Patent US6682526B1 successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US6682526B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Expandable catheter having two sets of electrodes, and method of use
Assignee: VNUS Medical Technologies LLC
•
Filing: 2000-11-17
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Granted: 2004-01-27
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Expires: 2020-11-17
Abstract
Abstract A catheter includes a first plurality of expandable leads and a second plurality of expandable leads separate and longitudinally spaced-apart from the first plurality to deliver energy to a hollow anatomical structure, such as vein, fallopian tube, hemorrhoid, esophageal varix, to effectively ligate that structure. Each of the leads includes an electrode located at the distal end of the respective electrode lead. Polarizations of the leads may be selected to achieve the power distribution desired. Each electrode lead includes an outward bend such that when a movable sheath is moved out of contact with the leads, they expand outwardly into apposition with an inner wall of the structure to be ligated. High frequency energy can be applied from the leads to create a heating effect in the surrounding tissue of the anatomical structure. The diameter of the hollow anatomical structure is reduced by the heating effect, and the electrodes are freely moved inward by the shrinking structure while still maintaining apposition with the inner wall of the shrinking structure.
Inventors
- 👤 Christopher S. Jones
- 👤 Arthur W. Zikorus
- 👤 Mark P. Parker
- 👤 Brian E. Farley
- 👤 Joseph M. Tartaglia
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 16:45
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B18/00; A61B18/04; A61B18/12; A61B18/14; A61B18/1492; A61B17/00; A61B17/22; A61B2017/22038; A61B2017/22051; A61B2017/22065; A61B2017/22067; A61B2018/00053; A61B2018/00214; A61B2018/0022; A61B2018/00315; A61B2018/00345; A61B2018/00404; A61B2018/00482; A61B2018/00488; A61B2018/00571; A61B2018/00589; A61B2018/00636; A61B2018/00898; A61B18/1206; A61B2018/124; A61B2018/1246; A61B2018/1253; A61B2018/126; A61B90/00; A61B90/36; A61B90/37; A61B2090/378; A61B2090/3782; A61B2218/00; A61B2218/001; A61B2218/002
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 56
Claim 1
Independent Claim
187 words
A method of applying energy intraluminally to a hollow anatomical structure having an inner wall, the method comprising the steps of: introducing into the hollow anatomical structure a catheter having a shaft and a working end with a first plurality of electrode leads disposed at the working end and a second plurality of electrode leads disposed at the working end spaced longitudinally apart from the first plurality, each lead having an electrode connected to a power source; expanding leads of the first plurality outwardly from the working end of the catheter, wherein the electrodes of the first plurality move away from each other and into contact with the inner wall; expanding the leads of the second plurality outwardly from the working end of the catheter, wherein the electrodes of the second plurality move away from each other and into contact with the inner wall at positions spaced apart longitudinally from the contact points on the inner wall of the first plurality; and applying energy to the inner wall from electrodes of the electrode leads to collapse the hollow anatomical structure to effectively occlude the hollow anatomical structure.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
187 words
A method of applying energy intraluminally to a hollow anatomical structure having an inner wall, the method comprising the steps of: introducing into the hollow anatomical structure a catheter having a shaft and a working end with a first plurality of electrode leads disposed at the working end and a second plurality of electrode leads disposed at the working end spaced longitudinally apart from the first plurality, each lead having an electrode connected to a power source; expanding leads of the first plurality outwardly from the working end of the catheter, wherein the electrodes of the first plurality move away from each other and into contact with the inner wall; expanding the leads of the second plurality outwardly from the working end of the catheter, wherein the electrodes of the second plurality move away from each other and into contact with the inner wall at positions spaced apart longitudinally from the contact points on the inner wall of the first plurality; and applying energy to the inner wall from electrodes of the electrode leads to collapse the hollow anatomical structure to effectively occlude the hollow anatomical structure.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 1 wherein during the step of applying energy, the electrode leads do not prevent the collapse the hollow anatomical structure for effective occlusion.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of moving a sheath and the first and second pluralities of electrodes in relation to each other to selectively expand the electrode leads outwardly or contract the electrode leads.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
64 words
The method of claim 3 wherein the electrode leads are mounted to the catheter in a cantilever arrangement and are aligned with an orifice of the sheath, further comprising the step of moving the sleeve in relation to the leads to move the leads through the orifice and permit outward expansion of the leads, and move leads into the orifice to contract the leads.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of moving the catheter in the hollow anatomical structure while continuing to apply energy to the hollow anatomical structure by the electrodes.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of compressing the hollow anatomical structure to a desired size before and during the step of applying energy.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method of claim 6 further comprising the step of: compressing the hollow anatomical structure with a tourniquet or elastic bandage before and during the step of applying energy; and monitoring the hollow anatomical structure through an ultrasound window formed in the tourniquet.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of exsanguinating the hollow anatomical structure before the step of applying energy.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 8 wherein the step of exsanguinating the hollow anatomical structure comprises the step of delivering fluid to displace blood from the anatomical structure.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 8 wherein the step of exsanguinating the hollow anatomical structure includes the step of compressing the hollow anatomical structure.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
56 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of: controlling the energy applied to the electrodes of the first plurality of leads so that they are a first polarity; and controlling the energy applied to the electrodes of the second plurality of leads so that they are a second polarity different from the first polarity.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
123 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the step of applying energy comprises the steps of: controlling the power source so that adjacent electrodes of the first plurality of leads are of opposite polarity while maintaining the polarity of the second plurality of electrodes so that they are electrically neutral; switching the polarity of the electrodes of the first plurality of leads so that they are all of the same polarity upon collapse of the hollow anatomical structure around the first plurality of leads; and controlling the power source so that the electrodes of the second plurality of leads are of opposite polarity relative to the electrodes of the first plurality of leads upon performing the step of switching the polarity of the electrodes.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
57 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of: applying a backplate to a surface of the patient; controlling the energy applied to at least one of the pluralities of electrode leads so that the electrodes are of a first polarity; and controlling the energy applied to the backplate so that it is a second polarity.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
79 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the step of applying energy comprises the steps of: controlling the power source so that adjacent electrodes of the first plurality are of opposite polarity; controlling the power source so that adjacent electrodes of the second plurality are of opposite polarity; and controlling the power source so that the polarities of the electrodes of the second plurality are selected so that opposite polarities are longitudinally aligned with the electrodes of the first plurality.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising the steps of: sensing the temperature at an electrode lead; controlling the application of power to the electrode leads in response to the temperature sensed at the lead.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of flushing the hollow anatomical structure with fluid before the step of applying energy.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of introducing the catheter into a vein.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 17 further comprising the step of compressing the vein to a desired size during the step of applying energy.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 18 further comprising the step of moving the catheter in the vein while continuing to apply energy to the vein by the electrodes.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 17 further comprising the step of compressing the vein to a desired size before the step of applying energy.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 17 further comprising the step of compressing the vein to a desired size before and during the step of applying energy.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 17 further comprising the step of compressing the vein to exsanguinate the vein during the step of applying energy.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the fluid is selected from the following group: saline, a high-impedance fluid, an anti-coagulant, and a sclerosing fluid.
Claim 25
Independent Claim
161 words
A method of applying energy intraluminally to a hollow anatomical structure having an inner wall, the method comprising the steps of: introducing into the hollow anatomical structure a catheter having a shaft and a working end with a first plurality of leads disposed at the working end and a second plurality of leads disposed at the working end spaced longitudinally apart from the first plurality, each lead connected to a power source; expanding leads of the first plurality outwardly away from each other and into contact with the inner wall; expanding leads of the second plurality outwardly away from each other and into contact with the inner wall at positions spaced apart longitudinally from the contact the inner wall of the first plurality; applying energy to the inner wall from the leads to the hollow anatomical structure to collapse and effectively occlude the hollow anatomical structure, the leads being moved inward by the collapsing inner wall of the hollow anatomical structure.
Claim 26
Independent Claim
161 words
A method of applying energy intraluminally to a hollow anatomical structure having an inner wall, the method comprising the steps of: introducing into the hollow anatomical structure a catheter having a shaft and a working end with a first plurality of leads disposed at the working end and a second plurality of leads disposed at the working end spaced longitudinally apart from the first plurality, each lead connected to a power source; expanding leads of the first plurality outwardly away from each other and into contact with the inner wall; expanding leads of the second plurality outwardly away from each other and into contact with the inner wall at positions spaced apart longitudinally from the contact the inner wall of the first plurality; applying energy to the inner wall from the leads to the hollow anatomical structure to collapse and effectively occlude the hollow anatomical structure, the leads being moved inward by the collapsing inner wall of the hollow anatomical structure.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 24 further comprising the step of moving the catheter in the hollow anatomical structure while continuing to apply energy to the hollow anatomical structure by the leads.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 24 wherein the step of applying energy causes a circumferential band along an axial length of the hollow anatomical structure to become heated.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 24 further comprising the step of: selectively energizing the leads of the first and second pluralities to apply energy to the inner wall of the hollow anatomical structure.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 24 further comprising the step of exsanguinating the hollow anatomical structure before the step of applying energy.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 28 wherein the step of exsanguinating the hollow anatomical structure comprises the step of delivering fluid to displace blood from the anatomical structure.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 28 wherein the step of exsanguinating the hollow anatomical structure includes the step of compressing the hollow anatomical structure.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 24 further comprising the step of compressing the hollow anatomical structure to a desired size before and during the step of applying energy.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 31 further comprising the step of: compressing the hollow anatomical structure with a tourniquet or elastic bandage before and during the step of applying energy.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
72 words
The method of claim 24 further comprising the step of: applying a backplate to a surface of the patient; controlling the energy applied to at least one of the pluralities of leads so that the leads are of a first polarity; and controlling the energy applied to the backplate so that it is a second polarity; whereby energy flow through the patient between the backplate and the leads of a first polarity.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method of claim 24 wherein the step of applying energy includes the step of controlling the application of energy such that the energy structurally transfigures collagen fibrils of the hollow anatomical structure such that the hollow anatomical structure collapses.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 34 wherein the step of applying energy includes the step of applying electrical energy from electrodes formed on the leads.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 24 further comprising the step of exsanguinating the hollow anatomical structure by delivering fluid to displace blood from the anatomical structure.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method of claim 24 further comprising the step of exsanguinating the hollow anatomical structure by delivering fluid to displace blood from the anatomical structure, wherein the fluid is selected from the following group: saline, a high-impedance fluid, an anti-coagulant, and a sclerosing fluid.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of introducing the catheter into a fallopian tube.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 38 further comprising the step of compressing the fallopian tube to a desired size during the step of applying energy.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 39 further comprising the step of moving the catheter in the fallopian tube while continuing to apply energy to the fallopian tube by the electrodes.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 39 further comprising the step of compressing the fallopian tube to a desired size before and during the step of applying energy.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 38 further comprising the step of compressing the fallopian tube to a desired size before the step of applying energy.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of introducing the catheter into a hemorrhoid.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 43 further comprising the step of compressing the hemorrhoid to a desired size during the step of applying energy.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 44 further comprising the step of moving the catheter in the hemorrhoid while continuing to apply energy to the hemorrhoid by the electrodes.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 43 further comprising the step of compressing the hemorrhoid to a desired size before the step of applying energy.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 43 further comprising the step of compressing the hemorrhoid to a desired size before and during the step of applying energy.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 43 further comprising the step of exsanguinating the hemorrhoid during the step of applying energy.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of introducing the catheter into an esophageal varix.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 49 further comprising the step of compressing the esophageal varix to a desired size during the step of applying energy.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 50 further comprising the step of moving the catheter in the esophageal varix while continuing to apply energy to the esophageal varix by the electrodes.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 49 further comprising the step of compressing the esophageal varix to a desired size before the step of applying energy.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 49 further comprising the step of compressing the esophageal varix to a desired size before and during the step of applying energy.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 49 further comprising the step of compressing the esophageal varix to exsanguinate the blood during the step of applying energy.
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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) | 2007-01-26 | 2007-07-28 | 2008-01-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2011-01-26 | 2011-07-28 | 2012-01-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2015-01-26 | 2015-07-28 | 2016-01-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |