US6589237B2 — Electrosurgical apparatus and methods for treatin…

Claim 1

Independent Claim 101 words

An electrosurgical suction apparatus for removing tissue from a target site, comprising: an aspiration unit adapted for coupling to a vacuum source, the aspiration unit including an aspiration channel terminating in a distal aspiration port; and a plurality of active electrodes, each of the plurality of active electrodes comprising a length of wire extending transversely across the aspiration port, wherein at least a first of the plurality of active electrodes extends distally in a first direction and at least a second of the plurality of active electrodes extends distally in a second direction, wherein the first and second directions are different.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 101 words

An electrosurgical suction apparatus for removing tissue from a target site, comprising: an aspiration unit adapted for coupling to a vacuum source, the aspiration unit including an aspiration channel terminating in a distal aspiration port; and a plurality of active electrodes, each of the plurality of active electrodes comprising a length of wire extending transversely across the aspiration port, wherein at least a first of the plurality of active electrodes extends distally in a first direction and at least a second of the plurality of active electrodes extends distally in a second direction, wherein the first and second directions are different.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 27 words

The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of active electrodes includes a loop portion, the loop portions arranged substantially parallel to each other.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 28 words

The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of active electrodes includes a distal face, and each distal face is oriented in a different direction.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 45 words

The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a shaft having a shaft distal end portion and a shaft proximal end portion, and an electrode support disposed on the shaft distal end portion, each of the plurality of active electrodes disposed on the electrode support.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 15 words

The apparatus of claim 4 , wherein the electrode support includes a beveled treatment surface.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 29 words

The apparatus of claim 4 , wherein the electrode support comprises a material selected from the group consisting of a fluoropolymer, a glass, a ceramic, and a silicone rubber.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 67 words

The apparatus of claim 4 , further comprising an insulating sleeve covering a portion of the shaft, the shaft comprising an electrically conducting material, the insulating sleeve terminating in a sleeve distal end at a location proximal to the electrode support to define an exposed portion of the shaft located between the sleeve distal end and the electrode support, and the exposed portion comprising a return electrode.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 94 words

The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a shaft having a shaft distal end portion and a shaft proximal end portion, and an electrode support disposed on the shaft distal end portion, the electrode support having a treatment surface, each of the plurality of active electrodes protruding from the treatment surface, the treatment surface encircling the aspiration port, each of the plurality of active electrodes including a distal face, wherein the orthogonal distance from the treatment surface to the distal face is substantially the same for each of the plurality of active electrodes.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 39 words

The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of active electrodes comprises a loop portion, a first free end terminating within an electrically insulating material, and a second connected end coupled to an active electrode lead.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 76 words

The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising: a shaft having a shaft distal end portion; a return electrode arranged on the shaft distal end portion at a location proximal to the plurality of active electrodes; and an outer sheath external to the shaft, the outer sheath defining an annular fluid delivery channel external to the shaft, and the outer sheath terminating in an annular fluid delivery port at a location proximal to the return electrode.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 33 words

The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of active electrodes comprises a metal wire comprising a material selected from the group consisting of: platinum, tungsten, palladium, iridium, and titanium.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 32 words

The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of active electrodes comprises a metal wire comprising from about 85% to 95% platinum and from about 5% to 15% iridium.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 18 words

The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a baffle located proximal to the plurality of active electrodes.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 125 words

An electrosurgical suction apparatus for removing tissue from a target site, comprising: a shaft having a shaft distal end portion and a shaft proximal end portion; an electrically insulating electrode support disposed on the shaft distal end portion, the electrode support including a treatment surface; a plurality of active electrodes, each of the plurality of active electrodes including a loop portion, the loop portions protruding from the treatment surface, the loop portions arranged substantially parallel to each other, and the loop portions having a plurality of different orientations with respect to the treatment surface; and an aspiration unit adapted for coupling to a vacuum source, the aspiration unit including an aspiration channel terminating in at least one aspiration port disposed on the shaft distal end.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 125 words

An electrosurgical suction apparatus for removing tissue from a target site, comprising: a shaft having a shaft distal end portion and a shaft proximal end portion; an electrically insulating electrode support disposed on the shaft distal end portion, the electrode support including a treatment surface; a plurality of active electrodes, each of the plurality of active electrodes including a loop portion, the loop portions protruding from the treatment surface, the loop portions arranged substantially parallel to each other, and the loop portions having a plurality of different orientations with respect to the treatment surface; and an aspiration unit adapted for coupling to a vacuum source, the aspiration unit including an aspiration channel terminating in at least one aspiration port disposed on the shaft distal end.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 89 words

The apparatus of claim 14 , wherein the plurality of active electrodes comprise a first, a second, and a third active electrode, the second active electrode flanked by the first and third active electrodes, each of the plurality of active electrodes further including a first free end, and a second connected end, and wherein in the case of the first and third active electrodes the orientation with respect to the treatment surface of the connected end and the free end is different from the orientation of the loop portion.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 34 words

The apparatus of claim 14 , wherein each of the plurality of active electrodes includes a distal face, each of the distal faces oriented in a different direction with respect to the treatment surface.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 34 words

The apparatus of claim 16 , wherein the plurality of active electrodes comprise a first, a second, and a third active electrode, the second active electrode flanked by the first and third active electrodes.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 22 words

The apparatus of claim 17 , wherein the second active electrode extends in the direction of a longitudinal axis of the shaft.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 26 words

The apparatus of claim 18 , wherein the distal face of the second active electrode extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the shaft.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 27 words

The apparatus of claim 18 , wherein the distal face of each of the first and third active electrodes is oriented substantially towards the second active electrode.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 25 words

The apparatus of claim 16 , wherein the first, second, and third active electrodes extend from the treatment surface by substantially the same orthogonal distance.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 68 words

The apparatus of claim 14 , wherein each of the plurality of active electrodes further includes a connected end, and the connected end of at least one of the plurality of active electrodes has a first orientation with respect to the treatment surface and the loop portion of the at least one of the plurality of active electrodes has a second orientation with respect to the treatment surface.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 14 words

The apparatus of claim 14 , wherein the treatment surface includes a rounded perimeter.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 24 words

The apparatus of claim 14 , wherein the treatment surface is beveled at an angle in the range of from about 25° to 35°.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 14 words

The apparatus of claim 14 , wherein the electrode support comprises an alumina ceramic.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 45 words

The apparatus of claim 14 , further comprising a baffle arranged transversely within the shaft distal end portion, the baffle defining a plurality of aspiration ports at the distal terminus of the aspiration channel, and the baffle located proximal to the plurality of active electrodes.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 36 words

The apparatus of claim 26 , wherein the baffle is recessed within the electrode support to define a holding chamber adapted for retaining tissue fragments which do not readily pass through the plurality of aspiration ports.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 25 words

The apparatus of claim 14 , wherein each of the plurality of active electrodes comprises a length of wire extending transversely across the aspiration port.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 20 words

The apparatus of claim 14 , wherein each of the plurality of active electrodes has a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 20 words

The apparatus of claim 14 , wherein each of the plurality of active electrodes consists essentially of a platinum/iridium alloy.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 87 words

An electrosurgical suction apparatus for removing tissue from a target site, comprising: a shaft having a shaft distal end portion and a shaft proximal end portion; an electrically insulating electrode support disposed on the shaft distal end portion, the electrode support including a beveled treatment surface encircling an aspiration port; and a plurality of active electrodes disposed on the electrode support, each of the plurality of active electrodes comprising a loop portion bridging the aspiration port, and a first free end terminating within an electrically insulating material.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 87 words

An electrosurgical suction apparatus for removing tissue from a target site, comprising: a shaft having a shaft distal end portion and a shaft proximal end portion; an electrically insulating electrode support disposed on the shaft distal end portion, the electrode support including a beveled treatment surface encircling an aspiration port; and a plurality of active electrodes disposed on the electrode support, each of the plurality of active electrodes comprising a loop portion bridging the aspiration port, and a first free end terminating within an electrically insulating material.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 17 words

The apparatus of claim 31 , wherein the loop portions are arranged substantially parallel to each other.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 16 words

The apparatus of claim 31 , wherein each loop portion has a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 30 words

The apparatus of claim 31 , wherein the loop portion of each of the plurality of active electrodes is oriented in a different direction with respect to the treatment surface.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 16 words

The apparatus of claim 34 , wherein the plurality of active electrodes are three in number.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 34 words

The apparatus of claim 31 , wherein each of the plurality of active electrodes includes a distal face, and each distal face is oriented in a different direction with respect to the treatment surface.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 177 words

An electrosurgical system for removing tissue from a target site, comprising: an electrosurgical suction apparatus; and a high frequency power supply coupled to the suction apparatus for supplying a high frequency voltage to the suction apparatus, the suction apparatus including: a shaft having a shaft distal end portion and a shaft proximal end portion; an electrically insulating electrode support disposed on the shaft distal end portion, the electrode support including a beveled treatment surface; a plurality of active electrodes, each of the plurality of active electrodes independently coupled to a first pole of the high frequency power supply, each of the plurality of active electrodes comprising a loop portion, each of the loop portions arranged substantially parallel to each other on the treatment surface; a return electrode on the shaft distal end portion at a location proximal to the electrode support, the return electrode coupled to a second pole of the high frequency power supply; and an aspiration unit including an aspiration port in communication with an aspiration channel, the aspiration port encircled by the electrode support.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 177 words

An electrosurgical system for removing tissue from a target site, comprising: an electrosurgical suction apparatus; and a high frequency power supply coupled to the suction apparatus for supplying a high frequency voltage to the suction apparatus, the suction apparatus including: a shaft having a shaft distal end portion and a shaft proximal end portion; an electrically insulating electrode support disposed on the shaft distal end portion, the electrode support including a beveled treatment surface; a plurality of active electrodes, each of the plurality of active electrodes independently coupled to a first pole of the high frequency power supply, each of the plurality of active electrodes comprising a loop portion, each of the loop portions arranged substantially parallel to each other on the treatment surface; a return electrode on the shaft distal end portion at a location proximal to the electrode support, the return electrode coupled to a second pole of the high frequency power supply; and an aspiration unit including an aspiration port in communication with an aspiration channel, the aspiration port encircled by the electrode support.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 67 words

The electrosurgical system of claim 37 , wherein each of the plurality of active electrodes is adapted for ablating tissue via molecular dissociation of tissue components to form low molecular weight ablation by-products and resected tissue fragments, and each of the plurality of active electrodes is further adapted for digesting the resected tissue fragments via molecular dissociation of tissue components to form low molecular weight ablation by-products.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 25 words

The electrosurgical system of claim 37 , wherein the aspiration unit is adapted for removing ablation by-products and resected tissue fragments from a surgical field.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 75 words

The electrosurgical system of claim 37 , wherein, in the presence of an electrically conductive fluid, each of the plurality of active electrodes generates a plasma upon application of a high frequency voltage thereto, and each of the plurality of active electrodes are capable of ablating a tissue via a cool ablation process, wherein tissue components undergo molecular dissociation, wherein the tissue which undergoes molecular dissociation is exposed to a temperature not exceeding 90° C.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 56 words

The electrosurgical system of claim 37 , wherein the high frequency voltage is characterized by a peak-to-peak voltage in the range of from about 10 to 2000 volts, a RMS voltage in the range of from about 5 volts to 1000 volts, and a frequency in the range of from about 5 kHz to 20 MHz.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 14 words

The system of claim 37 , wherein each loop portion spans the aspiration port.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 49 words

The system of claim 37 , wherein each of the plurality of active electrodes further comprises a first free end terminating within an electrically insulating material, and a second connected end coupled to an active electrode lead, the active electrode lead in communication with the high frequency power supply.

Claim 48

Independent Claim 22 words

The system of 43 , wherein at least one of the active electrode and the active electrode lead comprises a platinum/iridium alloy.

Claim 49

Independent Claim 22 words

The system of 43 , wherein at least one of the active electrode and the active electrode lead comprises a platinum/iridium alloy.

Claim 50

Independent Claim 149 words

A method of removing tissue from a target site of a patient, comprising: a) positioning a shaft distal end of an electrosurgical apparatus in the vicinity of the target site, the shaft distal end bearing an electrically insulating electrode support, the electrode support including a treatment surface having a plurality of active electrodes disposed thereon, each of the plurality of active electrodes including a loop portion traversing an aspiration port, the loop portions arranged substantially parallel to each other, wherein at least one of the plurality of active electrodes makes contact with, or is in close proximity to, the tissue at the target site; b) applying a high frequency voltage between the plurality of active electrodes and a return electrode, wherein at least a portion of the tissue at the target site is ablated via molecular dissociation of tissue components; and c) aspirating unwanted materials from the target site.

Claim 51

Independent Claim 149 words

A method of removing tissue from a target site of a patient, comprising: a) positioning a shaft distal end of an electrosurgical apparatus in the vicinity of the target site, the shaft distal end bearing an electrically insulating electrode support, the electrode support including a treatment surface having a plurality of active electrodes disposed thereon, each of the plurality of active electrodes including a loop portion traversing an aspiration port, the loop portions arranged substantially parallel to each other, wherein at least one of the plurality of active electrodes makes contact with, or is in close proximity to, the tissue at the target site; b) applying a high frequency voltage between the plurality of active electrodes and a return electrode, wherein at least a portion of the tissue at the target site is ablated via molecular dissociation of tissue components; and c) aspirating unwanted materials from the target site.

Claim 52

Dependent Claim 24 words

The method of claim 45 , wherein the loop portions are oriented in a plurality of different directions with respect to the treatment surface.

Claim 53

Dependent Claim 40 words

The method of claim 45 , wherein each of the plurality of active electrodes is capable of ablating tissue from the target site via molecular dissociation of tissue components to generate low molecular weight ablation by-products and resected tissue fragments.

Claim 54

Dependent Claim 34 words

The method of claim 45 , wherein each of the plurality of active electrodes is capable of ablating resected tissue fragments via molecular dissociation of tissue components to generate low molecular weight ablation by-products.

Claim 55

Dependent Claim 52 words

The method of claim 45 , further comprising: prior to said step b), delivering an electrically conductive fluid to the shaft distal end or to the target site, wherein the electrically conductive fluid provides a current flow path between at least one of the plurality of active electrodes and the return electrode.

Claim 56

Dependent Claim 22 words

The method of claim 45 , wherein the tissue at the target site is modified by the volumetric removal of the tissue.

Claim 57

Dependent Claim 29 words

The method of claim 45 , wherein the tissue at the target site is ablated to a controlled depth to form a modified tissue having a smooth, contoured surface.

Claim 58

Dependent Claim 28 words

The method of claim 45 , further comprising: manipulating the apparatus such that the plurality of active electrodes are moved with respect to a surface of the tissue.

Claim 59

Dependent Claim 20 words

The method of claim 52 , wherein manipulating the apparatus comprises reciprocating the treatment surface with respect to the tissue.

Claim 60

Dependent Claim 52 words

The method of claim 45 , wherein each of the plurality of active electrodes includes a distal face, and the method further comprises: moving each distal face with respect to the tissue, wherein the tissue is ablated via molecular dissociation of tissue components in a region of movement of each distal face.

Claim 61

Dependent Claim 34 words

The method of claim 45 , wherein the high frequency voltage applied between the plurality of active electrodes and the return electrode is in the range of from about 10 to 500 volts RMS.

Claim 62

Dependent Claim 29 words

The method of claim 45 , wherein the tissue at the target site is exposed to a temperature in the range of from about 40° C. to 90° C.

Claim 63

Dependent Claim 29 words

The method of claim 45 , wherein the electrode support comprises a material selected from the group consisting of a ceramic, a glass, a fluoropolymer, and a silicone rubber.

Claim 64

Dependent Claim 29 words

The method of claim 45 , wherein each of the plurality of active electrodes comprises a material selected from the group consisting of platinum, tungsten, palladium, iridium, and titanium.

Claim 65

Dependent Claim 28 words

The method of claim 45 , wherein each of the plurality of active electrodes comprises from about 85% to 95% platinum and from about 5% to 15% iridium.

Claim 66

Dependent Claim 14 words

The method of claim 45 , wherein the electrode support comprises an alumina ceramic.

Claim 67

Dependent Claim 24 words

The method of claim 45 , wherein the electrode support is beveled at an angle in the range of from about 25° to 35°.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	2006-07-07	2007-01-06	2007-07-08	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2010-07-07	2011-01-06	2011-07-08	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2014-07-07	2015-01-06	2015-07-08	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Electrosurgical apparatus and methods for treating tissue

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