US6123084A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method for improving blood flow in the heart
Assignee: Eclipse Surgical Technologies Inc
•
Filing: 1998-12-18
•
Granted: 2000-09-26
•
Expires: 2018-12-18
Abstract
Abstract A method for improving blood flow in the heart provides a catheter system with an outer catheter defining at least one lumen and an inner catheter defining at least one lumen with proximal and distal portions. An introducer is coupled to the distal portion of the inner catheter. The introducer has a tissue piercing distal end. A resistive heater element is positioned in the introducer. The catheter system is introduced into a patient's vasculature. The inner catheter is then introduced through the a lumen of the outer catheter to a selected heart site. The tissue piercing distal end of the introducer is then advanced into an interior of the heart at the selected heart site. Energy is delivered to the selected heart site from the resistive heater element to create a blood conducting pathway and/or stimulate angiogenesis. In an alternative embodiment, a heart treatment apparatus is provided that includes a handpiece with a proximal and a distal end and an elongated member defining at least one lumen coupled to the handpiece distal end. The elongated member has a distal end and an introducer coupled to the distal end. The introducer has a tissue piercing distal end. A resistive heater element is positioned in the introducer. The tissue piercing distal end is introduced through a port in the chest wall into a chest cavity and through an epicardial surface of the heart wall to a selected site within the heart. Energy is delivered to the selected heart site from the resistive heater element to create a blood conducting pathway and/or stimulate angiogenesis.
Inventors
- 👤 Jennifer Jandak
- 👤 Michael J. Rosinko
- 👤 Michael Horzewski
- 👤 Alexander Khairkhahan
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 10:54
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B18/00; A61B18/04; A61B18/08; A61B17/00; A61B17/00234; A61B2017/00292; A61B2017/003; A61B2018/00315; A61B2018/00345; A61B2018/00351; A61B2018/00392; A61B2018/00636; A61B2018/00696; A61B2018/00738; A61B18/12; A61B18/14; A61B2018/1475
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 72
Claim 1
Independent Claim
146 words
A method of improving blood circulation in a patient's heart, comprising: providing a catheter system including an outer catheter with an outer catheter distal end and at least one outer catheter lumen and an inner catheter configured to be advancable in the outer catheter, the inner catheter having a proximal portion, a distal portion, at least one inner catheter lumen, an introducer coupled to a distal portion of the inner catheter and a resistive heater element positioned in the introducer, the introducer including a tissue piercing distal end; introducing the catheter system into a patient's vasculature; advancing the tissue piercing distal end of the introducer into an interior of the heart at a selected heart tissue site; and controllably delivering energy from the resistive heater element to the selected heart tissue site to create a blood conducting pathway in the patient's heart including a revascularization channel.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
146 words
A method of improving blood circulation in a patient's heart, comprising: providing a catheter system including an outer catheter with an outer catheter distal end and at least one outer catheter lumen and an inner catheter configured to be advancable in the outer catheter, the inner catheter having a proximal portion, a distal portion, at least one inner catheter lumen, an introducer coupled to a distal portion of the inner catheter and a resistive heater element positioned in the introducer, the introducer including a tissue piercing distal end; introducing the catheter system into a patient's vasculature; advancing the tissue piercing distal end of the introducer into an interior of the heart at a selected heart tissue site; and controllably delivering energy from the resistive heater element to the selected heart tissue site to create a blood conducting pathway in the patient's heart including a revascularization channel.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the tissue piercing distal end pierces an endocardium.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the tissue piercing distal end pierces an endocardium without creating the channel.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 1, wherein energy is delivered from the resistive heater element to the selected heart tissue site after the tissue piercing distal end pierces an endocardium.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 4, wherein the selected heart tissue site is in a myocardium.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 4, wherein at least a portion of the selected heart tissue site is in an endocardium.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 4, wherein at least a portion of the selected heart tissue site is in an epicardium.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 4, wherein the revascularization channel has a length not greater than 10 mm.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 4, wherein the resistive heater element heats the introducer to a temperature not exceeding 120° C.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 4, wherein the resistive heater element heats the introducer to a temperature range of 50-120° C.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of delivering a medicament to the heart.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the blood conducting pathway is a blood conducting pocket, a blood conducting zone or an angiogenesis site.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the introducer includes a column strength member positioned in the introducer.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the introducer is heated by the resistive heater element before the tissue piercing distal end of the introducer pierces an endocardium.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
134 words
