US6582423B1 — Electrosurgical systems and methods for recanaliz…

Claim 1

Independent Claim 102 words

A method for recanalizing a body lumen having occlusive media therein, the method comprising: providing a catheter shaft with distal and proximal end portions and an electrode terminal at the distal end portion; advancing the catheter shaft through the body lumen to position the electrode terminal into at least close proximity with the occlusive media; applying a high frequency voltage to the electrode terminal, wherein the high frequency voltage is sufficient to recanalize the body lumen; and varying an outer diameter of the distal end portion of the catheter shaft to correspond with variations in the inner diameter of the body lumen.

Claim 2

Independent Claim 102 words

A method for recanalizing a body lumen having occlusive media therein, the method comprising: providing a catheter shaft with distal and proximal end portions and an electrode terminal at the distal end portion; advancing the catheter shaft through the body lumen to position the electrode terminal into at least close proximity with the occlusive media; applying a high frequency voltage to the electrode terminal, wherein the high frequency voltage is sufficient to recanalize the body lumen; and varying an outer diameter of the distal end portion of the catheter shaft to correspond with variations in the inner diameter of the body lumen.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 20 words

The method of claim 1 wherein the varying step comprises providing the catheter shaft with a tapered distal end portion.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 30 words

The method of claim 2 wherein the tapered distal end portion is continuous, the shaft comprising a plurality of electrically isolated electrode terminals spaced axially along the distal end portion.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 41 words

The method of claim 2 wherein the tapered distal end portion includes discontinuities to form a series of segments each having a different outer diameter, wherein the shaft comprises at least one electrically isolated electrode terminal on each of the segments.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 28 words

The method of claim 1 wherein the varying step comprises changing the diameter of the distal end portion of the catheter shaft during or after the applying step.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 92 words

A catheter for maintaining patency in a body passage, the catheter comprising: a catheter body having a distal end portion and a proximal end portion; an electrode terminal positioned on the distal end portion of the catheter body, the electrode terminal comprising a wire loop; and a connector extending through the catheter body for coupling the electrode terminal to a source of high frequency electrical energy, wherein the distal end portion of the catheter body has a variable outer diameter to correspond with variations in an inner diameter of the body passage.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 92 words

A catheter for maintaining patency in a body passage, the catheter comprising: a catheter body having a distal end portion and a proximal end portion; an electrode terminal positioned on the distal end portion of the catheter body, the electrode terminal comprising a wire loop; and a connector extending through the catheter body for coupling the electrode terminal to a source of high frequency electrical energy, wherein the distal end portion of the catheter body has a variable outer diameter to correspond with variations in an inner diameter of the body passage.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 27 words

The catheter of claim 6 wherein the distel end portion of the catheter body is movable between first and second configurations having first and second diameters, respectively.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 25 words

The catheter of claim 7 further comprising an actuator for moving the distal end portion of the catheter body between the first and second configurations.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 117 words

A catheter system for maintaining patency in a body lumen, the catheter system comprising: a catheter body having distal and proximal end portions, the distal end portion having a variable diameter; an electrode terminal positioned on the distal end portion of the catheter body, the electrode terminal adapted for volumetrically removing an occlusive media; a return electrode positioned on the catheter body; a high frequency power supply coupled to the electrode terminal for applying sufficient high frequency voltage to the electrode terminal to volumetrically remove the occlusive media within the body lumen; and one or more connectors extending through the catheter body for coupling the electrode terminal and the return electrode to the high frequency power supply.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 117 words

A catheter system for maintaining patency in a body lumen, the catheter system comprising: a catheter body having distal and proximal end portions, the distal end portion having a variable diameter; an electrode terminal positioned on the distal end portion of the catheter body, the electrode terminal adapted for volumetrically removing an occlusive media; a return electrode positioned on the catheter body; a high frequency power supply coupled to the electrode terminal for applying sufficient high frequency voltage to the electrode terminal to volumetrically remove the occlusive media within the body lumen; and one or more connectors extending through the catheter body for coupling the electrode terminal and the return electrode to the high frequency power supply.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 27 words

The catheter system of claim 9 wherein the return electrode is positioned on the distal end portion of the catheter body radially inward from the electrode terminal.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 49 words

The catheter system of claim 9 wherein the return electrode is a guidewire extending through an internal lumen of the catheter body and through a distal opening in the catheter body, the electrode terminal being disposed on a distal tip of the catheter body radially outward from the guidewire.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 45 words

The catheter system of claim 9 further comprising: a source of electrically conducting fluid; and an internal lumen within the catheter body, the internal lumen coupled to the electrically conducting fluid source for delivering electrically conducting fluid between the return electrode and the electrode terminal.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 35 words

The catheter system of claim 9 , wherein the distal end portion of the cotheter body tapered, the catheter body comprising a plurality of electrically isolated electrode terminals spaced axially along the distal end portion.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 43 words

The catheter system of claim 9 wherein the distal end portion of the catheter body comprises a series of segments each having a different outer diameter, wherein the catheter body comprises at least one electrically isolated electrode terminal on each of the segments.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 31 words

The catheter system of claim 9 wherein the distal end portion of the catheter body comprises an expansible member movable between first and second configurations having first and second diameters, respectively.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 26 words

The catheter system of claim 15 further comprising an actuator for moving the distal end portion of the catheter body between the first and second configurations.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 50 words

The catheter system of claim 15 further comprising a plurality of tubular support members circumferentially spaced around the expansible member, wherein the electrode terminal comprises a plurality of electrode terminals, and one of the plurality of electrode terminals extending from a distal end of each of the tubular support members.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 19 words

The catheter system of claim 17 wherein each of the plurality of tubular support members comprise an inorganic material.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 51 words

The catheter system of claim 17 wherein each of the plurality of electrode terminals comprises a wire loop formed by a pair of wires that come together at a point distal of the plurality of tubular support members, wherein each wire extends through one of the plurality of tubular support members.

Claim 23

Independent Claim 145 words

A method for recanalizing a body lumen having occlusive media therein, the method comprising: a) advancing a catheter through the body lumen towards the occlusive media, wherein the catheter includes a catheter body having a distal end portion and a proximal end portion, the distal end portion having at least one electrode terminal and a return electrode; b) positioning the at least one electrode terminal in at least close proximity to the occlusive media, wherein the at least one electrode terminal is positioned within an electrically conductive fluid, such that the electrically conductive fluid provides a current flow path between the at least one electrode terminal and the return electrode; and c) applying a high frequency voltage between the at least one electrode terminal and the return electrode, the high frequency voltage sufficient to volumetrically remove the occlusive media, whereby the body lumen is recanalized.

Claim 24

Independent Claim 145 words

A method for recanalizing a body lumen having occlusive media therein, the method comprising: a) advancing a catheter through the body lumen towards the occlusive media, wherein the catheter includes a catheter body having a distal end portion and a proximal end portion, the distal end portion having at least one electrode terminal and a return electrode; b) positioning the at least one electrode terminal in at least close proximity to the occlusive media, wherein the at least one electrode terminal is positioned within an electrically conductive fluid, such that the electrically conductive fluid provides a current flow path between the at least one electrode terminal and the return electrode; and c) applying a high frequency voltage between the at least one electrode terminal and the return electrode, the high frequency voltage sufficient to volumetrically remove the occlusive media, whereby the body lumen is recanalized.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 17 words

The method of claim 20 , further comprising expanding the distal end portion of the catheter body.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 31 words

The method of claim 21 , further comprising varying an outer diameter of the distal end portion of the catheter body to accommodate variations in inner diameter of the body lumen.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 15 words

The method of claim 20 , wherein the electrically conductive fluid comprises blood or saline.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 26 words

The method of claim 20 , further comprising: d) prior to or during said step c), delivering an electrically conductive fluid to the distal end portion.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 18 words

The method of claim 20 , further comprising prior to said step c), fluidly isolating the occlusive media.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 105 words

The method of claim 25 , wherein the catheter further includes a distal balloon and a proximal balloon, and said step e) comprises: f) positioning the proximal balloon at a location proximal to the occlusive media, wherein the at least one electrode terminal is located distal to the proximal balloon; g) inflating the proximal balloon to prevent fluid flow between the catheter body and an inner wall of the body lumen; h) positioning the distal balloon at a location distal to the occlusive media; and i) inflating the distal balloon to prevent fluid flow through the body lumen at the location of the distal balloon.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 53 words

The method of claim 26 , further comprising: j) prior to said step i), delivering an electrically conductive fluid within the body lumen to a location distal to the proximal balloon, whereby naturally occurring bodily fluid is displaced from the body lumen at a location between the proximal balloon and the distal balloon.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 14 words

The method of claim 27 , wherein the electrically conductive fluid comprises isotonic saline.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 29 words

The method of claim 20 , further comprising during or after said step c), aspirating ablation by-products from within the body lumen in the vicinity of the occlusive media.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 17 words

The method of claim 20 , wherein the at least one electrode terminal comprises an electrode array.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 33 words

The method of claim 30 , further comprising expanding the distal end portion of the catheter body, and wherein the electrode array undergoes a change in diameter as the distal end portion expands.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 16 words

The method of claim 31 , wherein the electrode array comprises a plurality of electrode terminals.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 29 words

The method of claim 32 , wherein each of the plurality of electrode terminals undergoes a change in shape when the distal end portion undergoes a change in diameter.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 20 words

The method of claim 32 , wherein the plurality of electrode terminals are circumferentially arranged on the distal end portion.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 18 words

The method of claim 32 , wherein each of the plurality of electrode terminals comprises a wire loop.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 31 words

The method of claim 31 , wherein said step b) comprises positioning the at least one electrode terminal in an orientation substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body lumen.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 20 words

The method of claim 20 , wherein the return electrode is located proximal to the at least one electrode terminal.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 63 words

A bipolar electrosurgical catheter, comprising: a catheter body having a distal end portion and a proximal end portion; and a plurality of electrode terminals disposed on the distal end portion, each of the plurality of electrode terminals aligned substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the distal end portion, wherein the distal end portion is expandable to provide a variable diameter electrode array.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 63 words

A bipolar electrosurgical catheter, comprising: a catheter body having a distal end portion and a proximal end portion; and a plurality of electrode terminals disposed on the distal end portion, each of the plurality of electrode terminals aligned substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the distal end portion, wherein the distal end portion is expandable to provide a variable diameter electrode array.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 23 words

The catheter of claim 38 , wherein the distal end portion is expandable by from about 25% to 200% of its original diameter.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 25 words

The catheter of claim 38 , wherein the variable diameter electrode array is adapted to accommodate variations in an inner diameter of a body lumen.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 24 words

The catheter of claim 38 , wherein the plurality of electrode terminals of the electrode array are circumferentially arranged on the distal end portion.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 27 words

The catheter of claim 38 , wherein the electrode array is annular, and each of the plurality of electrode terminals is located equidistant from the catheter body.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 18 words

The catheter of claim 38 , wherein each of the plurality of electrode terminals comprises a wire loop.

Claim 49

Dependent Claim 22 words

The catheter of claim 38 , wherein the plurality of electrode terminals are supported by a corresponding plurality of tubular support members.

Claim 50

Dependent Claim 22 words

The catheter of claim 44 , wherein the plurality of tubular support members are coupled to each other by a flexible sheath.

Claim 51

Dependent Claim 26 words

The catheter of claim 38 , further comprising at least one inflatable balloon, the at least one inflatable balloon adapted for inflation within a body lumen.

Claim 52

Dependent Claim 15 words

The catheter of claim 38 , further comprising a proximal balloon and a distal balloon.

Claim 53

Dependent Claim 24 words

The catheter of claim 47 , wherein the catheter further includes a hollow guidewire, and wherein the distal balloon is inflated via the guidewire.

Claim 54

Dependent Claim 11 words

The catheter of claim 38 , further including a return electrode.

Claim 55

Dependent Claim 18 words

The catheter of claim 49 , wherein the return electrode is located radially inward from the electrode array.

Claim 56

Dependent Claim 13 words

The catheter of claim 49 , wherein the return electrode comprises a guidewire.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	2006-06-23	2006-12-23	2007-06-24	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2010-06-23	2010-12-23	2011-06-24	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2014-06-23	2014-12-23	2015-06-24	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Electrosurgical systems and methods for recanalization of occluded body lumens

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