US6562034B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Electrodes for creating lesions in tissue regions at or near a sphincter
Assignee: Mederi Rf LLC
•
Filing: 2002-01-14
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Granted: 2003-05-13
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Expires: 2022-01-14
Abstract
Abstract Improved electrode assemblies for treating a tissue region at or near a sphincter comprise a support structure and an electrode carried by the support structure for advancement in a path to penetrate the tissue region. In one arrangement, the electrode has a non-cylindrical cross section selected to resist deflection when advanced to penetrate the tissue region. In another arrangement, the electrode includes a tissue stop to resist tissue penetration beyond a selected depth. In another arrangement, the electrode includes a proximal portion formed from a first material and a distal tissue penetrating portion formed of a second material different than the first material. The first material can comprise, e.g., stainless steel, and the second material can comprise, e.g., nickel titanium.
Inventors
- 👤 Stuart D Edwards
- 👤 John Gaiser
- 👤 David S Utley
- 👤 Scott West
- 👤 Jay Qin
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-22 22:55
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B18/00; A61B18/04; A61B18/12; A61B18/14; A61B18/1485; A61B18/1477; A61B18/1492; A61B17/00; A61B2017/00831; A61B2017/00867; A61B2018/00053; A61B2018/00107; A61B2018/00148; A61B2018/00214; A61B2018/0022; A61B2018/00267; A61B2018/00315; A61B2018/00553; A61B2018/00636; A61B2018/00696; A61B2018/00738; A61B2018/044; A61B2018/046; A61B2018/1405; A61B2018/1425; A61B90/00; A61B90/03; A61B2090/033; A61B2090/036; C; C08; C08L; C08L2201/00; C08L2201/12
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 35
Claim 1
Independent Claim
132 words
An assembly for treating a tissue region at or near a sphincter comprising a support structure, an electrode having a first circumferential dimension and including a distal end configured to penetrate tissue, the electrode being carried by the support structure for advancement in a path to penetrate a surface of the tissue region, the electrode having a non-cylindrical cross section selected to resist deflection when advanced to penetrate the tissue region, and a limit collar circumferentially extending about the electrode a set distance from the distal end, the limit collar having a second circumferential dimension larger than the first circumferential dimension to abut against the surface of the tissue region penetrated by the distal end and thereby resist further advancement of the distal end in the tissue region beyond the set distance.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
132 words
An assembly for treating a tissue region at or near a sphincter comprising a support structure, an electrode having a first circumferential dimension and including a distal end configured to penetrate tissue, the electrode being carried by the support structure for advancement in a path to penetrate a surface of the tissue region, the electrode having a non-cylindrical cross section selected to resist deflection when advanced to penetrate the tissue region, and a limit collar circumferentially extending about the electrode a set distance from the distal end, the limit collar having a second circumferential dimension larger than the first circumferential dimension to abut against the surface of the tissue region penetrated by the distal end and thereby resist further advancement of the distal end in the tissue region beyond the set distance.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
13 words
An assembly according to claim 1 wherein the non-cylindrical cross section is rectilinear.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
An assembly according to claim 1 wherein the non-cylindrical cross section is oval.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
13 words
An assembly according to claim 1 wherein the non-cylindrical cross section is elliptical.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
An assembly according to claim 1 wherein the electrode includes an axis, and wherein the electrode is bent along the axis.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
An assembly according to claim 5 wherein the electrode is bent in an antegrade direction.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
An assembly according to claim 5 wherein the electrode is bent in a retrograde direction.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
22 words
An assembly according to claim 5 wherein the electrode is bent along the axis in an arc of less than ninety degrees.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
22 words
An assembly according to claim 5 wherein the electrode is bent along the axis in an arc of greater than ninety degrees.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
13 words
An assembly according to claim 1 wherein the support structure expands and collapses.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
26 words
An assembly according to claim 1 wherein the support structure includes circumferentially spaced spines forming a basket, and wherein the electrode is carried by a spine.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
23 words
An assembly according to claim 1 wherein at least four electrodes are carried in a circumferential, spaced apart relationship by the support structure.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
21 words
An assembly according to claim 1 wherein eight electrodes are carried in a circumferentially spaced apart relationship by the support structure.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
18 words
An assembly according to claim 1 wherein the support structure is pre-shaped to conform to the tissue region.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
34 words
An assembly according to claim 1 wherein the electrode includes a proximal portion formed from a first material and a distal tissue penetrating portion formed of a second material different than the first material.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
24 words
An assembly according to claim 14 wherein the electrode has an axis, and wherein the distal tissue penetration portion is bent along the axis.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
20 words
An assembly according to claim 14 wherein the first material includes stainless steel and the second material includes nickel titanium.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
33 words
An assembly according to claim 1 further including a connector to couple the electrode to a source of radio frequency energy to ohmically heat tissue and create a lesion in the tissue region.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
136 words
An assembly for treating a tissue region comprising a support structure, an electrode having a first circumferential dimension and including a distal end configured to penetrate tissue, the electrode being carried by the support structure for advancement in a path to penetrate a surface of the tissue region, the electrode including a proximal portion formed from a first material and a distal tissue penetrating portion formed of a second material different than the first material, and a limit collar circumferentially extending about the electrode a set distance from the distal end, the limit collar having a second circumferential dimension larger than the first circumferential dimension to abut against the surface of the tissue region penetrated by the distal end and thereby resist further advancement of the distal end in the tissue region beyond the set distance.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
136 words
An assembly for treating a tissue region comprising a support structure, an electrode having a first circumferential dimension and including a distal end configured to penetrate tissue, the electrode being carried by the support structure for advancement in a path to penetrate a surface of the tissue region, the electrode including a proximal portion formed from a first material and a distal tissue penetrating portion formed of a second material different than the first material, and a limit collar circumferentially extending about the electrode a set distance from the distal end, the limit collar having a second circumferential dimension larger than the first circumferential dimension to abut against the surface of the tissue region penetrated by the distal end and thereby resist further advancement of the distal end in the tissue region beyond the set distance.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
24 words
An assembly according to claim 19 wherein the electrode has an axis, and wherein the distal tissue penetrating portion is bent along the axis.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
23 words
An assembly according to claim 19 wherein at least four electrodes are carried in a circumferential, spaced apart relationship by the support structure.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
21 words
An assembly according to claim 19 wherein eight electrodes are carried in a circumferentially spaced apart relationship by the support structure.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
18 words
An assembly according to claim 19 wherein the support structure is pre-shaped to conform to the tissue region.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
20 words
An assembly according to claim 19 wherein the first material includes stainless steel and the second material includes nickel titanium.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
33 words
An assembly according to claim 19 further including a connector to couple the electrode to a source of radio frequency energy to ohmically heat tissue and create a lesion in the tissue region.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
114 words
An assembly for treating a tissue region at or near a sphincter comprising a support structure, an electrode having a first circumferential dimension and including a distal end configured to penetrate tissue, the electrode being carried by the support structure for advancement in a path to penetrate a surface of the tissue region, and a limit collar circumferentially extending about the electrode a set distance from the distal end, the limit collar having a second circumferential dimension larger than the first circumferential dimension to abut against the surface of the tissue region penetrated by the distal end and thereby resist further advancement of the distal end in the tissue region beyond the set distance.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
114 words
An assembly for treating a tissue region at or near a sphincter comprising a support structure, an electrode having a first circumferential dimension and including a distal end configured to penetrate tissue, the electrode being carried by the support structure for advancement in a path to penetrate a surface of the tissue region, and a limit collar circumferentially extending about the electrode a set distance from the distal end, the limit collar having a second circumferential dimension larger than the first circumferential dimension to abut against the surface of the tissue region penetrated by the distal end and thereby resist further advancement of the distal end in the tissue region beyond the set distance.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
21 words
An assembly according to claim 26 wherein the electrode includes an axis, and wherein the electrode is bent along the axis.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
13 words
An assembly according to claim 26 wherein the support structure expands and collapses.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
23 words
An assembly according to claim 26 wherein at least four electrodes are carried in a circumferential, spaced apart relationship by the support structure.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
21 words
An assembly according to claim 26 wherein eight electrodes are carried in a circumferentially spaced apart relationship by the support structure.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
18 words
An assembly according to claim 26 wherein the support structure is pre-shaped to conform to the tissue region.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
33 words
An assembly according to claim 26 further including a connector to couple the electrode to a source of radio frequency energy to ohmically heat tissue and create a lesion in the tissue region.
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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) | 2006-05-12 | 2006-11-11 | 2007-05-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2010-05-12 | 2010-11-11 | 2011-05-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2014-05-12 | 2014-11-11 | 2015-05-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |