US6540761B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Tissue cutting/tissue removing device with vacuum feature
Assignee: CARDIOVASCULAR TECHNOLOGIES Inc
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Filing: 2001-03-12
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Granted: 2003-04-01
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Expires: 2021-03-12
Abstract
Abstract A tissue cutting device includes a catheter with a window at its distal tip for admitting tissue into a catheter compartment. A cylindrical cartridge in the compartment has a cutting edge that supports an electrically conductive cutting element, e.g. a band or wire. The cutting element and adjacent tissue can be heated to a selected temperature by generating an electrical current through the cutting element. The catheter is maneuverable to position its distal end near the tissue to be cut. The catheter incorporates a vacuum feature that urges tissue into the compartment prior to cutting or severing and assists in holding the tissue during the cutting or severing process. Then, the cartridge is manipulated from the catheter's proximal end to move the cutting edge across the window, cutting the tissue. According to alternative embodiments, the cartridge is either rotated or moved axially relative to the catheter and, in either event may be capable of closing the catheter window when the cut is complete. Further alternatives involve either placing an indifferent electrode on the patient and providing an RF signal via a single conductor to the cutting element for ohmic heating, or providing an RF (or a DC) current through the cutting element and two separate conductors for direct resistive heating of the cutting element. Additional feature of the device include therapeutic infusion before, during or after the cut.
Inventors
- 👤 Russell A. Houser
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 10:09
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B18/00; A61B18/04; A61B18/12; A61B18/14; A61B18/1492; A61B2018/00571; A61B2018/00601; A61B18/18; A61B18/1815; A61B2018/1861; A61B2218/00; A61B2218/001; A61B2218/007
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 23
Claim 1
Independent Claim
153 words
A device for cutting tissue including: an elongate catheter having a proximal end and a distal end, a catheter wall defining a compartment within the catheter, a window through the catheter wall open to the compartment, and at least one lumen passing between a first opening in the proximal end and a second opening in the compartment, the first opening being connected to a vacuum source; a cartridge at least partially disposed within the compartment, said cartridge having a cutting edge with a cutting element disposed along the cutting edge, and an energy source operatively coupled to the cutting element, the cartridge being operable to urge tissue into the compartment when the first opening is connected to the vacuum source; and a controller coupled to the cartridge and operable to selectively position and move the cartridge relative to the catheter and thereby provide a controlled movement of the cutting edge along the window.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
153 words
A device for cutting tissue including: an elongate catheter having a proximal end and a distal end, a catheter wall defining a compartment within the catheter, a window through the catheter wall open to the compartment, and at least one lumen passing between a first opening in the proximal end and a second opening in the compartment, the first opening being connected to a vacuum source; a cartridge at least partially disposed within the compartment, said cartridge having a cutting edge with a cutting element disposed along the cutting edge, and an energy source operatively coupled to the cutting element, the cartridge being operable to urge tissue into the compartment when the first opening is connected to the vacuum source; and a controller coupled to the cartridge and operable to selectively position and move the cartridge relative to the catheter and thereby provide a controlled movement of the cutting edge along the window.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
The device of claim 1 wherein the second opening is distal to the window in the catheter wall.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
The device of claim 1 wherein the second opening is proximal to the window in the catheter wall.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
The device of claim 1 wherein the second opening is positioned to be open to the compartment.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
The device of claim 1 wherein a drive tube couples the controller to the cartridge.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
30 words
The device of claim 5 wherein the drive tube includes a lumen having an opening in the compartment and the lumen is configured to be connected to the vacuum source.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
14 words
The device of claim 5 wherein the drive tube is positioned in the lumen.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
35 words
The device of claim 1 wherein the catheter is maneuverable to locate the window against a tissue wall segment and the cutting edge is configured to cut tissue when vacuum is applied to the window.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
39 words
The device of claim 8 wherein the application of vacuum from the vacuum source to the window when the window is located against the tissue wall segment causes the application of vacuum to at least the tissue wall segment.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
27 words
The device of claim 1 further comprising a second lumen passing between a first opening in the proximal end and a second opening in the distal end.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
19 words
The device of claim 10 further comprising a fluid source connected to the first opening of the second lumen.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
13 words
The device of claim 11 wherein the fluid source comprises a therapeutic agent.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
13 words
The device of claim 11 wherein the fluid source comprises a contrast agent.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
19 words
The device of claim 1 wherein the cutting element is configured to heat tissue adjacent to the cutting edge.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
18 words
The device of claim 1 wherein the cutting element is configured to heat tissue adjacent the cutting edge.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
198 words
A tissue cutting system comprising: a tissue cutting device comprising: an elongate catheter having a proximal end and a distal end, a catheter wall defining a compartment within the catheter, a window through the catheter wall open to the compartment, a first lumen passing between a first opening in the proximal end and a first opening in the compartment, and a second lumen passing between a second opening in the proximal end and a second opening in the compartment, a cartridge at least partially disposed within the compartment, said cartridge having a cutting edge with a cutting element disposed along the cutting edge, and an energy source operatively coupled to the cutting element, and a controller coupled to the cartridge and operable to selectively position and move the cartridge relative to the catheter and thereby provide a controlled movement of the cutting edge along the window, wherein the catheter is maneuverable to locate the window against a tissue wall segment; a vacuum source connectable to the first lumen; and a fluid source connectable to the second lumen, wherein the cartridge is operable to urge tissue into the compartment when the first lumen is connected to the vacuum source.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
198 words
A tissue cutting system comprising: a tissue cutting device comprising: an elongate catheter having a proximal end and a distal end, a catheter wall defining a compartment within the catheter, a window through the catheter wall open to the compartment, a first lumen passing between a first opening in the proximal end and a first opening in the compartment, and a second lumen passing between a second opening in the proximal end and a second opening in the compartment, a cartridge at least partially disposed within the compartment, said cartridge having a cutting edge with a cutting element disposed along the cutting edge, and an energy source operatively coupled to the cutting element, and a controller coupled to the cartridge and operable to selectively position and move the cartridge relative to the catheter and thereby provide a controlled movement of the cutting edge along the window, wherein the catheter is maneuverable to locate the window against a tissue wall segment; a vacuum source connectable to the first lumen; and a fluid source connectable to the second lumen, wherein the cartridge is operable to urge tissue into the compartment when the first lumen is connected to the vacuum source.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
257 words
A method of cutting tissue, the method comprising: providing a tissue cutting device comprising: an elongate catheter having a proximal end and a distal end, a catheter wall defining a compartment within the catheter, a window through the catheter wall open to the compartment, and a first lumen passing between a first opening in the proximal end and a first opening in the compartment, a cartridge at least partially disposed within the compartment, said cartridge having a cutting edge with a cutting element disposed along the cutting edge, and an energy source operatively coupled to the cutting element, and a controller coupled to the cartridge and operable to selectively position and move the cartridge relative to the catheter and thereby provide a controlled movement of the cutting edge along the window, a drive tube coupling the controller to the cartridge, the drive tube including a second lumen having an opening in the compartment and being configured to be connected to a vacuum source, wherein the catheter is maneuverable to locate the window against a tissue wall segment; connecting a vacuum source to one of the first lumen and the second lumen; applying a vacuum to the tissue cutting device, wherein the cartridge is operable to urge tissue into the compartment when one of the first lumen and the second lumen is connected to the vacuum source; connecting a fluid source to the other of the first lumen and the second lumen; and applying a fluid to the tissue cutting device to supply the fluid to the tissue.
Claim 20
Independent Claim
257 words
A method of cutting tissue, the method comprising: providing a tissue cutting device comprising: an elongate catheter having a proximal end and a distal end, a catheter wall defining a compartment within the catheter, a window through the catheter wall open to the compartment, and a first lumen passing between a first opening in the proximal end and a first opening in the compartment, a cartridge at least partially disposed within the compartment, said cartridge having a cutting edge with a cutting element disposed along the cutting edge, and an energy source operatively coupled to the cutting element, and a controller coupled to the cartridge and operable to selectively position and move the cartridge relative to the catheter and thereby provide a controlled movement of the cutting edge along the window, a drive tube coupling the controller to the cartridge, the drive tube including a second lumen having an opening in the compartment and being configured to be connected to a vacuum source, wherein the catheter is maneuverable to locate the window against a tissue wall segment; connecting a vacuum source to one of the first lumen and the second lumen; applying a vacuum to the tissue cutting device, wherein the cartridge is operable to urge tissue into the compartment when one of the first lumen and the second lumen is connected to the vacuum source; connecting a fluid source to the other of the first lumen and the second lumen; and applying a fluid to the tissue cutting device to supply the fluid to the tissue.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of cutting tissue of claim 17 wherein the fluid comprises a gene therapy agent.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 17 further comprising heating tissue adjacent the cutting edge.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
20 words
The tissue cutting system of claim 16 wherein the cutting element is configured to heat tissue adjacent the cutting edge.
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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) | 2006-03-31 | 2006-09-30 | 2007-04-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2010-03-31 | 2010-09-30 | 2011-04-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2014-03-31 | 2014-09-30 | 2015-04-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |