Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 54
Claim 1
Independent Claim
168 words
A tissue ablation apparatus, comprising: an introducer having a distal portion and a proximal portion; an electrode device positionable within an interior of the introducer as the introducer is advanced through tissue, the electrode device including at least a first RF electrode, a second RF electrode and a third RF electrode, each of the first, second and third RF electrodes having a tissue piercing distal end, a non-deployed state when positioned within the introducer and a deployed state when advanced from the distal portion of the introducer, the first, second and third RF electrodes being deployable with curvature from the introducer distal portion and including a section that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the introducer, the first, second and third RF electrodes exhibiting a changing direction of travel along a length of each electrode deployed from the introducer; an electrode advancement and retraction member coupled to the electrode device to advance the first, second and third RF electrodes in and out of the introducer distal portion.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
168 words
A tissue ablation apparatus, comprising: an introducer having a distal portion and a proximal portion; an electrode device positionable within an interior of the introducer as the introducer is advanced through tissue, the electrode device including at least a first RF electrode, a second RF electrode and a third RF electrode, each of the first, second and third RF electrodes having a tissue piercing distal end, a non-deployed state when positioned within the introducer and a deployed state when advanced from the distal portion of the introducer, the first, second and third RF electrodes being deployable with curvature from the introducer distal portion and including a section that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the introducer, the first, second and third RF electrodes exhibiting a changing direction of travel along a length of each electrode deployed from the introducer; an electrode advancement and retraction member coupled to the electrode device to advance the first, second and third RF electrodes in and out of the introducer distal portion.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the RF electrodes are retractable in and out of the distal portion of the introducer.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the ablation volume is defined substantially by the peripheries of the RF electrodes in the deployed state.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the ablation volume is defined between the RF electrodes in their deployed states.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the RF electrodes in their deployed state define a three-dimensional ablation volume.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
43 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the RF electrodes are pre-sprung while retained in the introducer such that on being advanced from the distal portion of the introducer the RF electrodes become deployed and fan out from the distal portion of the introducer.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
50 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the RF electrodes are pre-sprung while retained in the introducer such that on being advanced from the distal portion of the introducer the RF electrodes become deployed and fan out from the distal portion of the introducer through tissue in accordance with the curvature.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the RF electrodes changes direction along a length of the electrode in the deployed state.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
39 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the RF electrodes exhibits, in the deployed state, at least one curved section located near the distal portion of the introducer and a non-curved section beyond the curved section.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
45 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the RF electrodes exhibits, in the deployed state, a first section which has a first radius of curvature and a second section which extends beyond the first section and has a second radius of curvature.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the RF electrodes exhibits, in the deployed state, at least two radii of curvature.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the RF electrodes exhibits, in the deployed state, at least two radii of curvature in one plane.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the RF electrodes exhibits, in the deployed state, at least two radii of curvature in at least two planes.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each RF electrode is made of a memory metal or a sprung steel.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 1. wherein each RF electrode is hollow and includes a fluid distribution port.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 15, further comprising a source of infusing medium coupled to each of the RF electrodes.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 15, further comprising a source of chemotherapeutic agent coupled to each of the RF electrodes.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an electrode insulator positioned adjacent to and in surrounding relationship to each of the RF electrodes to define an electrode energy delivery surface.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the electrode advancement and retraction member is removable from the introducer.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a handle member coupled to the introducer.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each RF electrode is wire-like.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each RF electrode includes a hollow lumen.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: an energy source coupled to the RF electrodes.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the energy source is an RF source coupled to the RF electrodes.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 23 further comprising: a thermal sensor coupled to electrode device.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first second and third RF electrodes are bipolar RF electrodes.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first second and third RF electrodes are monopolar electrodes.
Claim 29
Independent Claim
156 words
A method of deploying electrodes for defining an ablation volume, the method comprising: providing an ablation apparatus including at least a first RF electrode, a second RF electrode and an introducer with a proximal portion and a distal portion, each of the RF electrodes having a tissue piercing distal end and configured to be advanceable from the introducer distal with curvature from a non-deployed state when positioned within the introducer to a deployed state when advanced from the introducer distal portion, each of the RF electrodes including a section that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the introducer in the deployed state, the first and second RF electrodes exhibiting a changing direction of travel along a length of electrode deployed from the introducer; positioning the introducer in a solid tissue mass to a selected tissue site; and advancing the first and second RF electrodes from the distal portion of the introducer to the deployed state.
Claim 30
Independent Claim
156 words
A method of deploying electrodes for defining an ablation volume, the method comprising: providing an ablation apparatus including at least a first RF electrode, a second RF electrode and an introducer with a proximal portion and a distal portion, each of the RF electrodes having a tissue piercing distal end and configured to be advanceable from the introducer distal with curvature from a non-deployed state when positioned within the introducer to a deployed state when advanced from the introducer distal portion, each of the RF electrodes including a section that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the introducer in the deployed state, the first and second RF electrodes exhibiting a changing direction of travel along a length of electrode deployed from the introducer; positioning the introducer in a solid tissue mass to a selected tissue site; and advancing the first and second RF electrodes from the distal portion of the introducer to the deployed state.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 28 further comprising: retracting the RF electrodes in and out of the distal portion of the introducer.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 28 further comprising: inserting the RF electrodes into tissue so as to penetrate the tissue.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 28, wherein the ablation volume is substantially defined by the peripheries of the RF electrodes in the deployed state.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 28, wherein the ablation volume is defined between the deployed RF electrodes.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method of claim 28 further comprising: deploying the RF electrodes to define a three-dimensional ablation volume.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 28 further comprising: advancing the RF electrodes from the distal portion of the introducer such that the RF electrodes become deployed and fan out from the distal portion.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
52 words
The method of claim 28, wherein the RF electrodes are pre-sprung while retained in the introducer such that on being advanced from the distal portion of the introducer the RF electrodes become deployed and fan out from the distal portion of the introducer through tissue in accordance with the radius of curvature.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method of claim 28, wherein at least one of the RF electrodes changes direction along its length in the deployed state.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
192 words
A tissue ablation apparatus, comprising: an introducer having a distal portion, a distal end at a distal most position of the distal portion, an introducer aperture formed at the distal end and a proximal portion; an electrode device positionable within an interior of the introducer as the introducer is advanced through tissue, the electrode device including at least a first RF electrode, a second RF electrode and a third RF electrode, each of the first, second and third RF electrodes having a tissue piercing distal end, a non-deployed state when positioned within the introducer and a deployed state when advanced from the distal end of the introducer, the first, second and third RF electrodes being deployable with cuvature from the introducer distal end and including a section that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the introducer, the first, second and third RF electrodes exhibiting a changing direction of travel along a length of each electrode deployed from the introducer; and an electrode advancement and retraction member coupled to the electrode device, the electrode advancement and retraction member advancing and retracting the RF electrodes in and out of the introducer distal end.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
192 words
A tissue ablation apparatus, comprising: an introducer having a distal portion, a distal end at a distal most position of the distal portion, an introducer aperture formed at the distal end and a proximal portion; an electrode device positionable within an interior of the introducer as the introducer is advanced through tissue, the electrode device including at least a first RF electrode, a second RF electrode and a third RF electrode, each of the first, second and third RF electrodes having a tissue piercing distal end, a non-deployed state when positioned within the introducer and a deployed state when advanced from the distal end of the introducer, the first, second and third RF electrodes being deployable with cuvature from the introducer distal end and including a section that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the introducer, the first, second and third RF electrodes exhibiting a changing direction of travel along a length of each electrode deployed from the introducer; and an electrode advancement and retraction member coupled to the electrode device, the electrode advancement and retraction member advancing and retracting the RF electrodes in and out of the introducer distal end.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
161 words
A tissue ablation apparatus, comprising: an introducer having a distal portion, a distal end and a proximal portion; an electrode device positionable within an interior of the introducer as the introducer is advanced through tissue, the electrode device including at least a first RF electrode, a second RF electrode and a third RF electrode, each of the first, second and third RF electrodes having a non-deployed state when positioned within the introducer and a deployed state when advanced from the distal end of the introducer, the first, second and third RF electrodes being deployable with curvature from the introducer distal end to define an ablation volume, the first, second and third RF electrodes exhibiting a changing direction of travel along a length of each electrode deployed from the introducer; and an electrode advancement and retraction member coupled to the electrode device, the electrode advancement and retraction member advancing and retracting the RF electrodes in and out of the introducer distal end.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
161 words
A tissue ablation apparatus, comprising: an introducer having a distal portion, a distal end and a proximal portion; an electrode device positionable within an interior of the introducer as the introducer is advanced through tissue, the electrode device including at least a first RF electrode, a second RF electrode and a third RF electrode, each of the first, second and third RF electrodes having a non-deployed state when positioned within the introducer and a deployed state when advanced from the distal end of the introducer, the first, second and third RF electrodes being deployable with curvature from the introducer distal end to define an ablation volume, the first, second and third RF electrodes exhibiting a changing direction of travel along a length of each electrode deployed from the introducer; and an electrode advancement and retraction member coupled to the electrode device, the electrode advancement and retraction member advancing and retracting the RF electrodes in and out of the introducer distal end.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 38, further including an impedance measurement apparatus coupled to the electrode device.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
159 words
A tissue ablation apparatus, comprising: a rigid introducer having a distal portion and a proximal portion; an electrode device positionable within an interior of the introducer as the introducer is advanced through tissue, the electrode device including at least a first RF electrode with a tissue piercing distal end and a second RF electrode with a tissue piercing distal end, each of the first and second RF electrodes having a non-deployed state when positioned within the introducer and a deployed state when advanced from the distal portion of the introducer, the first and second RF electrodes being deployable with curvature from the introducer distal portion, the first and second RF electrodes exhibiting a changing direction of travel along a length of each electrode deployed from the introducer; and an electrode advancement and retraction member coupled to the electrode device, the electrode advancement and retraction member advancing and retracting the RF electrodes in and out of the introducer distal portion.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
159 words
A tissue ablation apparatus, comprising: a rigid introducer having a distal portion and a proximal portion; an electrode device positionable within an interior of the introducer as the introducer is advanced through tissue, the electrode device including at least a first RF electrode with a tissue piercing distal end and a second RF electrode with a tissue piercing distal end, each of the first and second RF electrodes having a non-deployed state when positioned within the introducer and a deployed state when advanced from the distal portion of the introducer, the first and second RF electrodes being deployable with curvature from the introducer distal portion, the first and second RF electrodes exhibiting a changing direction of travel along a length of each electrode deployed from the introducer; and an electrode advancement and retraction member coupled to the electrode device, the electrode advancement and retraction member advancing and retracting the RF electrodes in and out of the introducer distal portion.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
175 words
A tissue ablation apparatus, comprising: an introducer having a distal portion and a proximal portion; an electrode device positionable within an interior of the introducer as the introducer is advanced through tissue, the electrode device including at least a first RF electrode with a tissue piercing distal end, a second RF electrode with a tissue piercing distal end and an electrode coupling, each of the first and second RF electrodes having a non-deployed state when positioned within the introducer and a deployed state when advanced from the distal portion of the introducer, the first and second RF electrodes being deployable with curvature from the introducer distal portion, the first and second RF electrodes exhibiting a changing direction of travel along a length of each electrode deployed from the introducer; and an electrode advancement and retraction member coupled to the electrode device, the electrode advancement and retraction member advancing and retracting the RF electrodes in and out of the introducer distal end, wherein the electrode device is physically coupled to the electrode advancement and retraction member.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
175 words
A tissue ablation apparatus, comprising: an introducer having a distal portion and a proximal portion; an electrode device positionable within an interior of the introducer as the introducer is advanced through tissue, the electrode device including at least a first RF electrode with a tissue piercing distal end, a second RF electrode with a tissue piercing distal end and an electrode coupling, each of the first and second RF electrodes having a non-deployed state when positioned within the introducer and a deployed state when advanced from the distal portion of the introducer, the first and second RF electrodes being deployable with curvature from the introducer distal portion, the first and second RF electrodes exhibiting a changing direction of travel along a length of each electrode deployed from the introducer; and an electrode advancement and retraction member coupled to the electrode device, the electrode advancement and retraction member advancing and retracting the RF electrodes in and out of the introducer distal end, wherein the electrode device is physically coupled to the electrode advancement and retraction member.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 41, wherein the electrode advancement member is a rigid electrode introducer.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 42, further comprising: a handpiece coupled of the rigid electrode introducer.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 43, wherein the rigid electrode introducer is coupled to the handpiece.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
187 words
A tissue ablation apparatus, comprising: an introducer having a distal portion and a proximal portion; an obturator with a tissue piercing distal end, the obturator being positionable in an interior of the introducer as the obturator is advanced through tissue; an electrode device positionable within the interior of the introducer, the electrode device including at least a first RF electrode, a second RF electrode and a third RF electrode, each of the first, second and third RF electrodes having a tissue piercing distal end, a non-deployed state when positioned within the introducer and a deployed state when advanced from the distal portion of the introducer, the first, second and third RF electrodes being deployable with curvature from the introducer distal portion and including a section that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the introducer, the first, second and third RF electrodes exhibiting a changing direction of travel along a length of each electrode deployed from the introducer; and an electrode advancement and retraction member coupled to the electrode device to advance the first, second and third RF electrodes in and out of the introducer distal portion.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
187 words
A tissue ablation apparatus, comprising: an introducer having a distal portion and a proximal portion; an obturator with a tissue piercing distal end, the obturator being positionable in an interior of the introducer as the obturator is advanced through tissue; an electrode device positionable within the interior of the introducer, the electrode device including at least a first RF electrode, a second RF electrode and a third RF electrode, each of the first, second and third RF electrodes having a tissue piercing distal end, a non-deployed state when positioned within the introducer and a deployed state when advanced from the distal portion of the introducer, the first, second and third RF electrodes being deployable with curvature from the introducer distal portion and including a section that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the introducer, the first, second and third RF electrodes exhibiting a changing direction of travel along a length of each electrode deployed from the introducer; and an electrode advancement and retraction member coupled to the electrode device to advance the first, second and third RF electrodes in and out of the introducer distal portion.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
197 words
A tissue ablation apparatus, comprising: an introducer having a distal portion and a proximal portion; an obturator with a tissue piercing distal end, the obturator being positionable in an interior of the introducer as the obturator is advanced through tissue; an electrode device positionable within the interior of the introducer, the electrode device including an electrode housing and at least a first RF electrode, a second RF electrode and a third RF electrode positionable in the electrode housing, each of the first, second and third RF electrodes having a tissue piercing distal end, a non-deployed state when positioned within the electrode housing and a deployed state when advanced from the distal portion of the introducer, the first, second and third RF electrodes being deployable with curvature from the introducer distal portion and including a section that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the introducer, the first, second and third RF electrodes exhibiting a changing direction of travel along a length of each electrode deployed from the introducer; and an electrode advancement and retraction member coupled to the electrode device to advance the first, second and third RF electrodes in and out of the introducer distal portion.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
197 words
A tissue ablation apparatus, comprising: an introducer having a distal portion and a proximal portion; an obturator with a tissue piercing distal end, the obturator being positionable in an interior of the introducer as the obturator is advanced through tissue; an electrode device positionable within the interior of the introducer, the electrode device including an electrode housing and at least a first RF electrode, a second RF electrode and a third RF electrode positionable in the electrode housing, each of the first, second and third RF electrodes having a tissue piercing distal end, a non-deployed state when positioned within the electrode housing and a deployed state when advanced from the distal portion of the introducer, the first, second and third RF electrodes being deployable with curvature from the introducer distal portion and including a section that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the introducer, the first, second and third RF electrodes exhibiting a changing direction of travel along a length of each electrode deployed from the introducer; and an electrode advancement and retraction member coupled to the electrode device to advance the first, second and third RF electrodes in and out of the introducer distal portion.