US6337998B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus and method for treating tumors near the surface of an organ
Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed Inc
•
Filing: 1999-07-14
•
Granted: 2002-01-08
•
Expires: 2019-07-14
Abstract
Abstract A system for treating a target region in tissue beneath a tissue surface comprises a probe for deploying an electrode array within the tissue and a surface electrode for engaging the tissue surface above the treatment site. Preferably, surface electrode includes a plurality of tissue-penetrating elements which advance into the tissue, and the surface electrode is removably attachable to the probe. The tissue may be treated in a monopolar fashion where the electrode array and surface electrode are attached to a common pole on an electrode surgical power supply and powered simultaneously or successively, or in a bipolar fashion where the electrode array and surface electrode are attached to opposite poles of the power supply. The systems are particularly useful for treating tumors and other tissue treatment regions which lie near the surface.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert S. Behl
- 👤 Eben L. Kermit
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 07:57
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B18/00; A61B18/04; A61B18/12; A61B18/14; A61B18/1477; A61B2018/00571; A61B2018/00577; A61B2018/1405; A61B2018/1425; A61B2018/143; A61B2018/1432
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 103
Claim 1
Independent Claim
57 words
A method for treating a target region in tissue at or beneath a tissue surface, said method comprising: deploying a first array of electrodes in the tissue beneath the tissue surface at the target region; deploying a second electrode on the tissue surface over the target region; and applying electrical current to the tissue through the electrodes.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
57 words
A method for treating a target region in tissue at or beneath a tissue surface, said method comprising: deploying a first array of electrodes in the tissue beneath the tissue surface at the target region; deploying a second electrode on the tissue surface over the target region; and applying electrical current to the tissue through the electrodes.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method as in claim 1 , wherein the high frequency current is applied successively from the electrodes in a monopolar mode.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
33 words
A method as in claim 1 , wherein high frequency current is applied with one pole attached to the array electrodes and another pole attached to the second electrode in a bipolar fashion.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method as in claim 1 , wherein deploying the second electrode comprises engaging a plate electrode against the tissue surface.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method as in claim 4 , wherein the plate electrode has an area in the range from 2 cm 2 to 10 cm 2 .
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method as in claim 1 , wherein deploying the second electrode comprises penetrating a plurality of tissue-penetrating electrode elements through the tissue surface.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
31 words
A method as in claim 6 , wherein the plurality of tissue-penetrating electrode elements are penetrated over an area in the range from 2 cm 2 to 10 cm 2 .
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method as in claim 7 , wherein the electrode elements are penetrated to a depth in the range from 3 mm to 10 mm.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
36 words
A method as in claim 1 , wherein high frequency current is applied simultaneously through both the array electrodes and the second electrode attached to a common pole of a power supply in a monopolar mode.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
42 words
A method as in claim 6 , wherein the tissue-penetrating electrode elements are pins having a diameter in the range from 1 mm to 3 mm and a depth from the electrode face in the range from 3 mm to 10 mm.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
88 words
A method for treating a target region in tissue at or beneath a tissue surface, said method comprising: deploying a first array of electrodes in the tissue beneath the tissue surface at the target region; deploying a cover over the tissue surface over the target region, wherein the cover is configured to electrically and thermally isolate the target region and first electrode array from external tissue structures adjacent to the target region; and applying electrical current to tissue in the target region through the first array of electrodes.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
88 words
A method for treating a target region in tissue at or beneath a tissue surface, said method comprising: deploying a first array of electrodes in the tissue beneath the tissue surface at the target region; deploying a cover over the tissue surface over the target region, wherein the cover is configured to electrically and thermally isolate the target region and first electrode array from external tissue structures adjacent to the target region; and applying electrical current to tissue in the target region through the first array of electrodes.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
62 words
A method as in any of claims 1 , 2 , or 11 , wherein deploying the first 2 array of electrodes comprises: positioning a probe so that a portion of the probe is near the target region in the tissue; and advancing a plurality of at least three array electrodes radially outwardly from the probe to define the first electrode array.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method as in claim 12 , wherein the probe is advanced directly into tissue with the array electrodes retracted within the probe.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
38 words
A method as in claim 12 , wherein a combination of probe and stylet is initially advanced into the tissue, and wherein the stylet is withdrawn from the probe prior to advancing the array electrodes through the probe.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
36 words
A method as in claim 12 , wherein advancing the array electrodes comprises advancing them forwardly from a distal end of the probe so that the electrodes evert outwardly as they are advanced into the tissue.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method as in claim 12 , wherein the array electrodes deploy outwardly to a radius from 0.5 cm to 3 cm when fully distally extended.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method as in claim 12 , further comprising removably attaching the second electrode to the probe after the array electrodes have been advanced.
Claim 20
Independent Claim
37 words
A method as in any of claims 1 , 2 , or 3 , wherein the first array electrodes are deployed at a depth below the tissue surface in the range from 2 cm to 10 cm.
Claim 21
Independent Claim
80 words
A method for treating a target region in tissue at or beneath a tissue surface, said method comprising: deploying a first array of electrodes in the tissue beneath the tissue surface at the target region; deploying a cover over the tissue surface over the target region, wherein the first array and cover are drawn together to apply compression on tissue in the target region; and applying electrical current to tissue in the target region through the first array of electrodes.
Claim 22
Independent Claim
80 words
A method for treating a target region in tissue at or beneath a tissue surface, said method comprising: deploying a first array of electrodes in the tissue beneath the tissue surface at the target region; deploying a cover over the tissue surface over the target region, wherein the first array and cover are drawn together to apply compression on tissue in the target region; and applying electrical current to tissue in the target region through the first array of electrodes.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
40 words
A method as in claim 19 , wherein the electrical current is applied first through the first array of electrodes to necrose tissue at or near a boundary of the target region to inhibit blood flow into the target region.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method as in claim 19 or 11 , wherein the cover comprises a rigid plate.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method as in claim 19 or 11 , wherein the cover comprises a conformable surface.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method as in claim 19 or 11 , wherein the cover is composed of an electrically non-conductive material.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method as in claim 19 or 11 , wherein the cover and first electrode array are drawn together with a force of at least 0.5 psi.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
48 words
A method as in claim 19 or 11 , wherein deploying the first electrode array comprises positioning a probe so that a portion of the probe lies near the target region and deploying the cover comprises securing the cover to the probe after the probe has been deployed.
Claim 29
Independent Claim
55 words
A method for treating a target region in tissue at or beneath a tissue surface, said method comprising: deploying a first array of electrodes in the tissue at the target region; penetrating a plurality of tissue-penetrating electrodes comprising a second electrode array through the tissue surface; applying electrical current to the tissue through the electrodes.
Claim 30
Independent Claim
55 words
A method for treating a target region in tissue at or beneath a tissue surface, said method comprising: deploying a first array of electrodes in the tissue at the target region; penetrating a plurality of tissue-penetrating electrodes comprising a second electrode array through the tissue surface; applying electrical current to the tissue through the electrodes.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
54 words
A method as in claim 26 , wherein deploying the first array of electrodes comprises: positioning a probe so that a portion of the probe is near the target region in the tissue; and advancing a plurality of at least three array electrodes radially outwardly from the probe to define the first electrode array.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method as in claim 27 , wherein the probe is advanced directly into tissue with the array electrodes retracted within the probe.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
38 words
A method as in claim 27 , wherein a combination of probe and stylet is initially advanced into the tissue, and wherein the stylet is withdrawn from the probe prior to advancing the array electrodes through the probe.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
36 words
A method as in claim 27 , wherein advancing the array electrodes comprises advancing them forwardly from a distal end of the probe so that the electrodes evert outwardly as they are advanced into the tissue.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method as in claim 27 , wherein the array electrodes deploy outwardly to a radius from 0.5 cm to 3 cm wherein fully distally extended.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method as in claim 27 , further comprising removably attaching the second electrode to the probe after the array electrodes have been advanced.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
30 words
A method as in claim 26 , wherein the first array electrodes are deployed at a depth below the tissue surface in the range from 2 cm to 10 cm.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method as in claim 26 , wherein penetrating the second electrode comprises engaging a plate electrode against the tissue surface.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method as in claim 34 , wherein the plate electrode has an area in the range from 2 cm 2 to 10 cm 2 .
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
31 words
A method as in claim 26 , wherein the plurality of tissue-penetrating electrode elements are penetrated over an area in the range from 2 cm 2 to 10 cm 2 .
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method as in claim 26 , wherein the electrode elements are penetrated to a depth in the range from 3 mm to 10 mm.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
42 words
A method as in claim 26 , wherein the tissue-penetrating electrode elements are pins having a diameter in the range from 1 mm to 3 mm and a depth from an electrode face in the range from 3 mm to 10 mm.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
36 words
A method as in claim 26 , wherein high frequency current is applied simultaneously through both the array electrodes and the second electrode attached to a common pole of a power supply in a monopolar mode.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
33 words
A method as in claim 26 , wherein high frequency current is applied with one pole attached to the array electrodes and another pole attached to the second electrode in a bipolar fashion.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method as in claim 26 , wherein the high frequency current is applied successively from the electrodes in a monopolar mode.
Claim 46
Independent Claim
93 words
A method for treating a target region in tissue at or beneath a tissue surface, said method comprising: positioning a probe so that a portion of the probe is near the target region in tissue; advancing a plurality of at least three array electrodes radially outwardly from the probe to define a first electrode array; deploying a second electrode on the tissue surface over the target region; removably attaching the second electrode to the probe after the first array electrodes have been advanced; and applying electrical current to the tissue through the electrodes.
Claim 47
Independent Claim
93 words
A method for treating a target region in tissue at or beneath a tissue surface, said method comprising: positioning a probe so that a portion of the probe is near the target region in tissue; advancing a plurality of at least three array electrodes radially outwardly from the probe to define a first electrode array; deploying a second electrode on the tissue surface over the target region; removably attaching the second electrode to the probe after the first array electrodes have been advanced; and applying electrical current to the tissue through the electrodes.
Claim 48
Independent Claim
116 words
A method for treating a target region in tissue at or beneath a tissue surface, said method comprising: positioning a probe so that a portion of the probe is near the target region in tissue; advancing a plurality of at least three array electrodes radially outwardly from the probe to define a first electrode array; deploying a cover over the tissue surface over the target region, wherein the first array and cover are drawn together to apply compression on tissue in the target region; removably attaching the second electrode to the probe after the first array electrodes have been advanced; and applying electrical current to tissue in the target region through the first array of electrodes.
Claim 49
Independent Claim
116 words
A method for treating a target region in tissue at or beneath a tissue surface, said method comprising: positioning a probe so that a portion of the probe is near the target region in tissue; advancing a plurality of at least three array electrodes radially outwardly from the probe to define a first electrode array; deploying a cover over the tissue surface over the target region, wherein the first array and cover are drawn together to apply compression on tissue in the target region; removably attaching the second electrode to the probe after the first array electrodes have been advanced; and applying electrical current to tissue in the target region through the first array of electrodes.
Claim 50
Independent Claim
124 words
A method for treating a target region in tissue at or beneath a tissue surface, said method comprising: positioning a probe so that a portion of the probe is near the target region in tissue; advancing a plurality of at least three array electrodes radially outwardly from the probe to define a first electrode array; deploying a cover over the tissue surface over the target region, wherein the cover is configured to electrically and thermally isolate the target region and first electrode array from external tissue structures adjacent to the target region; removably attaching the second electrode to the probe after the first array electrodes have been advanced; and applying electrical current to tissue in the target region through the first array of electrodes.
Claim 51
Independent Claim
124 words
A method for treating a target region in tissue at or beneath a tissue surface, said method comprising: positioning a probe so that a portion of the probe is near the target region in tissue; advancing a plurality of at least three array electrodes radially outwardly from the probe to define a first electrode array; deploying a cover over the tissue surface over the target region, wherein the cover is configured to electrically and thermally isolate the target region and first electrode array from external tissue structures adjacent to the target region; removably attaching the second electrode to the probe after the first array electrodes have been advanced; and applying electrical current to tissue in the target region through the first array of electrodes.
Claim 52
Independent Claim
30 words
A method as in any of claims 42 , 43 , and 44 , wherein the probe is advanced directly into tissue with the array electrodes retracted within the probe.
Claim 53
Independent Claim
45 words
A method as in any of claims 42 , 43 , and 44 , wherein a combination of probe and stylet is initially advanced into the tissue, and wherein the stylet is withdrawn from the probe prior to advancing the array electrodes through the probe.
Claim 54
Independent Claim
43 words
A method as in any of claims 42 , 43 , and 44 , wherein advancing the array electrodes comprises advancing them forwardly from a distal end of the probe so that the electrodes evert outwardly as they are advanced into the tissue.
Claim 55
Independent Claim
33 words
A method as in any of claims 42 , 43 , and 44 , wherein the array electrodes deploy outwardly to a radius from 0.5 cm to 3 cm wherein fully distally extended.
Claim 56
Independent Claim
37 words
A method as in any of claims 42 , 43 , and 44 , wherein the first array electrodes are deployed at a depth below the tissue surface in the range from 2 cm to 10 cm.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method as in claim 42 , wherein deploying the second electrode comprises engaging a plate electrode against the tissue surface.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method as in claim 42 , wherein the plate electrode has an area in the range from 2 cm 2 to 10 cm 2 .
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method as in claim 42 , wherein deploying the second electrode comprises penetrating a plurality of tissue-penetrating electrode elements through the tissue surface.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
31 words
A method as in claim 52 , wherein the plurality of tissue-penetrating electrode elements are penetrated over an area in the range from 2 cm 2 to 10 cm 2 .
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method as in claim 53 , wherein the electrode elements are penetrated to a depth in the range from 3 mm to 10 mm.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
42 words
A method as in claim 52 , wherein the tissue-penetrating electrode elements are pins having a diameter in the range from 1 mm to 3 mm and a depth from an electrode face in the range from 3 mm to 10 mm.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
36 words
A method as in claim 42 , wherein high frequency current is applied simultaneously through both the array electrodes and the second electrode attached to a common pole of a power supply in a monopolar mode.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
33 words
A method as in claim 42 , wherein high frequency current is applied with one pole attached to the array electrodes and another pole attached to the second electrode in a bipolar fashion.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method as in claim 42 , wherein the high frequency current is applied successively from the electrodes in a monopolar mode.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
41 words
A method as in claim 43 , wherein the high frequency current is applied first through the first array of electrodes to necrose tissue at or near a boundary of the target region to inhibit blood flow into the target region.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method as in claim 43 or 44 , wherein the cover comprises a rigid plate.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method as in claim 43 or 44 , wherein the cover comprises a conformable surface.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method as in claim 43 or 44 , wherein the cover is composed of an electrically non-conductive material.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method as in claim 43 or 44 , wherein the cover and first electrode array are drawn together with a force of at least 0.5 psi.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
48 words
A method as in claim 43 or 44 , wherein deploying the first electrode array comprises positioning a probe so that a portion of the probe lies near the target region and deploying the cover comprises securing the cover to the probe after the probe has been deployed.
Claim 72
Independent Claim
82 words
A method for treating a target region in tissue at or beneath a tissue surface, said method comprising: deploying a first array of electrodes in the tissue at the target region; deploying a cover composed of an electrically non-conductive material over the tissue surface over the target region, wherein the first array and cover are drawn together to apply compression on tissue in the target region; and applying electrical current to tissue in the target region through the first array of electrodes.
Claim 73
Independent Claim
82 words
A method for treating a target region in tissue at or beneath a tissue surface, said method comprising: deploying a first array of electrodes in the tissue at the target region; deploying a cover composed of an electrically non-conductive material over the tissue surface over the target region, wherein the first array and cover are drawn together to apply compression on tissue in the target region; and applying electrical current to tissue in the target region through the first array of electrodes.
Claim 74
Independent Claim
90 words
A method for treating a target region in tissue at or beneath a tissue surface, said method comprising: deploying a first array of electrodes in the tissue at the target region; deploying a cover composed of an electrically non-conductive material over the tissue surface over the target region, wherein the cover is configured to electrically and thermally isolate the target region and first electrode array from external tissue structures adjacent to the target region; and applying electrical current to tissue in the target region through the first array of electrodes.
Claim 75
Independent Claim
90 words
A method for treating a target region in tissue at or beneath a tissue surface, said method comprising: deploying a first array of electrodes in the tissue at the target region; deploying a cover composed of an electrically non-conductive material over the tissue surface over the target region, wherein the cover is configured to electrically and thermally isolate the target region and first electrode array from external tissue structures adjacent to the target region; and applying electrical current to tissue in the target region through the first array of electrodes.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
56 words
A method as in claim 65 or 66 , wherein deploying the first array of electrodes comprises: positioning a probe so that a portion of the probe is near the target region in the tissue; and advancing a plurality of at least three array electrodes radially outwardly from the probe to define the first electrode array.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method as in claim 67 , wherein the probe is advanced directly into tissue with the array electrodes retracted within the probe.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
38 words
A method as in claim 67 , wherein a combination of probe and stylet is initially advanced into the tissue, and wherein the stylet is withdrawn from the probe prior to advancing the array electrodes through the probe.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
36 words
A method as in claim 67 , wherein advancing the array electrodes comprises advancing them forwardly from a distal end of the probe so that the electrodes evert outwardly as they are advanced into the tissue.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method as in claim 67 , wherein the array electrodes deploy outwardly to a radius from 0.5 cm to 3 cm wherein fully distally extended.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method as in claim 66 or 67 , wherein the first array electrodes are deployed at a depth below the tissue surface in the range from 2 cm to 10 cm.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method as in claim 67 , further comprising removably attaching the second electrode to the probe after the array electrodes have been advanced.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
41 words
A method as in claim 65 , wherein an high frequency current is applied first through the first array of electrodes to necrose tissue at or near a boundary of the target region to inhibit blood flow into the target region.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method as in claim 65 or 66 , wherein the cover comprises a rigid plate.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method as in claim 65 or 66 , wherein the cover comprises a conformable surface.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method as in claim 65 or 66 , wherein the cover and first electrode array are drawn together with a force of at least 0.5 psi.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
48 words
A method as in claim 65 or 66 , wherein deploying the first electrode array comprises positioning a probe so that a portion of the probe lies near the target region and deploying the cover comprises securing the cover to the probe after the probe has been deployed.
Claim 88
Independent Claim
105 words
A method for treating a target region in tissue at or beneath a tissue surface, said method comprising: deploying a first array of electrodes from a probe in the tissue at the target region so that a portion of the probe lies near the target region; securing a cover to the probe after the probe has been deployed so that the probe lies over the tissue surface over the target region, wherein the first array and cover are drawn together to apply compression on tissue in the target region; and applying electrical current to tissue in the target region through the first array of electrodes.
Claim 89
Independent Claim
105 words
A method for treating a target region in tissue at or beneath a tissue surface, said method comprising: deploying a first array of electrodes from a probe in the tissue at the target region so that a portion of the probe lies near the target region; securing a cover to the probe after the probe has been deployed so that the probe lies over the tissue surface over the target region, wherein the first array and cover are drawn together to apply compression on tissue in the target region; and applying electrical current to tissue in the target region through the first array of electrodes.
Claim 90
Independent Claim
113 words
A method for treating a target region in tissue at or beneath a tissue surface, said method comprising: deploying a first array of electrodes from a probe in the tissue at the target region so that a portion of the probe lies near the target region; securing a cover to the probe after the probe has been deployed so that the probe lies over the tissue surface over the target region, wherein the cover is configured to electrically and thermally isolate the target region and first electrode array from external tissue structures adjacent to the target region; and applying electrical current to tissue in the target region through the first array of electrodes.
Claim 91
Independent Claim
113 words
A method for treating a target region in tissue at or beneath a tissue surface, said method comprising: deploying a first array of electrodes from a probe in the tissue at the target region so that a portion of the probe lies near the target region; securing a cover to the probe after the probe has been deployed so that the probe lies over the tissue surface over the target region, wherein the cover is configured to electrically and thermally isolate the target region and first electrode array from external tissue structures adjacent to the target region; and applying electrical current to tissue in the target region through the first array of electrodes.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
56 words
A method as in claim 79 or 80 , wherein deploying the first array of electrodes comprises: positioning a probe so that a portion of the probe is near the target region in the tissue; and advancing a plurality of at least three array electrodes radially outwardly from the probe to define the first electrode array.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method as in claim 81 , wherein the probe is advanced directly into tissue with the array electrodes retracted within the probe.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
38 words
A method as in claim 81 , wherein a combination of probe and stylet is initially advanced into the tissue, and wherein the stylet is withdrawn from the probe prior to advancing the array electrodes through the probe.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
36 words
A method as in claim 81 , wherein advancing the array electrodes comprises advancing them forwardly from a distal end of the probe so that the electrodes evert outwardly as they are advanced into the tissue.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method as in claim 81 , wherein the array electrodes deploy outwardly to a radius from 0.5 cm to 3 cm wherein fully distally extended.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method as in claim 79 or 80 , wherein the first array electrodes are deployed at a depth below the tissue surface in the range from 2 cm to 10 cm.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method as in claim 81 , further comprising removably attaching an second electrode to the probe after the array electrodes have been advanced.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
41 words
A method as in claim 79 , wherein the high frequency current is applied first through the first array of electrodes to necrose tissue at or near a boundary of the target region to inhibit blood flow into the target region.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method as in claim 79 or 80 , wherein the cover comprises a rigid plate.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method as in claim 79 or 80 , wherein the cover comprises a conformable surface.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method as in claim 79 or 80 , wherein the cover is composed of an electrically non-conductive material.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method as in claim 79 or 80 , wherein the cover and first electrode array are drawn together with a force of at least 0.5 psi.
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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) | 2005-01-07 | 2005-07-09 | 2006-01-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2009-01-07 | 2009-07-09 | 2010-01-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2013-01-07 | 2013-07-09 | 2014-01-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |