Thin layer ablation apparatus

Abstract

Abstract An apparatus for ablating an inner layer in an organ or lumen of a body, or any desired thin layer. The ablation apparatus includes a balloon-like expandable member (12) (the balloon hereinafter) having an interior section for housing an electrolytic solution, a conforming member (20) made of a material such as a resilient foam rubber (the foam rubber hereinafter). Capable of substantially conforming to a portion of the inner layer of the organ. The foam rubber delivering the electrolytic solution housed within the balloon to the inner layer of the organ, one or more electrodes (39, 41) positioned in or on the foam rubber for delivering RF energy to the inner layer of the organ, an electrical connector device connecting the one or more electrodes to an RF energy source and an electrolytic solution delivery tube for delivering the electrolytic solution from the electrolytic solution source to the balloon. The apparatus may also include a feedback device which monitors a characteristic of the inner layer and, in response, controls the delivery of RF energy to the one or more electrodes. The one or more electrodes may be positioned in or on the foam rubber for delivering RF energy to the inner layer of the organ, each electrode including an insulator formed on a surface of the electrode. The foam rubber may also include 'non'-zone areas with a first porosity rate for delivering electrolytic solution to the inner layer and zone areas for housing an electrode and electrolytic solution, the zone areas having a second porosity rate that is less than the first porosity rate such that the electrolytic solution passes through the zone areas at a slower rate than through the non-zone areas. The ablation apparatus may also include a membrane positioned between the balloon and the foam rubber, the membrane adapted to receive the electrolytic solution from the balloon and deliver the electrolytic solution to the foam rubber.

Inventors

• 👤 Stuart D. Edwards
• 👤 Hugh R. Sharkey
• 👤 James Baker
• 👤 Chris Jones
• 👤 Kee S. Lee
• 👤 Phillip Sommer
• 👤 Bruno Strul

Bibliographic Details