Claim 23

Independent Claim 205 words

An apparatus for creating lesions in body tissue, the apparatus comprising: a tubular outer member having a distal section and a window formed at the distal section, the window positionable adjacent body tissue; an inner member telescopically received within the outer member; at least one electrode on the inner member, the inner and outer members slidable between a first relative position in which the window is at least partially in register with the electrode and a second relative position in which the window is not in register with the electrode; a source of ablation energy electrically coupled to the electrode such that, when the inner and outer members are in the first relative position and the window is positioned adjacent body tissue, ablation energy is deliverable to the body tissue through the window; a fluid lumen in at least one of the inner and outer members, the fluid lumen having an exit opening oriented for delivering conductive fluid into contact with the electrode to cause said fluid to create a conductive path between the electrode and the tissue when the electrode is positioned adjacent body tissue; and a seal contacting an outer surface of the inner member and an inner surface of the outer member.

Claim 24

Independent Claim 205 words

An apparatus for creating lesions in body tissue, the apparatus comprising: a tubular outer member having a distal section and a window formed at the distal section, the window positionable adjacent body tissue; an inner member telescopically received within the outer member; at least one electrode on the inner member, the inner and outer members slidable between a first relative position in which the window is at least partially in register with the electrode and a second relative position in which the window is not in register with the electrode; a source of ablation energy electrically coupled to the electrode such that, when the inner and outer members are in the first relative position and the window is positioned adjacent body tissue, ablation energy is deliverable to the body tissue through the window; a fluid lumen in at least one of the inner and outer members, the fluid lumen having an exit opening oriented for delivering conductive fluid into contact with the electrode to cause said fluid to create a conductive path between the electrode and the tissue when the electrode is positioned adjacent body tissue; and a seal contacting an outer surface of the inner member and an inner surface of the outer member.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 67 words

The apparatus of claim 20, wherein: the apparatus includes a plurality of electrodes arranged on the inner shaft in an electrode array which has first and second ends and a length; the window has a length which is substantially longer than the length of the electrode array; and the seal is on the outer surface of the inner member, adjacent to the first end of the array.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 27 words

The apparatus of claim 21, further comprising a second seal attached to the outer surface of the inner member adjacent to the second end of the array.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 68 words

The apparatus of claim 20, wherein: the apparatus includes a plurality of electrodes arranged on the inner shaft in an electrode array which has a length; the window has first and second ends and a length which is substantially shorter than the length of the electrode array; and the seal is attached to the inner surface of the outer member, adjacent to the first end of the window.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 27 words

The apparatus of claim 23, further comprising a second seal attached to the inner surface of the outer member adjacent to the second end of the window.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 33 words

The apparatus of claim 20, wherein: the outer shaft includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced windows; and the seal is attached to the outer surface of the inner member, adjacent to the electrode.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 61 words

The apparatus of claim 25 wherein: the apparatus includes a plurality of electrodes arranged on the inner shaft in an electrode array having first and second ends; the seal is adjacent to the first end of the array; the apparatus includes a second seal attached to the outer surface of the inner member, adjacent to the second end of the array.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 138 words

The apparatus of claim 20, wherein: the inner shaft includes a core wire lumen and proximal and distal sections, the distal section having greater flexibility than the proximal section; and the apparatus further comprises a core wire having a distal portion with a predetermined non-linear shape, the core wire slidably receivable within the core wire lumen such that when the core wire is introduced into the proximal section of the inner shaft, its distal portion is substantially straightened by the proximal section of the inner shaft, and when said core wire is advanced so that at least a portion of the distal portion is within the distal section of the inner shaft, the catheter is deformed to approximate the non-linear shape of the portion of the distal portion of the core wire that is within the distal section.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 51 words

The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the apparatus further comprises a second core wire having a distal portion with a second predetermined non-linear shape, the second predetermined shape being different from the predetermined shape of the first core wire, and wherein the second core wire is slidably receivable within the lumen.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 148 words

A catheter system for ablating body tissue in the form of a linear lesion comprising: a source of ablation energy; an inner catheter having an array of ablation electrodes arranged in a linear array adjacent the distal end thereof, said inner catheter further including a conductive wire for coupling the electrodes to the source of ablation energy; an outer catheter having a central lumen for telescopingly receiving the inner catheter therein, said outer catheter including a longitudinal window formed at the distal end thereof for exposing the electrodes of the inner catheter to the body tissue, the window including an area of fluid permeable material; and a lumen for delivering a conductive fluid from the proximal end of one of the catheters to the distal end thereof and through said window, with said conductive fluid functioning to couple the ablation energy from the electrodes to the body tissue.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 148 words

A catheter system for ablating body tissue in the form of a linear lesion comprising: a source of ablation energy; an inner catheter having an array of ablation electrodes arranged in a linear array adjacent the distal end thereof, said inner catheter further including a conductive wire for coupling the electrodes to the source of ablation energy; an outer catheter having a central lumen for telescopingly receiving the inner catheter therein, said outer catheter including a longitudinal window formed at the distal end thereof for exposing the electrodes of the inner catheter to the body tissue, the window including an area of fluid permeable material; and a lumen for delivering a conductive fluid from the proximal end of one of the catheters to the distal end thereof and through said window, with said conductive fluid functioning to couple the ablation energy from the electrodes to the body tissue.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 14 words

The catheter system of claim 29 wherein the lumen extends through the inner catheter.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 14 words

The catheter system of claim 29 wherein the lumen extends through the outer catheter.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 139 words

The catheter system of claim 29, wherein: the inner catheter includes a core wire lumen and proximal and distal sections, the distal section having greater flexibility than the proximal section; and the apparatus further comprises a core wire having a distal portion with a predetermined non-linear shape, the core wire slidably receivable within the core wire lumen such that when the core wire is introduced into the proximal section of the inner catheter, its distal portion is substantially straightened by the proximal section of the inner catheter, and when said core wire is advanced so that at least a portion of the distal portion is within the distal section of the inner shaft, the catheter is deformed to approximate the non-linear shape of the portion of the distal portion of the core wire that is within the distal section.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 19 words

The catheter system of claim 29 wherein the ablation electrodes include ring electrodes longitudinally spaced on the inner catheter.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	2003-01-03	2003-07-05	2004-01-04	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2007-01-03	2007-07-05	2008-01-04	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2011-01-03	2011-07-05	2012-01-04	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Telescoping apparatus and method for linear lesion ablation

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