US7226448B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Cardiac treatment devices and methods
Assignee: Endoscopic Technologies Inc
•
Filing: 2003-04-08
•
Granted: 2007-06-05
•
Expires: 2023-04-08
Abstract
Abstract Devices and methods provide for ablation of cardiac tissue for treating cardiac arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation. Although the devices and methods are often be used to ablate epicardial tissue in the vicinity of at least one pulmonary vein, various embodiments may be used to ablate other cardiac tissues in other locations on a heart. Devices generally include at least one tissue contacting member for contacting epicardial tissue and securing the ablation device to the epicardial tissue, and at least one ablation member for ablating the tissue. Various embodiments include features, such as suction apertures, which enable the device to attach to the epicardial surface with sufficient strength to allow the tissue to be stabilized via the device. For example, some embodiments may be used to stabilize a beating heart to enable a beating heart ablation procedure. Many of the devices may be introduced into a patient via minimally invasive introducer devices and the like. Although devices and methods of the invention may be used to ablate epicardial tissue to treat atrial fibrillation, they may also be used in veterinary or research contexts, to treat various heart conditions other than atrial fibrillation and/or to ablate cardiac tissue other than the epicardium.
Inventors
- 👤 Arthur A. Bertolero
- 👤 Tamer Ibrahim
- 👤 Daniel J. Conley
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 09:05
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B1/00; A61B1/12; A61B18/00; A61B18/04; A61B18/12; A61B18/14; A61B18/1492; A61B18/1442; A61B18/1445; A61B18/18; A61B18/1402; A61B17/00; A61B17/00234; A61B2017/00238; A61B2017/00243; A61B17/22; A61B2017/22051; A61B17/28; A61B17/29; A61B2017/2926; A61B2017/2945; A61B2018/00005; A61B2018/00011; A61B2018/00023; A61B2018/00029; A61B2018/00053; A61B2018/00273; A61B2018/00291; A61B2018/00315; A61B2018/00345; A61B2018/00351; A61B2018/00363; A61B2018/00404; A61B2018/00571; A61B2018/00577; A61B2018/00636; A61B2018/00773; A61B2018/00875; A61B2018/00982; A61B18/1206; A61B2018/1246; A61B2018/126; A61B2018/1405; A61B2018/1425; A61B2018/1432
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 108
Claim 1
Independent Claim
168 words
A system for treating heart tissue to treat a cardiac arrhythmia, the system comprising: at least one energy transmission member for applying energy to the heart tissue in a pattern to treat the cardiac arrhythmia; at least one tissue securing member coupled with the at least one energy transmission member for enhancing contact of the energy transmission member with the heart tissue; at least one guiding member coupled with at least one of the energy transmission member or the tissue securing member for guiding the energy transmission member and the tissue securing member to a location for treating the heart tissue; a connector for removably coupling the at least one tissue securing member with the at least one energy transmission member; and at least one positioning device for contacting the heart tissue and positioning the heart tissue for treatment, the at least one positioning device comprising a suction positioning device; wherein the at least one tissue securing member is conformable to a surface topography of the heart tissue.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
168 words
A system for treating heart tissue to treat a cardiac arrhythmia, the system comprising: at least one energy transmission member for applying energy to the heart tissue in a pattern to treat the cardiac arrhythmia; at least one tissue securing member coupled with the at least one energy transmission member for enhancing contact of the energy transmission member with the heart tissue; at least one guiding member coupled with at least one of the energy transmission member or the tissue securing member for guiding the energy transmission member and the tissue securing member to a location for treating the heart tissue; a connector for removably coupling the at least one tissue securing member with the at least one energy transmission member; and at least one positioning device for contacting the heart tissue and positioning the heart tissue for treatment, the at least one positioning device comprising a suction positioning device; wherein the at least one tissue securing member is conformable to a surface topography of the heart tissue.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
A system as in claim 1 , further comprising at least one visualization member for enhancing visualization of the heart tissue and the treatment location.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
39 words
A system as in claim 2 , wherein the at least one visualization member comprises at least one of an optic imaging device, a thermal imaging device, an ultrasound device, an electrical imaging device or a Doppler imaging device.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
A system as in claim 3 , wherein the optic imaging device comprises a fiber optic device positionable to view a posterior portion of the heart tissue.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
38 words
A system as in claim 3 , wherein the thermal imaging device measures at least one heat transfer coefficient of the heart tissue to determine at least one of a type or a thickness of the heart tissue.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
40 words
A system as in claim 3 , wherein the electrical imaging device measures at least one of electrical resistance or impedance of the heart tissue to determine at least one of a type and a thickness of the heart tissue.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
43 words
A system as in claim 2 , wherein the at least one visualization member is removably coupled with at least one of the at least one energy transmission member, the at least one tissue securing member or the at least one guiding member.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
52 words
A system as in claim 2 , wherein the at least one visualization member comprises at least one optic member for acquiring optic signals of an area to be visualized, and wherein the visualization member includes at least one inflatable member coupled with the visualization member at or near the optic member.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
28 words
A system as in claim 8 , wherein the at least one inflatable member provides a space in a body cavity to enhance operation of the optic member.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
30 words
A system as in claim 8 , wherein the at least one inflatable member provides a space between at least two body tissues to enhance operation of the optic member.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
44 words
A system as in claim 8 , wherein the at least one inflatable member comprises an inflation port in fluid communication with an inflation lumen coupled with the visualization member for allowing introduction of a liquid or a gas to inflate the inflatable member.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
26 words
A system as in claim 8 , wherein the at least one inflatable member reduces motion of the heart tissue when applied to the heart tissue.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
28 words
A system as in claim 1 , wherein the at least one positioning device reduces motion of a beating heart to further position the heart tissue for treatment.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
45 words
A system as in claim 1 , wherein the at least one energy transmission member contacts an epicardial surface of the heart tissue to transmit the energy, and wherein the energy is transmitted from the epicardial surface through the heart tissue to an endocardial surface.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
30 words
A system as in claim 14 , wherein the energy is further transmitted through at least one of fat and connective tissue covering at least part of the epicardial surface.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
43 words
A system as in claim 1 , wherein at least one energy transmission member is coupled with at least one guiding member such that a change in shape of the guiding member causes a corresponding change in shape of the energy transmission member.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
48 words
A system as in claim 16 , wherein the guiding member comprises a deformable linear member its shape being adjustable by a user, and wherein the energy transmission member comprises a deformable linear member coaxially coupled with the guiding member so as to move with the guiding member.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
23 words
A system as in claim 17 , wherein the guiding member is adjustable to at least partially encircle at least one pulmonary vein.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
34 words
A system as in claim 1 , wherein a first longitudinal axis of the tissue securing member and a second longitudinal axis of the removably coupled energy transmission member are parallel to one another.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
34 words
A system as in claim 1 , wherein a first longitudinal axis of the tissue securing member and a second longitudinal axis of the removably coupled energy transmission member are offset from one another.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
51 words
A system as in claim 1 , wherein the at least one energy transmission member comprises a linear member, and wherein the at least one connector comprises a plurality of connectors disposed along a length of the tissue securing member for removably coupling the linear member with the tissue securing member.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
33 words
A system as in claim 1 , wherein the at least one tissue securing member allows compressive force to be applied between the at least one energy transmission member and the heart tissue.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
22 words
A system as in claim 1 , wherein the at least one tissue securing member comprises at least one expansible balloon member.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
36 words
A system as in claim 23 , wherein the at least one expansible balloon member comprises at least one fluid introduction port for allowing introduction of a liquid or a gas to expand the balloon member.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
36 words
A system as in claim 24 , wherein the at least one expansible balloon member comprises multiple, separate balloon members, and wherein each separate balloon member is in fluid communication with a separate fluid introduction port.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
32 words
A system as in claim 25 , further comprising means for selectively introducing fluid into one or more of the separate balloons without introducing fluid into one or more other separate balloons.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
30 words
A system as in claim 1 , wherein the tissue securing member prevents a portion of the heart tissue from being treated by the at least one energy transmission member.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
29 words
A system as in claim 27 , wherein the tissue securing member comprises at least one insulation material for preventing the portion of the heart tissue from being treated.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
45 words
A system as in claim 28 , wherein the at least one insulation material further prevents the at least one energy transmission member from contacting or harming other, non-cardiac tissue of the patient and from contacting or harming a user of the energy transmission member.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
29 words
A system as in claim 1 , wherein the at least one guiding member comprises at least one of an elongate shaft, a steerable guidewire and an introducer sheath.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
38 words
A system as in claim 30 , wherein the steerable guidewire comprises a pushable guidewire having at least one relatively stiff portion and one relatively flexible portion for positioning the energy transmission member in a location for treatment.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
35 words
A system as in claim 30 , wherein the steerable guidewire comprises a pullable guidewire to which tension is applied to steer the guidewire to position the energy transmission member in a location for treatment.
Claim 34
Independent Claim
173 words
A system for treating heart tissue to treat a cardiac arrhythmia, the system comprising: at least one energy transmission member for applying energy to the heart tissue in a pattern to treat the cardiac arrhythmia; at least one tissue securing member coupled with the at least one energy transmission member for enhancing contact of the energy transmission member with the heart tissue; at least one needle coupled with the energy transmission member for insertion into the heart tissue to enhance the application of energy to the heart tissue; at least one guiding member coupled with at least one of the energy transmission member or the tissue securing member for guiding the energy transmission member and the tissue securing member to a location for treating the heart tissue; and a connector for removably coupling the at least one tissue securing member with the at least one energy transmission member; wherein the applied energy is selected from the group consisting of radio frequency energy, ultrasound energy, microwave energy, cryogenic energy, thermoelectric energy and laser energy.
Claim 35
Independent Claim
173 words
A system for treating heart tissue to treat a cardiac arrhythmia, the system comprising: at least one energy transmission member for applying energy to the heart tissue in a pattern to treat the cardiac arrhythmia; at least one tissue securing member coupled with the at least one energy transmission member for enhancing contact of the energy transmission member with the heart tissue; at least one needle coupled with the energy transmission member for insertion into the heart tissue to enhance the application of energy to the heart tissue; at least one guiding member coupled with at least one of the energy transmission member or the tissue securing member for guiding the energy transmission member and the tissue securing member to a location for treating the heart tissue; and a connector for removably coupling the at least one tissue securing member with the at least one energy transmission member; wherein the applied energy is selected from the group consisting of radio frequency energy, ultrasound energy, microwave energy, cryogenic energy, thermoelectric energy and laser energy.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
27 words
A system as in claim 33 , further comprising at least one grounding device for dispersing the energy from a patient undergoing an energy transmission heart procedure.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
23 words
A system as in claim 33 , wherein the energy is transmitted from a tip of each of the at least one needle.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
15 words
A system as in claim 33 , wherein the at least one needle is retractable.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
28 words
A system as in claim 36 , wherein the at least one retractable needle is exposed and retracted via a pneumatic member coupled with the energy transmission member.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
28 words
A system as in claim 36 , wherein the at least one retractable needle is exposed and retracted automatically when the energy transmission member contacts the heart tissue.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
25 words
A system as in claim 36 , wherein a depth of penetration of the at least one retractable needle into the heart tissue is adjustable.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
26 words
A system as in claim 33 , further comprising at least one closed circuit feedback loop for measuring and regulating operation of the energy transmission member.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
45 words
A system as in claim 33 , wherein at least one of the energy transmission member or the tissue securing member further comprises at least one fluid aperture for applying fluid to the heart tissue to enhance the application of energy to the heart tissue.
Claim 44
Independent Claim
146 words
A system for treating heart tissue to treat a cardiac arrhythmia, the system comprising: at least one energy transmission member for applying energy to the heart tissue in a pattern to treat the cardiac arrhythmia; at least one tissue securing member coupled with the at least one energy transmission member for enhancing contact of the energy transmission member with the heart tissue; at least one guiding member coupled with at least one of the energy transmission member or the tissue securing member for guiding the energy transmission member and the tissue securing member to a location for treating the heart tissue; and a connector for removably coupling the at least one tissue securing member with the at least one energy transmission member; wherein a first longitudinal axis of the tissue securing member and a second longitudinal axis of the removably coupled energy transmission member are colinear.
Claim 45
Independent Claim
146 words
A system for treating heart tissue to treat a cardiac arrhythmia, the system comprising: at least one energy transmission member for applying energy to the heart tissue in a pattern to treat the cardiac arrhythmia; at least one tissue securing member coupled with the at least one energy transmission member for enhancing contact of the energy transmission member with the heart tissue; at least one guiding member coupled with at least one of the energy transmission member or the tissue securing member for guiding the energy transmission member and the tissue securing member to a location for treating the heart tissue; and a connector for removably coupling the at least one tissue securing member with the at least one energy transmission member; wherein a first longitudinal axis of the tissue securing member and a second longitudinal axis of the removably coupled energy transmission member are colinear.
Claim 46
Independent Claim
137 words
A system for treating heart tissue to treat a cardiac arrhythmia, the system comprising: at least one energy transmission member for applying energy to the heart tissue in a pattern to treat the cardiac arrhythmia; at least one tissue securing member coupled with the at least one energy transmission member for enhancing contact of the energy transmission member with the heart tissue; at least one guiding member coupled with at least one of the energy transmission member or the tissue securing member for guiding the energy transmission member and the tissue securing member to a location for treating the heart tissue; and a connector for removably coupling the at least one tissue securing member with the at least one energy transmission member; wherein the at least one tissue securing member comprises at least one vacuum applying member.
Claim 47
Independent Claim
137 words
A system for treating heart tissue to treat a cardiac arrhythmia, the system comprising: at least one energy transmission member for applying energy to the heart tissue in a pattern to treat the cardiac arrhythmia; at least one tissue securing member coupled with the at least one energy transmission member for enhancing contact of the energy transmission member with the heart tissue; at least one guiding member coupled with at least one of the energy transmission member or the tissue securing member for guiding the energy transmission member and the tissue securing member to a location for treating the heart tissue; and a connector for removably coupling the at least one tissue securing member with the at least one energy transmission member; wherein the at least one tissue securing member comprises at least one vacuum applying member.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
59 words
A system as in claim 43 , wherein the at least one vacuum applying member comprises: at least one vacuum lumen; at least one vacuum port in fluid communication with the lumen for coupling the lumen with a vacuum source; and at least one aperture in fluid communication with the lumen for applying vacuum force to the heart tissue.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
32 words
A system as in claim 44 , wherein the at least one vacuum lumen comprises multiple, separate lumens, and wherein each separate lumen is in fluid communication with a separate vacuum port.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
32 words
A system as in claim 45 , further comprising means for selectively applying vacuum to one or more of the separate lumens without applying vacuum to one or more other separate lumens.
Claim 51
Independent Claim
152 words
A system for treating heart tissue to treat a cardiac arrhythmia, the system comprising: at least one therapeutic agent transmission member for applying at least one therapeutic agent to the heart tissue in a pattern to treat the cardiac arrhythmia; at least one tissue securing member coupled with the at least one therapeutic agent transmission member for enhancing contact of the at least one therapeutic agent transmission member with the heart tissue; at least one guiding member coupled with at least one of the therapeutic agent transmission member or the tissue securing member for guiding the therapeutic agent transmission member and the tissue securing member to a location for treating the heart tissue; a first sheath for receiving the at least one guiding member through a first incision; and a second sheath for receiving at least one of the therapeutic agent transmission member or the tissue securing member through a second incision.
Claim 52
Independent Claim
152 words
A system for treating heart tissue to treat a cardiac arrhythmia, the system comprising: at least one therapeutic agent transmission member for applying at least one therapeutic agent to the heart tissue in a pattern to treat the cardiac arrhythmia; at least one tissue securing member coupled with the at least one therapeutic agent transmission member for enhancing contact of the at least one therapeutic agent transmission member with the heart tissue; at least one guiding member coupled with at least one of the therapeutic agent transmission member or the tissue securing member for guiding the therapeutic agent transmission member and the tissue securing member to a location for treating the heart tissue; a first sheath for receiving the at least one guiding member through a first incision; and a second sheath for receiving at least one of the therapeutic agent transmission member or the tissue securing member through a second incision.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
45 words
A system as in claim 47 , wherein the therapeutic agent transmission member comprises: at least one lumen; and at least one aperture in the lumen for allowing passage of the at least one therapeutic agent out of the lumen to contact the heart tissue.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
40 words
A system as in claim 48 , further comprising at least one needle coupled with the therapeutic agent transmission member for insertion into the heart tissue to enhance application of the at least one therapeutic agent to the heart tissue.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
48 words
A system as in claim 47 , wherein the therapeutic agent transmission member comprises: at least one needle; and at least one aperture adjacent a tip of each needle for allowing passage of the at least one therapeutic agent out of the needle to contact the heart tissue.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
15 words
A system as in claim 50 , wherein the at least one needle is retractable.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
29 words
A system as in claim 51 , wherein the at least one retractable needle is exposed and retracted via a pneumatic member coupled with the therapeutic agent transmission member.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
29 words
A system as in claim 51 , wherein the at least one retractable needle is exposed and retracted automatically when the therapeutic agent transmission member contacts the heart tissue.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
25 words
A system as in claim 51 , wherein a depth of penetration of the at least one retractable needle into the heart tissue is adjustable.
Claim 60
Independent Claim
157 words
A method for treating heart tissue of a patient to treat a cardiac arrhythmia, the method comprising: advancing at least one treatment member coupled with at least one tissue securing member through a first incision on the patient; inserting at least one guiding member through a second incision on the patient and securing the at least one guiding member with at least one of the treatment member and the tissue securing member; visualizing a treatment area in the patient with at least one visualization member; contacting the heart tissue of the patient with the at least one treatment member and the at least one tissue securing member by manipulating the at least one guiding member; applying a force, through at least one of the tissue securing member or the guiding member, to enhance contact of the at least one treatment member with the heart tissue; and treating the heart tissue, using the at least one treatment member.
Claim 61
Independent Claim
157 words
A method for treating heart tissue of a patient to treat a cardiac arrhythmia, the method comprising: advancing at least one treatment member coupled with at least one tissue securing member through a first incision on the patient; inserting at least one guiding member through a second incision on the patient and securing the at least one guiding member with at least one of the treatment member and the tissue securing member; visualizing a treatment area in the patient with at least one visualization member; contacting the heart tissue of the patient with the at least one treatment member and the at least one tissue securing member by manipulating the at least one guiding member; applying a force, through at least one of the tissue securing member or the guiding member, to enhance contact of the at least one treatment member with the heart tissue; and treating the heart tissue, using the at least one treatment member.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
39 words
A method as in claim 55 , wherein at least one of the treatment member or the tissue securing member are advanced through a port applied to the patient, the port having a diameter no greater than 5 cm.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
31 words
A method as in claim 55 , wherein the advancing step includes guiding at least one of the treatment member or the tissue securing member using at least one guiding member.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
36 words
A method as in claim 57 , wherein guiding comprises using a pushable guidewire having at least one relatively stiff portion and one relatively flexible portion for positioning the treatment member in a location for treatment.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
33 words
A method as in claim 57 , wherein guiding comprises using a pullable guidewire to which tension is applied to steer the guidewire to position the treatment member in a location for treatment.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method as in claim 55 , further comprising using at least one positioning device to position the heart tissue for treatment.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method as in claim 60 , wherein using the at least one positioning device comprises applying suction to the heart tissue.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method as in claim 60 , wherein using the at least one positioning device reduces motion of the heart tissue.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
37 words
A method as in claim 55 , wherein contacting the heart tissue comprises applying a suction force with the tissue securing member to increase a contact surface area of the tissue securing member with the heart tissue.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method as in claim 63 , wherein applying the suction force further comprises providing consistent contact force between the heart tissue and the tissue securing member.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
39 words
A method as in claim 63 , wherein applying the suction force comprises securing the tissue securing member and the treatment member to the heart tissue, the tissue securing member and the treatment member having the same cross-sectional shape.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
29 words
A method as in claim 55 , wherein treating the heart tissue comprises applying energy to the heart tissue in a pattern to reduce or eliminate the cardiac arrhythmia.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
31 words
A method as in claim 66 , wherein applying the energy comprises applying at least one of radio frequency energy, ultrasound energy, microwave energy, cryogenic energy, thermoelectric energy or laser energy.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
39 words
A method as in claim 66 , wherein applying the energy comprises applying energy to an epicardial surface of the heart, and wherein the energy is transmitted from the epicardial surface through the heart tissue to an endocardial surface.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
30 words
A method as in claim 68 , wherein the energy is further transmitted through at least one of fat and connective tissue covering at least part of the epicardial surface.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method as in claim 66 , further comprising dispersing the energy from the patient through at least one grounding device coupled with the patient.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
28 words
A method as in claim 66 , further comprising inserting at least one needle into the heart tissue to enhance the application of energy to the heart tissue.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method as in claim 71 , wherein the energy is transmitted from a tip of each of the at least one needle.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
40 words
A method as in claim 71 , further comprising extending the at least one needle from a retracted position before applying the energy and retracting the at least one needle to the retracted position when the energy has been applied.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method as in claim 73 , further comprising selecting a depth of penetration of the at least one retractable needle into the heart tissue.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
40 words
A method as in claim 66 , further comprising: measuring the application of energy to the heart tissue using at least one closed circuit feedback loop; and regulating the application of energy to the heart tissue based on the measurement.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method as in claim 66 , further comprising applying fluid to the heart tissue to enhance the application of energy to the heart tissue.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
33 words
A method as in claim 55 , wherein treating the heart tissue comprises applying at least one therapeutic agent to the heart tissue in a pattern to reduce or eliminate the cardiac arrhythmia.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
31 words
A method as in claim 77 , wherein applying the at least one therapeutic agent comprises infusing the agent through at least one aperture in the at least one treatment member.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
33 words
A method as in claim 78 , applying the at least one therapeutic agent comprises infusing the agent through at least one aperture in at least one needle coupled with the treatment member.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
50 words
A method as in claim 77 , wherein applying the at least one therapeutic agent comprises: inserting at least one needle into the heart tissue to a desired depth; injecting the at least one agent into the heart tissue; and removing the at least one needle from the heart tissue.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
38 words
A method as in claim 80 , further comprising: extending the at least one needle from a retracted position for insertion into the heart tissue; and retracting the at least one needle to the retracted position after injection.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method as in claim 55 , further including adjusting a shape of a guiding member coupled with the at least one treatment member to alter the shape of the treatment member.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
28 words
A method as in claim 82 , wherein adjusting the shape of the guiding member allows the treatment member to conform to a surface of the heart tissue.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
29 words
A method as in claim 82 , wherein adjusting the shape of the guiding member allows the treatment member to at least partially encircle at least one pulmonary vein.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method as in claim 55 , further comprising removably coupling the tissue securing member with the at least one treatment member.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method as in claim 85 , further comprising conforming the tissue securing member to a surface topography of the heart tissue.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method as in claim 55 , wherein applying force comprises applying compressive force between the at least one treatment member and the heart tissue.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method as in claim 87 , wherein applying the compressive force comprises applying vacuum force via at least one vacuum member of the tissue securing member.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
37 words
A method as in claim 88 , further comprising applying the vacuum force through at least a portion of the vacuum member while not applying the vacuum force through at least another portion of the vacuum member.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method as in claim 87 , wherein applying the compressive force comprises applying force via at least one expansible balloon member.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
31 words
A method as in claim 87 , further comprising preventing, using the tissue securing member, a portion of the heart tissue from being treated by the at least one treatment member.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
29 words
A method as in claim 91 , wherein the tissue securing member comprises at least one insulation material for preventing the portion of the heart tissue from being treated.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
41 words
A method as in claim 55 , visualizing comprises using at least one visualization member selected from the group consisting of an optic imaging device, a thermal imaging device, an ultrasound device, an electrical imaging device and a Doppler imaging device.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method as in claim 93 , further comprising expanding an expansible balloon coupled with the visualization member near an optic element to enhance visualization.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method as in claim 94 , wherein expanding the balloon provides a space in a body cavity to enhance operation of the optic member.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method as in claim 94 , wherein expanding the balloon provides a space between at least two body tissues to enhance operation of the optic member.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method as in claim 94 , wherein expanding the balloon reduces motion of the heart tissue when applied to the heart tissue.
Claim 104
Independent Claim
112 words
A method for treating heart tissue of a patient to treat a cardiac arrhythmia, the method comprising: advancing at least one treatment member and at least one tissue securing member through an incision on the patient; removably coupling the at least one treatment member with the at least one tissue securing member; visualizing a treatment area in the patient with at least one visualization member; contacting the heart tissue of the patient with the treatment member and the tissue securing member; applying a force, through the tissue securing member, to enhance contact of the treatment member with the heart tissue; and treating the heart tissue, using the at least one treatment member.
Claim 105
Independent Claim
112 words
A method for treating heart tissue of a patient to treat a cardiac arrhythmia, the method comprising: advancing at least one treatment member and at least one tissue securing member through an incision on the patient; removably coupling the at least one treatment member with the at least one tissue securing member; visualizing a treatment area in the patient with at least one visualization member; contacting the heart tissue of the patient with the treatment member and the tissue securing member; applying a force, through the tissue securing member, to enhance contact of the treatment member with the heart tissue; and treating the heart tissue, using the at least one treatment member.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method as in claim 98 , wherein the treatment member is advanced through the tissue securing member.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method as in claim 98 , wherein the treatment member and the tissue securing member are advanced through a minimally invasive port applied to the patient.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
58 words
A method as in claim 55 , wherein the at least one treatment member and the at least one tissue securing member are advanced through the first incision via a first sheath applied to the patient, and wherein the at least one guiding member is advanced through the second incision via a second sheath applied to the patient.
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| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2010-06-04 | 2010-12-04 | 2011-06-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2014-06-04 | 2014-12-04 | 2015-06-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2018-06-04 | 2018-12-04 | 2019-06-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |