Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
62 words
A method of treating a patient's heart comprising: positioning an active electrode surface in close proximity to a target site on a wall of the patient's heart; applying high frequency voltage between the active electrode surface and a return electrode to form a revascularizing channel through at least a portion of the heart wall; and controlling the depth of the revascularizing channel.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
62 words
A method of treating a patient's heart comprising: positioning an active electrode surface in close proximity to a target site on a wall of the patient's heart; applying high frequency voltage between the active electrode surface and a return electrode to form a revascularizing channel through at least a portion of the heart wall; and controlling the depth of the revascularizing channel.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising visually marking the target site on the heart wall.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising determining a thickness of the heart wall at the target site.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
47 words
The method of claim 3 further comprising setting a predetermined distance through the heart wall at the target site and interrupting the flow of voltage to the active electrode surface when said active electrode surface has advanced the predetermined distance to control the depth of the channel.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 4 wherein the determining step comprises measuring tissue impedance beyond the distal end of the active electrode surface.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of determining when the active electrode surface has substantially penetrated through the heart wall.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 6 further comprising terminating the high frequency voltage before the active electrode surface pierces an opposite wall surface of the heart wall.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising delivering ultrasound signals onto the heart wall to control the depth of the channel.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
64 words
A method of treating a patient's heart comprising: positioning a channel forming device in close proximity to a target site on a wall of the patient's epicardium; applying energy to the channel forming device to form a revascularizing channel through at least a portion of the heart wall; and sealing the revascularizing channel at the epicardium to inhibit blood flow into the thoracic cavity.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
64 words
A method of treating a patient's heart comprising: positioning a channel forming device in close proximity to a target site on a wall of the patient's epicardium; applying energy to the channel forming device to form a revascularizing channel through at least a portion of the heart wall; and sealing the revascularizing channel at the epicardium to inhibit blood flow into the thoracic cavity.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 9 wherein the sealing step includes delivering collagen to the channel at the epicardium to form a plug near the surface of the epicardium and the revascularizing channel.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
46 words
The method of claim 10 wherein the channel forming element comprises an active electrode, and the applying energy step comprises applying high frequency voltage between the active electrode and a return electrode to form the revascularizing channel through at least a portion of the heart wall.