A method of improving blood circulation in a patient's heart, comprising: providing a catheter system including an outer catheter with an outer catheter distal end and at least one outer catheter lumen and an inner catheter configured to be advancable in the outer catheter, the inner catheter having a proximal portion, a distal portion, at least one inner catheter lumen, an introducer coupled to a distal portion of the inner catheter and a resistive heater element positioned in the introducer, the introducer including a tissue piercing distal end; introducing the catheter system into a patient's vasculature; advancing the tissue piercing distal end of the introducer into an interior of the heart at a selected heart site; and controllably delivering energy from the resistive heater element to the selected heart tissue site to stimulate angiogenesis.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
134 words
A method of improving blood circulation in a patient's heart, comprising: providing a catheter system including an outer catheter with an outer catheter distal end and at least one outer catheter lumen and an inner catheter configured to be advancable in the outer catheter, the inner catheter having a proximal portion, a distal portion, at least one inner catheter lumen, an introducer coupled to a distal portion of the inner catheter and a resistive heater element positioned in the introducer, the introducer including a tissue piercing distal end; introducing the catheter system into a patient's vasculature; advancing the tissue piercing distal end of the introducer into an interior of the heart at a selected heart site; and controllably delivering energy from the resistive heater element to the selected heart tissue site to stimulate angiogenesis.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
94 words
A method of improving blood circulation in a patient's heart, comprising: providing a catheter with at least one lumen, a proximal portion, a distal portion, an introducer including a tissue piercing distal end coupled to the distal portion and a resistive heater element positioned at the introducer; introducing the catheter through a vasculature; introducing the tissue piercing distal end of the catheter into the heart; and controllably delivering energy from the resistive heater element to a selected heart tissue site to create a blood conducting pathway in the patient's heart including a revascularization channel.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
94 words
A method of improving blood circulation in a patient's heart, comprising: providing a catheter with at least one lumen, a proximal portion, a distal portion, an introducer including a tissue piercing distal end coupled to the distal portion and a resistive heater element positioned at the introducer; introducing the catheter through a vasculature; introducing the tissue piercing distal end of the catheter into the heart; and controllably delivering energy from the resistive heater element to a selected heart tissue site to create a blood conducting pathway in the patient's heart including a revascularization channel.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 16, wherein the tissue piercing distal end pierces an endocardium.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 16, wherein the tissue piercing distal end pierces an endocardium without creating the channel.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 16, wherein energy is delivered from the resistive heater element to the selected heart tissue site after the tissue piercing distal end pierces an endocardium.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 19, wherein the selected heart tissue site is in a myocardium.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 19, wherein at least a portion of the selected heart tissue site is in the endocardium.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 19, wherein at least a portion of the selected heart tissue site is in the epicardium.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 19, wherein the revascularization channel has a length not greater than 10 mm.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 19, wherein the resistive heater element heats the introducer to a temperature not exceeding 120° C.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 19, wherein the resistive heater element heats the introducer to a temperature range of 50-120° C.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 16, further comprising delivering a medicament to the heart.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 16, wherein the blood conducting pathway is a blood conducting pocket, a blood conducting zone or an angiogenesis site.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 16, wherein the introducer includes a column strength member positioned in the introducer.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 16, wherein the introducer is heated by the resistive heater element before the tissue piercing distal end of the introducer pierces an endocardium.
Claim 33
Independent Claim
83 words
A method of improving blood circulation in a patient's heart, comprising: providing a catheter with at least one lumen, a proximal portion, a distal portion, an introducer including a tissue piercing distal end coupled to the distal portion and a resistive heater element positioned at the introducer; introducing the catheter through a vasculature; introducing the tissue piercing distal end of the catheter into the heart; and controllably delivering energy from the resistive heater element to a selected heart tissue site to stimulate angiogenesis.
Claim 34
Independent Claim
83 words
A method of improving blood circulation in a patient's heart, comprising: providing a catheter with at least one lumen, a proximal portion, a distal portion, an introducer including a tissue piercing distal end coupled to the distal portion and a resistive heater element positioned at the introducer; introducing the catheter through a vasculature; introducing the tissue piercing distal end of the catheter into the heart; and controllably delivering energy from the resistive heater element to a selected heart tissue site to stimulate angiogenesis.
Claim 35
Independent Claim
131 words
A method of improving blood circulation in a patient's heart, comprising: providing a heart treatment apparatus comprising: a handpiece with a proximal end and a distal end; an elongated member with a proximal portion and a distal portion, the elongated member defining at least one lumen, the elongated member proximal portion coupled to the handpiece distal end; an introducer with a tissue piercing distal end, the introducer coupled to the distal portion of the elongated member; and a resistive heater element positioned in the introducer; advancing the tissue piercing distal end through an epicardial surface and into an interior of the heart; and controllably delivering energy from the resistive heater element to a selected heart tissue site to create a blood conducting pathway in the patient's heart including a revascularization channel.
Claim 36
Independent Claim
131 words
A method of improving blood circulation in a patient's heart, comprising: providing a heart treatment apparatus comprising: a handpiece with a proximal end and a distal end; an elongated member with a proximal portion and a distal portion, the elongated member defining at least one lumen, the elongated member proximal portion coupled to the handpiece distal end; an introducer with a tissue piercing distal end, the introducer coupled to the distal portion of the elongated member; and a resistive heater element positioned in the introducer; advancing the tissue piercing distal end through an epicardial surface and into an interior of the heart; and controllably delivering energy from the resistive heater element to a selected heart tissue site to create a blood conducting pathway in the patient's heart including a revascularization channel.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 31, wherein the tissue piercing distal end is advanced a fixed penetration depth into the interior of the heart.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 32, wherein the penetration depth is adjustable.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 31, wherein the tissue piercing distal end pierces an epicardium.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 31, wherein the tissue piercing distal end pierces an epicardium without creating the channel.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 31, wherein energy is delivered from the resistive heater element to the selected heart tissue site after the tissue piercing distal end pierces an epicardium.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 36, wherein the selected heart tissue site is in a myocardium.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 36, wherein at least a portion of the selected heart tissue site is in an endocardium.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 36, wherein at least a portion of the selected heart tissue site is in the epicardium.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 36, wherein the revascularization channel has a length not greater than 10 mm.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 36, wherein the resistive heater element heats the introducer to a temperature not exceeding 120° C.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 36, wherein the resistive heater element heats the introducer to a temperature range of 50-120° C.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 31, further comprising the step of delivering a medicament to the heart.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 31, wherein the blood conducting pathway is a blood conducting pocket, a blood conducting zone or an angiogenesis site.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 31, wherein the introducer includes a column strength member positioned in the introducer.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 31, wherein the introducer is heated by the resistive heater element before the tissue piercing distal end of the introducer pierces an epicardium.
Claim 52
Independent Claim
120 words
A method of improving blood circulation in a patient's heart, comprising: providing a heart treatment apparatus comprising: a handpiece with a proximal end and a distal end; an elongated member with a proximal portion and a distal portion, the elongated member defining at least one lumen, the elongated member proximal portion coupled to the handpiece distal end; an introducer with a tissue piercing distal end, the introducer coupled to the distal portion of the elongated member; and a resistive heater element positioned in the introducer; advancing the tissue piercing distal end through an epicardial surface and into an interior of the heart, and; controllably delivering energy from the resistive heater element to a selected heart tissue site to stimulate angiogenesis.
Claim 53
Independent Claim
120 words
A method of improving blood circulation in a patient's heart, comprising: providing a heart treatment apparatus comprising: a handpiece with a proximal end and a distal end; an elongated member with a proximal portion and a distal portion, the elongated member defining at least one lumen, the elongated member proximal portion coupled to the handpiece distal end; an introducer with a tissue piercing distal end, the introducer coupled to the distal portion of the elongated member; and a resistive heater element positioned in the introducer; advancing the tissue piercing distal end through an epicardial surface and into an interior of the heart, and; controllably delivering energy from the resistive heater element to a selected heart tissue site to stimulate angiogenesis.
Claim 54
Independent Claim
177 words
A method of improving blood circulation in a patient's heart, comprising: providing a heart treatment system comprising: a handpiece with a proximal end and a distal end; an outer elongated member with an outer elongated member proximal portion and an outer elongated member distal portion, the outer elongated member defining at least one outer elongated member lumen, the outer elongated member proximal portion coupled to the handpiece distal end; an inner catheter configured to be advancable within the outer elongated member lumen, the inner catheter including a proximal portion and a distal portion, the inner catheter defining at least one inner catheter lumen; an introducer coupled to the distal portion of the inner catheter, the introducer including a tissue piercing distal end; and a resistive heater element positioned in the introducer; advancing the tissue piercing distal end through an epicardial surface and into an interior of the heart; and controllably delivering energy from the resistive heater element to a selected heart tissue site to create a blood conducting pathway in the patient's heart including a revascularization channel.
Claim 55
Independent Claim
177 words
A method of improving blood circulation in a patient's heart, comprising: providing a heart treatment system comprising: a handpiece with a proximal end and a distal end; an outer elongated member with an outer elongated member proximal portion and an outer elongated member distal portion, the outer elongated member defining at least one outer elongated member lumen, the outer elongated member proximal portion coupled to the handpiece distal end; an inner catheter configured to be advancable within the outer elongated member lumen, the inner catheter including a proximal portion and a distal portion, the inner catheter defining at least one inner catheter lumen; an introducer coupled to the distal portion of the inner catheter, the introducer including a tissue piercing distal end; and a resistive heater element positioned in the introducer; advancing the tissue piercing distal end through an epicardial surface and into an interior of the heart; and controllably delivering energy from the resistive heater element to a selected heart tissue site to create a blood conducting pathway in the patient's heart including a revascularization channel.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 48, wherein the tissue piercing distal end is advanced a fixed penetration depth into the interior of the heart.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 49, wherein the penetration depth is adjustable.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 48, wherein the tissue piercing distal end pierces an epicardium.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 48, wherein the tissue piercing distal end pierces an epicardium without creating the channel.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 48, wherein energy is delivered from the resistive heater element to the selected heart tissue site after the tissue piercing distal end pierces an epicardium.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 53, wherein the selected heart tissue site is in a myocardium.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 53, wherein at least a portion of the selected heart tissue site is in an endocardium.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 53, wherein at least a portion of the selected heart tissue site is in the epicardium.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 53, wherein the revascularization channel has a length not greater than 10 mm.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 53, wherein the resistive heater element heats the introducer to a temperature not exceeding 120° C.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 53, wherein the resistive heater element heats the introducer to a temperature range of 50-120° C.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 48, further comprising the step of delivering a medicament to the heart.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 48, wherein the blood conducting pathway is a blood conducting pocket, a blood conducting zone or an angiogenesis site.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 48, wherein the introducer includes a column strength member positioned in the introducer.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 48, wherein the introducer is heated by the resistive heater element before the tissue piercing distal end of the introducer pierces an epicardium.
Claim 71
Independent Claim
166 words
A method of improving blood circulation in a patient's heart, comprising: providing a heart treatment system comprising: a handpiece with a proximal end and a distal end; an outer elongated member with an outer elongated member proximal portion and an outer elongated member distal portion, the outer elongated member defining at least one outer elongated member lumen, the outer elongated member proximal portion coupled to the handpiece distal end; an inner catheter configured to be advanceable within the outer elongated member lumen, the inner catheter including a proximal portion and a distal portion, the inner catheter defining at least one inner catheter lumen; an introducer coupled to the distal portion of the inner catheter, the introducer including a tissue piercing distal end; and a resistive heater element positioned in the introducer; advancing the tissue piercing distal end through an epicardial surface and into an interior of the heart; and controllably delivering energy from the resistive heater element to a selected heart tissue site to stimulate angiogenesis.
Claim 72
Independent Claim
166 words
A method of improving blood circulation in a patient's heart, comprising: providing a heart treatment system comprising: a handpiece with a proximal end and a distal end; an outer elongated member with an outer elongated member proximal portion and an outer elongated member distal portion, the outer elongated member defining at least one outer elongated member lumen, the outer elongated member proximal portion coupled to the handpiece distal end; an inner catheter configured to be advanceable within the outer elongated member lumen, the inner catheter including a proximal portion and a distal portion, the inner catheter defining at least one inner catheter lumen; an introducer coupled to the distal portion of the inner catheter, the introducer including a tissue piercing distal end; and a resistive heater element positioned in the introducer; advancing the tissue piercing distal end through an epicardial surface and into an interior of the heart; and controllably delivering energy from the resistive heater element to a selected heart tissue site to stimulate angiogenesis.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2003-09-26 | 2004-03-27 | 2004-09-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-09-26 | 2008-03-27 | 2008-09-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-09-26 | 2012-03-27 | 2012-09-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |