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US6273886B1 Expired / Lapsed US ⏱️ 0.0 years remaining

Integrated tissue heating and cooling apparatus

Assignee: Mederi Rf LLC
•
Filing: 1999-05-04
•
Granted: 2001-08-14
•
Expires: 2019-05-04
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Abstract

Abstract Systems and methods integrate the control of an energy generator, to supply energy to an electrode structure to heat a tissue region, and the control of a pumping mechanism, to supply cooling fluid to control tissue temperature in the region.

Inventors

  • 👤 Stuart Edwards
  • 👤 John Gaiser
  • 👤 David Utley
  • 👤 Scott West
  • 👤 Jay Chin

Bibliographic Details

Application Number —
Jurisdiction US
Data Source google_patents
Last Synchronized 2026-10-23 03:55
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B18/00; A61B18/04; A61B18/12; A61B18/1206; A61B18/14; A61B18/1477; A61B18/1485; A61B18/1492; A61B2018/00005; A61B2018/00011; A61B2018/00029; A61B2018/00041; A61B2018/00053; A61B2018/00059; A61B2018/00071; A61B2018/00077; A61B2018/00107; A61B2018/00148; A61B2018/00214; A61B2018/0022; A61B2018/00232; A61B2018/0025; A61B2018/00261; A61B2018/00267; A61B2018/00273; A61B2018/00279; A61B2018/00285; A61B2018/00291; A61B2018/00315; A61B2018/00482; A61B2018/00494; A61B2018/00553; A61B2018/00636; A61B2018/00642; A61B2018/00654; A61B2018/0066; A61B2018/00696; A61B2018/00702; A61B2018/00755; A61B2018/00773; A61B2018/00791; A61B2018/00797; A61B2018/00815; A61B2018/00875; A61B2018/00898; A61B2018/044; A61B2018/046; A61B2018/1405; A61B2018/1425; A61B2018/143; A61B2018/1475; A61B90/00; A61B90/36; A61B90/37; A61B2090/378; A61B2090/3782; A61B2218/00; A61B2218/001; A61B2218/002; A61B2218/007

Claims Analysis

Total Claims: 58
Claim 1
Independent Claim 231 words
A device for association with an electrode structure which, in use, is deployed in a tissue region, the device comprising a housing, a generator integrated in the housing to generate energy capable of heating tissue and adapted to be coupled to the electrode structure to apply the energy to the tissue region, a pumping mechanism integrated in the housing and adapted to be attached to tubing to dispense cooling fluid from a source to the tissue region, a controller integrated in the housing and coupled to the generator and the pumping mechanism, to enable control of the generator in supplying energy to the electrode structure to raise tissue temperature in the tissue region, in concert with operation of the pumping mechanism in supplying cooling fluid to the tissue region to control the tissue temperature, a control panel on the housing supporting a consolidation of command input devices coupled to the controller, the command input devices including at least one generator control input for receiving from an operator an operating parameter affecting operation of the generator and at least one pump control input for receiving from an operator an operating parameter affecting operation of the pumping mechanism, and a display screen and an operating system coupled to the display screen to show an animated visual image indicating operation of the generator and an animated visual image indicating operation of the pumping mechanism.
Claim 2
Independent Claim 231 words
A device for association with an electrode structure which, in use, is deployed in a tissue region, the device comprising a housing, a generator integrated in the housing to generate energy capable of heating tissue and adapted to be coupled to the electrode structure to apply the energy to the tissue region, a pumping mechanism integrated in the housing and adapted to be attached to tubing to dispense cooling fluid from a source to the tissue region, a controller integrated in the housing and coupled to the generator and the pumping mechanism, to enable control of the generator in supplying energy to the electrode structure to raise tissue temperature in the tissue region, in concert with operation of the pumping mechanism in supplying cooling fluid to the tissue region to control the tissue temperature, a control panel on the housing supporting a consolidation of command input devices coupled to the controller, the command input devices including at least one generator control input for receiving from an operator an operating parameter affecting operation of the generator and at least one pump control input for receiving from an operator an operating parameter affecting operation of the pumping mechanism, and a display screen and an operating system coupled to the display screen to show an animated visual image indicating operation of the generator and an animated visual image indicating operation of the pumping mechanism.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim 13 words
A device according to claim 1 wherein the generator generates radio frequency energy.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim 15 words
A device according to claim 1 wherein the pumping mechanism includes a peristaltic pump rotor.
Claim 5
Independent Claim 253 words
A device for association with an electrode structure which, in use, is deployed in a tissue region, the device comprising a housing, a generator integrated in the housing to generate energy capable of heating tissue and adapted to be coupled to the electrode structure to apply the energy to the tissue region, a pumping mechanism integrated in the housing and adapted to be attached to tubing to dispense cooling fluid from a source to the tissue region, a controller integrated in the housing and coupled to the generator and the pumping mechanism, to enable control of the generator in supplying energy to the electrode structure to raise tissue temperature in the tissue region, in concert with operation of the pumping mechanism in supplying cooling fluid to the tissue region to control the tissue temperature, a control panel on the housing supporting a consolidation of command input devices coupled to the controller, the command input devices including at least one generator control input for receiving from an operator an operating parameter affecting operation of the generator and at least one pump control input for receiving from an operator an operating parameter affecting operation of the pumping mechanism, and a display screen coupled to the controller, the controller including an operating system that generates a first image on the display screen that represents an operating condition of the generator, the operating system also generating a second image on the display screen concurrently with the first image that represents an operating condition of the pumping mechanism.
Claim 6
Independent Claim 253 words
A device for association with an electrode structure which, in use, is deployed in a tissue region, the device comprising a housing, a generator integrated in the housing to generate energy capable of heating tissue and adapted to be coupled to the electrode structure to apply the energy to the tissue region, a pumping mechanism integrated in the housing and adapted to be attached to tubing to dispense cooling fluid from a source to the tissue region, a controller integrated in the housing and coupled to the generator and the pumping mechanism, to enable control of the generator in supplying energy to the electrode structure to raise tissue temperature in the tissue region, in concert with operation of the pumping mechanism in supplying cooling fluid to the tissue region to control the tissue temperature, a control panel on the housing supporting a consolidation of command input devices coupled to the controller, the command input devices including at least one generator control input for receiving from an operator an operating parameter affecting operation of the generator and at least one pump control input for receiving from an operator an operating parameter affecting operation of the pumping mechanism, and a display screen coupled to the controller, the controller including an operating system that generates a first image on the display screen that represents an operating condition of the generator, the operating system also generating a second image on the display screen concurrently with the first image that represents an operating condition of the pumping mechanism.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim 15 words
A device according to claim 4 wherein the pumping mechanism includes a peristaltic pump rotor.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim 22 words
A device according to claim 4 wherein the controller includes a pump drive function to monitor pumping rate of the pumping mechanism.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim 23 words
A device according to claim 4 wherein the controller includes a pump drive function to select a pumping rate for the pumping mechanism.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim 18 words
A device according to claim 4 wherein the controller enables manual control of the operation of the generator.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim 18 words
A device according to claim 4 wherein the controller enables automatic control of the operation of the generator.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim 19 words
A device according to claim 4 wherein the controller enables manual control of the operation of the pumping mechanism.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim 19 words
A device according to claim 4 wherein the controller enables automatic control of the operation of the pumping mechanism.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim 17 words
A device according to claim 4 wherein the first image changes according to operation of the generator.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim 18 words
A device according to claim 4 wherein the second image changes according to operation of the pumping mechanism.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim 21 words
A device according to claim 4 wherein the operating system generates an image of an electrode structure on the display screen.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim 38 words
A device according to claim 4 wherein the controller includes an input adapted to be attached to a sensor in the tissue region to monitor an operating condition in concert with operation of the generator and pumping mechanism.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim 26 words
A device according to claim 15 wherein the operating system generates an image on the display screen that represents the operation condition monitored by the sensor.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim 30 words
A device according to claim 15 wherein the operating system generates an image on the display screen that represents changes in the operating condition monitored by the sensor over time.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim 35 words
A device according to claim 15 wherein the operating system generates an image on the display screen of an electrode structure in association with an image that represents the operation condition monitored by the sensor.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim 28 words
A device according to claim 15 wherein the controller includes a feed-back function to vary operation of the generator according to the operating condition monitored by the sensor.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim 29 words
A device according to claim 15 wherein the controller includes a feed-back function to vary operation of the pumping mechanism according to the operating condition monitored by the sensor.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim 13 words
A device according to claim 15 wherein the sensor monitors tissue temperature conditions.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim 25 words
A device according to claim 4 further including an aspiration module adapted to be attached to tubing to remove cooling liquid from the tissue region.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim 15 words
A device according to claim 22 wherein the aspiration module is integrated in the housing.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim 15 words
A device according to claim 22 wherein the aspiration module includes an external vacuum source.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim 13 words
A device according to claim 4 wherein the generator generates radio frequency energy.
Claim 28
Independent Claim 326 words
A device for association with an electrode structure which, in use, is deployed in a tissue region and which includes an electrode having a distal end that, in use, penetrates tissue in the tissue region, the device comprising a housing, a generator integrated in the housing to generate energy capable of heating tissue and adapted to be coupled to the electrode structure to apply the energy to the tissue region, a pumping mechanism integrated in the housing and adapted to be attached to tubing to dispense cooling fluid from a source to the tissue region, a controller integrated in the housing and including a first temperature sensor adapted to be carried by the electrode structure to monitor surface tissue temperature and a second temperature sensor adapted to be carried by the distal end of the electrode to monitor subsurface tissue temperature, the controller also including an input adapted to be attached to the first and second temperature sensors, and a function responsive to monitored surface tissue temperature, or monitored subsurface tissue temperature, or both, to control operation of the generator in concert with operation of the pumping mechanism, to thereby enable command of the generator and the pumping mechanism to controllably heat tissue in the tissue region, a control panel on the housing supporting a consolidation of command input devices coupled to the controller, the command input devices including at least one generator control input for receiving from an operator an operating parameter affecting operation of the generator and at least one pump control input for receiving from an operator an operating parameter affecting operation of the pumping mechanism, and a display screen coupled to the controller, the controller including an operating system that generates a first image on the display screen that represents an operating condition of the generator, the operating system also generating a second image on the display screen concurrently with the first image that represents an operating condition of the pumping mechanism.
Claim 29
Independent Claim 326 words
A device for association with an electrode structure which, in use, is deployed in a tissue region and which includes an electrode having a distal end that, in use, penetrates tissue in the tissue region, the device comprising a housing, a generator integrated in the housing to generate energy capable of heating tissue and adapted to be coupled to the electrode structure to apply the energy to the tissue region, a pumping mechanism integrated in the housing and adapted to be attached to tubing to dispense cooling fluid from a source to the tissue region, a controller integrated in the housing and including a first temperature sensor adapted to be carried by the electrode structure to monitor surface tissue temperature and a second temperature sensor adapted to be carried by the distal end of the electrode to monitor subsurface tissue temperature, the controller also including an input adapted to be attached to the first and second temperature sensors, and a function responsive to monitored surface tissue temperature, or monitored subsurface tissue temperature, or both, to control operation of the generator in concert with operation of the pumping mechanism, to thereby enable command of the generator and the pumping mechanism to controllably heat tissue in the tissue region, a control panel on the housing supporting a consolidation of command input devices coupled to the controller, the command input devices including at least one generator control input for receiving from an operator an operating parameter affecting operation of the generator and at least one pump control input for receiving from an operator an operating parameter affecting operation of the pumping mechanism, and a display screen coupled to the controller, the controller including an operating system that generates a first image on the display screen that represents an operating condition of the generator, the operating system also generating a second image on the display screen concurrently with the first image that represents an operating condition of the pumping mechanism.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim 15 words
A device according to claim 26 wherein the pumping mechanism includes a peristaltic pump rotor.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim 22 words
A device according to claim 26 wherein the controller includes a pump drive function to monitor pumping rate of the pumping mechanism.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim 23 words
A device according to claim 26 wherein the controller includes a pump drive function to select a pumping rate for the pumping mechanism.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim 18 words
A device according to claim 26 wherein the controller enables manual control of the operation of the generator.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim 32 words
A device according to claim 26 wherein the controller enables automatic control of the operation of the generator in response to monitored surface tissue temperature, or monitored subsurface tissue temperature, or both.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim 19 words
A device according to claim 26 wherein the controller enables manual control of the operation of the pumping mechanism.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim 33 words
A device according to claim 26 wherein the device enables automatic control of the operation of the pumping mechanism in response to monitored surface tissue temperature, or monitored subsurface tissue temperature, or both.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim 17 words
A device according to claim 26 wherein the first image changes according to operation of the generator.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim 18 words
A device according to claim 26 wherein the second image changes according to operation of the pumping mechanism.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim 21 words
A device according to claim 26 wherein the operating system generates an image of an electrode structure on the display screen.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim 30 words
A device according to claim 26 wherein the operating system generates an image on the display screen that represents monitored surface tissue temperature, or monitored subsurface tissue temperature, or both.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim 34 words
A device according to claim 26 wherein the operating system generates an image on the display screen that represents changes to monitored surface tissue temperature, or monitored subsurface tissue temperature, or both over time.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim 88 words
A device according to claim 26 wherein the operating system generates on the display screen a viewable image comprising an idealized image of the distal end of the electrode in spatial relation to an idealized image of the support structure, the viewable image including an indication of the monitored surface tissue temperature shown in spatial association with the idealized image of the support structure and an indication of the monitored subsurface tissue temperature shown in spatial association with the idealized image of the distal end of the electrode.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim 25 words
A device according to claim 26 further including an aspiration module adapted to be attached to tubing to remove cooling liquid from the tissue region.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim 15 words
A device according to claim 40 wherein the aspiration module is integrated in the housing.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim 15 words
A device according to claim 40 wherein the aspiration module includes an external vacuum source.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim 13 words
A device according to claim 26 wherein the generator generates radio frequency energy.
Claim 47
Independent Claim 260 words
A device for association with an electrode structure which, in use, is deployed in a tissue region, the device comprising a housing, a generator integrated in the housing to generate energy capable of heating tissue and adapted to be coupled to the electrode structure to apply the energy to the tissue region, a pumping mechanism integrated in the housing and adapted to be attached to tubing to dispense cooling fluid from a source to the tissue region, and a controller integrated in the housing and coupled to the generator and the pumping mechanism, the controller including an ON input to command application of energy to the electrode structure and a function that, in response to the ON input, commences operation of the pumping mechanism for a prescribed time period while delaying operation of the generator until the prescribed time period lapses, a control panel on the housing supporting a consolidation of command input devices coupled to the controller, the command input devices including at least one generator control input for receiving from an operator an operating parameter affecting operation of the generator and at least one pump control input for receiving from an operator an operating parameter affecting operation of the pumping mechanism, and a display screen coupled to the controller, the controller including an operating system that generates a first image on the display screen that represents an operating condition of the generator, the operating system also generating a second image on the display screen concurrently with the first image that represents an operating condition of the pumping mechanism.
Claim 48
Independent Claim 260 words
A device for association with an electrode structure which, in use, is deployed in a tissue region, the device comprising a housing, a generator integrated in the housing to generate energy capable of heating tissue and adapted to be coupled to the electrode structure to apply the energy to the tissue region, a pumping mechanism integrated in the housing and adapted to be attached to tubing to dispense cooling fluid from a source to the tissue region, and a controller integrated in the housing and coupled to the generator and the pumping mechanism, the controller including an ON input to command application of energy to the electrode structure and a function that, in response to the ON input, commences operation of the pumping mechanism for a prescribed time period while delaying operation of the generator until the prescribed time period lapses, a control panel on the housing supporting a consolidation of command input devices coupled to the controller, the command input devices including at least one generator control input for receiving from an operator an operating parameter affecting operation of the generator and at least one pump control input for receiving from an operator an operating parameter affecting operation of the pumping mechanism, and a display screen coupled to the controller, the controller including an operating system that generates a first image on the display screen that represents an operating condition of the generator, the operating system also generating a second image on the display screen concurrently with the first image that represents an operating condition of the pumping mechanism.
Claim 49
Independent Claim 256 words
A device for association with an electrode structure which, in use, is deployed in a tissue region, the device comprising a housing, a generator integrated in the housing to generate energy capable of heating tissue and adapted to be coupled to the electrode structure to apply the energy to the tissue region, a pumping mechanism integrated in the housing and adapted to be attached to tubing to dispense cooling fluid from a source to the tissue region, and a controller integrated in the housing and coupled to the generator and the pumping mechanism, the controller including an OFF input to command termination of the application of energy to the electrode structure and a function that, in response to the OFF input, operates the pumping mechanism for a prescribed time period after the supply of energy is terminated, a control panel on the housing supporting a consolidation of command input devices coupled to the controller, the command input devices including at least one generator control input for receiving from an operator an operating parameter affecting operation of the generator and at least one pump control input for receiving from an operator an operating parameter affecting operation of the pumping mechanism, and a display screen coupled to the controller, the controller including an operating system that generates a first image on the display screen that represents an operating condition of the generator, the operating system also generating a second image on the display screen concurrently with the first image that represents an operating condition of the pumping mechanism.
Claim 50
Independent Claim 256 words
A device for association with an electrode structure which, in use, is deployed in a tissue region, the device comprising a housing, a generator integrated in the housing to generate energy capable of heating tissue and adapted to be coupled to the electrode structure to apply the energy to the tissue region, a pumping mechanism integrated in the housing and adapted to be attached to tubing to dispense cooling fluid from a source to the tissue region, and a controller integrated in the housing and coupled to the generator and the pumping mechanism, the controller including an OFF input to command termination of the application of energy to the electrode structure and a function that, in response to the OFF input, operates the pumping mechanism for a prescribed time period after the supply of energy is terminated, a control panel on the housing supporting a consolidation of command input devices coupled to the controller, the command input devices including at least one generator control input for receiving from an operator an operating parameter affecting operation of the generator and at least one pump control input for receiving from an operator an operating parameter affecting operation of the pumping mechanism, and a display screen coupled to the controller, the controller including an operating system that generates a first image on the display screen that represents an operating condition of the generator, the operating system also generating a second image on the display screen concurrently with the first image that represents an operating condition of the pumping mechanism.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim 15 words
A device according to claim 44 or 45 wherein the generator generates radio frequency energy.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim 17 words
A device according to claim 44 or 45 wherein the pumping mechanism includes a peristaltic pump rotor.
Claim 53
Independent Claim 193 words
A device for association with an electrode structure which, in use, is deployed in a tissue region, the device comprising a housing, a generator integrated in the housing to generate energy capable of heating tissue and adapted to be coupled to the electrode structure to apply the energy to the tissue region, a pumping mechanism integrated in the housing and adapted to be attached to tubing to dispense cooling fluid from a source to the tissue region, and a controller integrated in the housing and coupled to the generator and the pumping mechanism, the controller including an ON input to command application of energy to the electrode structure in concert with operation of the pumping mechanism and an OFF input to command termination of the application of energy to the electrode structure, the controller further including a display screen and an operating system coupled to the display screen to generate, after the ON input, an ON image comprising a time record of changes in at least one operating condition over time during operation of the generator and the pumping mechanism and, after the OFF input, a PAUSE image that preserves the time record.
Claim 54
Independent Claim 193 words
A device for association with an electrode structure which, in use, is deployed in a tissue region, the device comprising a housing, a generator integrated in the housing to generate energy capable of heating tissue and adapted to be coupled to the electrode structure to apply the energy to the tissue region, a pumping mechanism integrated in the housing and adapted to be attached to tubing to dispense cooling fluid from a source to the tissue region, and a controller integrated in the housing and coupled to the generator and the pumping mechanism, the controller including an ON input to command application of energy to the electrode structure in concert with operation of the pumping mechanism and an OFF input to command termination of the application of energy to the electrode structure, the controller further including a display screen and an operating system coupled to the display screen to generate, after the ON input, an ON image comprising a time record of changes in at least one operating condition over time during operation of the generator and the pumping mechanism and, after the OFF input, a PAUSE image that preserves the time record.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim 25 words
A device according to claim 48 wherein the PAUSE image updates the time record according to changes in the operating condition after the OFF input.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim 42 words
A device according to claim 48 wherein the controller includes a function that, in response to the ON input, commences operation of the pumping mechanism for a prescribed time period while delaying operation of the generator until the prescribed time period lapses.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim 36 words
A device according to claim 48 wherein the controller includes and a function that, in response to the OFF input, operates the pumping mechanism for a prescribed time period after the supply of energy is terminated.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim 25 words
A device according to claim 51 wherein the PAUSE image updates the time record according to changes in the operating condition after the OFF input.

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