US6589238B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Sphincter treatment device
Assignee: Mederi Therapeutics Inc
•
Filing: 2002-02-27
•
Granted: 2003-07-08
•
Expires: 2022-02-27
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus includes a first expandable member that is expandable by an expansion medium. The first expandable member includes an exterior and a plurality of apertures. The expansion medium is released from the first expandable member when a sufficient pressure is applied to the expansion medium housed in an interior of the first expandable member. A second expandable member is positioned at least partially adjacent to the first expandable member. The second expandable member is configured to receive at least a portion of the expansion medium from the interior of the first expandable member. An electromagnetic energy delivery device is coupled to one of the first or second expandable members and is configured to be coupled to a power source. The first and second expandable members are sized to be expanded sufficiently to open a sphincter.
Inventors
- 👤 Stuart D Edwards
- 👤 David S Utley
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-22 23:01
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B18/00; A61B18/04; A61B18/12; A61B18/14; A61B18/1492; A61B2018/00315; A61B2018/00553
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 70
Claim 1
Independent Claim
162 words
An apparatus, comprising: a first expandable member expandable by an expansion media, the first expandable member including an exterior and a plurality of apertures, the first expandable member releasing the expansion medium when a sufficient pressure is applied to the expansion medium housed in an interior of the first expandable member; a second expandable member positioned at least partially adjacent to the first expandable member, the second expandable member being configured to receive at least a portion of the expansion medium from the interior of the first expandable member; wherein the first and second expandable members are sized to be expanded sufficiently to open a sphincter; and an electromagnetic energy delivery device coupled to one of the first or second expandable members, wherein the electromagnetic energy delivery device is configured to deliver energy to sphincter tissue, and a flexible coupling member coupled to one of the first or second expandable members, the coupling member configured to be maneuverable in a body lumen.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
162 words
An apparatus, comprising: a first expandable member expandable by an expansion media, the first expandable member including an exterior and a plurality of apertures, the first expandable member releasing the expansion medium when a sufficient pressure is applied to the expansion medium housed in an interior of the first expandable member; a second expandable member positioned at least partially adjacent to the first expandable member, the second expandable member being configured to receive at least a portion of the expansion medium from the interior of the first expandable member; wherein the first and second expandable members are sized to be expanded sufficiently to open a sphincter; and an electromagnetic energy delivery device coupled to one of the first or second expandable members, wherein the electromagnetic energy delivery device is configured to deliver energy to sphincter tissue, and a flexible coupling member coupled to one of the first or second expandable members, the coupling member configured to be maneuverable in a body lumen.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the electromagnetic energy delivery device includes a plurality of energy delivery members evenly distributed on an external surface of one of the first or second expandable members.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the plurality of energy delivery members are evenly distributed around a circumference of the external surface of one of the first or second expandable members.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the coupling member has a length sufficient to position the first expandable member adjacent to the sphincter.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first and second expandable members are sized to be expanded sufficiently to open the lower esophageal sphincter.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein a proximal portion of the coupling member is maneuverable by a medical practitioner.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the electromagnetic energy delivery device includes an RF electrode.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the electromagnetic energy delivery device is a plurality of RF electrodes.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 8 , wherein the plurality of electrodes is a flexible circuit.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the RF electrode is coupled to the first expandable member.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the RF electrode is coupled to the second expandable member.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 10 , wherein the RF electrode is positioned on a surface of the first expandable member.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 10 , wherein the RF electrode is positioned on a surface of the second expandable member.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 10 , wherein the RF electrode is positioned in the second expandable member.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising: a mechanical expansion device coupled to the first expandable member.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first expandable member is a balloon.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the second expandable member is made of a porous membrane.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the second expandable member is made of an open cell material.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising: a groundpad electrode configured to be coupled to an exterior surface of a patient.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the expansion medium is an electrolytic expansion medium.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus of claim 20 , further comprising: an electrolytic solution source; and a fluid delivery device configured to be coupled to the electrolytic solution source and the first expandable member.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising: a heating device for heating the expansion medium.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 22 , wherein the heating device is positionable in the interior of the first expandable member.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 22 , wherein the heating device is coupled to an expansion medium source.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising: a visualization device coupled to the first expanable member.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 25 , wherein the visualization device extends beyond a distal portion of the first expandable member.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 25 , wherein at least a portion of the visualization device extends through the first expandable member.
Claim 29
Independent Claim
161 words
An apparatus, comprising: an elongated introducer with a non-tissue penetrating distal end; an expandable member coupled to a distal portion of the elongated introducer, the expandable member having a non-deployed and a deployed state, the expandable member being sized to be at least partially positioned in an interior of the sphincter and of sufficient size in the expandable state to at least partially efface the folds of the sphincter; an electromagnetic energy delivery device coupled to the expandable member and configured to be coupled to a power source, the electromagnetic energy delivery device including a first tissue penetrating electrode and a second tissue penetrating electrode; and wherein the expandable member is sized in the deployed state to at least partially dilute the sphincter and introduce the first and second tissue penetrating electrodes into the at least partially effaced sphincter folds and sized in the non-deployed state to retract the first and second electrodes from the at least partially effaced sphincter folds.
Claim 30
Independent Claim
161 words
An apparatus, comprising: an elongated introducer with a non-tissue penetrating distal end; an expandable member coupled to a distal portion of the elongated introducer, the expandable member having a non-deployed and a deployed state, the expandable member being sized to be at least partially positioned in an interior of the sphincter and of sufficient size in the expandable state to at least partially efface the folds of the sphincter; an electromagnetic energy delivery device coupled to the expandable member and configured to be coupled to a power source, the electromagnetic energy delivery device including a first tissue penetrating electrode and a second tissue penetrating electrode; and wherein the expandable member is sized in the deployed state to at least partially dilute the sphincter and introduce the first and second tissue penetrating electrodes into the at least partially effaced sphincter folds and sized in the non-deployed state to retract the first and second electrodes from the at least partially effaced sphincter folds.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 28 , further comprising: a coupling member coupled to the expandable member.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus of claim 29 , wherein the coupling member has a length sufficient to position at least a portion of the expandable member in the lower esophageal sphincter.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus of claim 29 , wherein the coupling member has a length sufficient to position at least a portion of the expandable member distal to the lower esophageal sphincter.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 29 , wherein a proximal portion of the coupling member is manevurable by a medical practionioner.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 28 , wherein the electromagnetic energy delivery device includes an RF electrode.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 28 , wherein the electromagnetic energy delivery device is a plurality of RF electrodes.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 34 , wherein the plurality of electrodes is a flexible circuit.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 33 , wherein the RF electrode is coupled to the expandable member.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 33 , wherein the RF electrode is positioned on a surface of the expandable member.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 33 , wherein the RF electrode is positioned in the expandable member.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 28 , further comprising: a mechanical expansion device coupled to the expandable member.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 28 , wherein the expandable member is a balloon.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 28 , wherein an exterior surface of the expandable member is at least partially made of a porous membrane.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 28 , wherein an exterior surface of the expandable member is at least partially made of an open cell material.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 28 , further comprising: a groundpad electrode configured to be coupled to an exterior surface of a patient.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 28 , wherein the expansion medium is an electrolytic expansion medium.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus of claim 44 , further comprising: an electrolytic solution source; and a fluid delivery device configured to be coupled to the electrolytic solution source and the expandable member.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 28 , further comprising: a heating device for heating the expansion medium.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 46 , wherein the heating device is positionable in the interior of the expandable member.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 46 , wherein the heating device is coupled to an expansion medium source.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 28 , further comprising: a visualization device coupled to the expandable member.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 49 , wherein the visualization device extends beyond a distal portion of the expandable member.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 49 , wherein at least a portion of the visualization device extends through the interior of the expandable member.
Claim 54
Independent Claim
174 words
An apparatus, comprising: an endoscope including a lumen; an elongated introducer with a non-tissue penetrating distal end; an expandable member coupled to a distal portion of the elongated introducer, the expandable member having a non-deployed and a deployed state, the expandable member being sized to be at least partially positioned in an interior of the sphincter and of sufficient size in the expandable state to at least partially efface the folds of the sphincter, the expandable member being positionable in the lumen; an electromagnetic energy delivery device coupled to the expandable member and configured to be coupled to a power source, the electromagnetic energy delivery device including a first tissue penetrating electrode and a second tissue penetrating electrode; and wherein the expandable member is sized in the deployed state to at least partially dilate the sphincter and introduce the first and second tissue penetrating electrodes into the at least partially effaced sphincter folds and sized in the non-deployed state to retract the first and second electrodes from the at least partially effaced sphincter folds.
Claim 55
Independent Claim
174 words
An apparatus, comprising: an endoscope including a lumen; an elongated introducer with a non-tissue penetrating distal end; an expandable member coupled to a distal portion of the elongated introducer, the expandable member having a non-deployed and a deployed state, the expandable member being sized to be at least partially positioned in an interior of the sphincter and of sufficient size in the expandable state to at least partially efface the folds of the sphincter, the expandable member being positionable in the lumen; an electromagnetic energy delivery device coupled to the expandable member and configured to be coupled to a power source, the electromagnetic energy delivery device including a first tissue penetrating electrode and a second tissue penetrating electrode; and wherein the expandable member is sized in the deployed state to at least partially dilate the sphincter and introduce the first and second tissue penetrating electrodes into the at least partially effaced sphincter folds and sized in the non-deployed state to retract the first and second electrodes from the at least partially effaced sphincter folds.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 52 , further comprising: a coupling member coupled to the expandable member.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus of claim 53 , wherein the coupling member has a length sufficient to position at least a portion of the expandable member in the lower esophageal sphincter.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus of claim 53 , wherein the coupling member has a length sufficient to position at least a portion of the expandable member distal to the lower esophageal sphincter.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 54 , wherein a proximal portion of the coupling member is maneuverable by a medical practitioner.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 52 , wherein the electromagnetic energy delivery device includes an RF electrode.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 52 , wherein the electromagnetic energy delivery device is a plurality of RF electrodes.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 58 , wherein the plurality of electrodes is a flexible circuit.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 57 , wherein the RF electrode is coupled to the expandable member.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 57 , wherein the RF electrode is positioned on a surface of the expandable member.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 61 , wherein the expandable member is configured to be advanced from a distal end of the lumen.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 57 , further comprising: a visualization channel formed in the interior of the endoscope.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 63 , further comprising: a visualization device configured to be positionable in the visualization channel.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 53 , further comprising: a visualization device coupled to the expandable member.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 65 , wherein the visualization device extends beyond a distal portion of the expandable member.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 65 , wherein at least a portion of the visualization device extends through the interior of the expandable member.
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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) | 2006-07-07 | 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 |