Patent US6044846A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US6044846A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Method to treat esophageal sphincters
Assignee: Venture Banking Group
•
Filing: 1998-02-27
•
Granted: 2000-04-04
•
Expires: 2018-02-27
Abstract
Abstract A method of treating a sphincter provides a catheter means and an energy delivery device means coupled to the catheter means. The energy delivery device means has a tissue piercing distal end. The catheter means is introduced into an esophagus. A sphincter exterior surface is pierced with the energy delivery device means tissue piercing distal. The energy delivery device means tissue piercing distal end is advanced a sufficient distance in an interior of the sphincter to a tissue site. Energy is controllably delivered to the tissue site. Controlled cell necrosis is created in the sphincter to reduce a frequency of sphincter relaxation.
Inventors
- 👤 Stuart D. Edwards
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 15:54
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B18/00; A61B18/04; A61B18/12; A61B18/1206; A61B18/14; A61B18/1477; A61B18/148; A61B18/1485; A61B18/1492; A61M; A61M16/00; A61M16/04; A61M16/0475; A61M16/0477; A61M16/0481; A61N; A61N1/00; A61N1/02; A61N1/04; A61N1/05; A61N1/056; A61N1/06; A61N1/40; A61B18/18; A61B18/1815; A61B17/00; A61B2017/00017; A61B2017/00022; A61B2017/00084; A61B2017/00106; A61B17/00234; A61B2017/00292; A61B2017/003; A61B2017/00831; A61B2017/00867; A61B17/22; A61B2017/22051; A61B2017/22062; A61B2017/22072; A61B17/42; A61B2017/4216; A61B2018/00005; A61B2018/00011; A61B2018/00023; A61B2018/00029; A61B2018/00053; A61B2018/00059; A61B2018/00065; A61B2018/00071; A61B2018/00077; A61B2018/00083; A61B2018/00107; A61B2018/00113; A61B2018/00148; A61B2018/0016; A61B2018/00214; A61B2018/0022; A61B2018/00267; A61B2018/00315; A61B2018/00482; A61B2018/00494; A61B2018/00553; A61B2018/00559; A61B2018/00571; A61B2018/00577; A61B2018/00636; A61B2018/00642; A61B2018/00654; A61B2018/00666; A61B2018/00678; A61B2018/00696; A61B2018/00702; A61B2018/00708; A61B2018/00726; A61B2018/00738; A61B2018/00744; A61B2018/00755; A61B2018/00761; A61B2018/00773; A61B2018/00791; A61B2018/00797; A61B2018/00815; A61B2018/00821; A61B2018/00827; A61B2018/00839; A61B2018/00869; A61B2018/00875; A61B2018/00886; A61B2018/00892; A61B2018/00898; A61B2018/0091; A61B2018/00916; A61B2018/00982; A61B18/02; A61B2018/0212; A61B2018/0231; A61B2018/0262; A61B2018/044; A61B2018/046; A61B2018/124; A61B2018/1246; A61B2018/1253; A61B2018/126; A61B2018/1273; A61B2018/1467; A61B2018/1472; A61B90/00; A61B90/36; A61B90/361; A61B2090/3614; A61B90/37; A61B2090/378; A61B2090/3782; A61B2218/00; A61B2218/001; A61B2218/002; A61F; A61F7/00; A61F7/12; A61M25/00; A61M25/10; A61M2025/1043; A61M2025/1052; A61M2025/1086; A61M25/1002; C; C08; C08L; C08L2201/00; C08L2201/12
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 72
Claim 1
Independent Claim
97 words
A method of treating a sphincter, comprising: providing a catheter means and an energy delivery device means coupled to the catheter means and including a tissue piercing distal end; introducing the catheter means into an esophagus; piercing a sphincter exterior surface with the energy delivery device means tissue piercing distal end; advancing the energy delivery device means tissue piercing distal end a sufficient distance in an interior of the sphincter to a tissue site; and controllably delivering energy to the tissue site and create controlled cell necrosis of the sphincter to reduce a frequency of sphincter relaxation.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
97 words
A method of treating a sphincter, comprising: providing a catheter means and an energy delivery device means coupled to the catheter means and including a tissue piercing distal end; introducing the catheter means into an esophagus; piercing a sphincter exterior surface with the energy delivery device means tissue piercing distal end; advancing the energy delivery device means tissue piercing distal end a sufficient distance in an interior of the sphincter to a tissue site; and controllably delivering energy to the tissue site and create controlled cell necrosis of the sphincter to reduce a frequency of sphincter relaxation.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the sphincter is a lower esophageal sphincter.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the sphincter is an upper esophageal sphincter.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 2, wherein sufficient energy is applied to the lower esophageal sphincter to reduce a duration of lower esophageal sphincter relaxation.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 2, wherein sufficient energy is applied to the lower esophageal sphincter to reduce a frequency of reflux of stomach contents into an esophagus.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 2, wherein sufficient energy is applied to the lower esophageal sphincter to reduce a frequency of a symptom of reflux of stomach contents into an esophagus.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 2, wherein sufficient energy is applied to the lower esophageal sphincter to reduce an incidence of a sequela of reflux of stomach contents into an esophagus.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 2, wherein energy delivered to the sphincter produces the desired tissue effect without creating a permanent impairment of the sphincter's ability to achieve a physiologically normal state of closure.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 1, wherein sufficient energy is delivered to the sphincter to cause a proliferation of fibroblast cells in the sphincter.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 1, wherein sufficient energy is delivered to the sphincter to cause a proliferation of myofibroblast cells in the sphincter.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the energy delivery device means delivers sufficient energy to create a tightening of the sphincter without permanently damaging anatomical structures near the sphincter.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the energy delivery device means delivers sufficient energy to a lower esophageal sphincter without permanently disrupting an aorta positioned near the lower esophageal sphincter.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the energy delivery device means delivers a sufficient amount of energy to a lower esophageal sphincter without permanently damaging a vagus nerve positioned near the lower esophageal sphincter.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the energy delivery device means delivers a sufficient amount of energy to a lower esophageal sphincter without permanently damaging an esophageal plexus of nerves and veins positioned near the lower esophagal sphincter.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the energy delivery device means delivers a sufficient amount of energy to a lower esophageal sphincter while preserving a blood supply to the lower esophageal sphincter.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the energy delivery device means delivers a sufficient amount of energy to the sphincter to create submucosal lesions in the sphincter.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the energy delivery device means includes an RF electrode means.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the energy delivery device means includes a microwave antenna means.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the energy delivery device means includes a waveguide means.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the energy delivery device means includes an acoustical transducer means.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the energy delivery device means includes a resistive heating device means.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the energy delivery device means is delivered to the sphincter transorally without an endoscope means.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the energy delivery device means is delivered to the sphincter with an endoscope means.
Claim 25
Independent Claim
86 words
A method of treating a sphincter, comprising: providing a catheter means and an energy delivery device means coupled to the catheter means, the energy delivery device means including an energy delivery surface means sized to be positioned on a tissue surface of the sphincter; introducing the catheter means into an esophagus; positioning the energy delivery surface means on the tissue surface of the sphincter; and controllably delivering energy to the sphincter and create controlled cell necrosis of the sphincter to reduce a frequency of sphincter relaxation.
Claim 26
Independent Claim
86 words
A method of treating a sphincter, comprising: providing a catheter means and an energy delivery device means coupled to the catheter means, the energy delivery device means including an energy delivery surface means sized to be positioned on a tissue surface of the sphincter; introducing the catheter means into an esophagus; positioning the energy delivery surface means on the tissue surface of the sphincter; and controllably delivering energy to the sphincter and create controlled cell necrosis of the sphincter to reduce a frequency of sphincter relaxation.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 24, wherein the sphincter is a lower esophageal sphincter.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 24, wherein the sphincter is an upper esophageal sphincter.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 25, wherein sufficient energy is applied to the lower esophageal sphincter to reduce a duration of lower esophageal sphincter relaxation.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 25, wherein sufficient energy is applied to the lower esophageal sphincter to reduce a frequency of reflux of stomach contents into an esophagus.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 25, wherein sufficient energy is applied to the lower esophageal sphincter to reduce a frequency of a symptom of reflux of stomach contents into an esophagus.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 25, wherein sufficient energy is applied to the lower esophageal sphincter to reduce an incidence of a sequela of reflux of stomach contents into an esophagus.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 25, wherein energy delivered to the sphincter produces the desired tissue effect without creating a permanent impairment of the sphincter's ability to achieve a physiologically normal state of closure.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 24, wherein sufficient energy is delivered to the sphincter to cause a proliferation of fibroblast cells in the sphincter.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 24, wherein sufficient energy is delivered to the sphincter to cause a proliferation of myofibroblast cells in the sphincter.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 24, wherein the energy delivery device means delivers sufficient energy to create a tightening of the sphincter without permanently damaging anatomical structures near the sphincter.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 24, wherein the energy delivery device means delivers sufficient energy to a lower esophageal sphincter without permanently disrupting an aorta positioned near the lower esophageal sphincter.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 24, wherein the energy delivery device means delivers a sufficient amount of energy to a lower esophageal sphincter without permanently damaging a vagus nerve positioned near the lower esophageal sphincter.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 24, wherein the energy delivery device means delivers a sufficient amount of energy to a lower esophageal sphincter without permanently damaging an esophageal plexus of nerves and veins positioned near the lower esophageal sphincter.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 24, wherein the energy delivery device means delivers a sufficient amount of energy to a lower esophageal sphincter while preserving a blood supply to the lower esophageal sphincter.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 24, wherein the energy delivery device means delivers a sufficient amount of energy to the sphincter to create submucosal lesions in the sphincter.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 24, wherein the energy delivery device means includes an RF electrode means.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 24, wherein the energy delivery device means includes a microwave antenna means.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 24, wherein the energy delivery device means includes a waveguide means.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 24, wherein the energy delivery device means includes an acoustical transducer means.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 24, wherein the energy delivery device means includes a resistive heating device means.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 24, wherein the energy delivery device means is delivered to the sphincter transorally without an endoscope means.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 24, wherein the energy delivery device means is delivered to the sphincter with an endoscope means.
Claim 49
Independent Claim
94 words
A method of treating a sphincter, comprising: providing a catheter means and an energy delivery device means coupled to the catheter means, the energy delivery device means including an energy delivery surface means sized to be distanced from a tissue surface of the sphincter while controllably delivering energy to the sphincter; introducing the catheter means into an esophagus; distancing the energy delivery surface means from a selected tissue surface of the sphincter; and controllably delivering energy to the sphincter and creating controlled cell necrosis of the sphincter to reduce a frequency of sphincter relaxation.
Claim 50
Independent Claim
94 words
A method of treating a sphincter, comprising: providing a catheter means and an energy delivery device means coupled to the catheter means, the energy delivery device means including an energy delivery surface means sized to be distanced from a tissue surface of the sphincter while controllably delivering energy to the sphincter; introducing the catheter means into an esophagus; distancing the energy delivery surface means from a selected tissue surface of the sphincter; and controllably delivering energy to the sphincter and creating controlled cell necrosis of the sphincter to reduce a frequency of sphincter relaxation.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 47, wherein the sphincter is a lower esophageal sphincter.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 47, wherein the sphincter is an upper esophageal sphincter.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 48, wherein sufficient energy is applied to the lower esophageal sphincter to reduce a duration of lower esophageal sphincter relaxation.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 48, wherein sufficient energy is applied to the lower esophageal sphincter to reduce a frequency of reflux of stomach contents into an esophagus.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 48, wherein sufficient energy is applied to the lower esophageal sphincter to reduce a frequency of a symptom of reflux of stomach contents into an esophagus.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 48, wherein sufficient energy is applied to the lower esophageal sphincter to reduce an incidence of a sequela of reflux of stomach contents into an esophagus.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 48, wherein energy delivered to the sphincter produces the desired tissue effect without creating a permanent impairment of the sphincter's ability to achieve a physiologically normal state of closure.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 47, wherein sufficient energy is delivered to the sphincter to cause a proliferation of fibroblast cells in the sphincter.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 47, wherein sufficient energy is delivered to the sphincter to cause a proliferation of myofibroblast cells in the sphincter.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 47, wherein the energy delivery device means delivers sufficient energy to create a tightening of the sphincter without permanently damaging anatomical structures near the sphincter.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 47, wherein the energy delivery device means delivers sufficient energy to a lower esophageal sphincter without permanently disrupting an aorta positioned near the lower esophageal sphincter.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 47, wherein the energy delivery device means delivers a sufficient amount of energy to a lower esophageal sphincter without permanently damaging a vagus nerve positioned near the lower esophageal sphincter.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 47, wherein the energy delivery device means delivers a sufficient amount of energy to a lower esophageal sphincter without permanently damaging an esophageal plexus of nerves and veins positioned near the lower esophageal sphincter.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 47, wherein the energy delivery device means delivers a sufficient amount of energy to a lower esophageal sphincter while preserving a blood supply to the lower esophageal sphincter.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 47, wherein the energy delivery device means delivers a sufficient amount of energy to the sphincter to create submucosal lesions in the sphincter.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 47, wherein the energy delivery device means includes an RF electrode means.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 47, wherein the energy delivery device means includes a microwave antenna means.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 47, wherein the energy delivery device means includes a waveguide means.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 47, wherein the energy delivery device means includes an acoustical transducer means.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 47, wherein the energy delivery device means includes a resistive heating device means.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 47, wherein the energy delivery device means is delivered to the sphincter transorally without an endoscope means.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 47, wherein the energy delivery device means is delivered to the sphincter with an endoscope means.
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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) | 2003-04-04 | 2003-10-04 | 2004-04-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-04-04 | 2007-10-04 | 2008-04-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-04-04 | 2011-10-04 | 2012-04-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |