Induction coil vapor generator
First Claim
1. An inductive vapor generator, comprising:
- an outer support assembly comprising a first tube wherein the first tube is thermally insulating and electrically insulating;
a coil disposed around the outer support assembly;
an inner assembly comprising a second tube, the inner assembly being disposed within the outer support assembly wherein the second tube is thermally conductive and electrically insulating;
a plurality of microtubes disposed within the inner assembly, the plurality of microtubes being configured to receive a fluid from a fluid source;
a first cap pressure-fit on a first end of the inner assembly and a second cap pressure-fit on a second end of the inner assembly, wherein each of the first and the second pressure-fit caps includes an o-ring seal;
a sintered filter disposed within the inner assembly; and
a radiofrequency generator electrically coupled to the coil, the radiofrequency generator being configured to apply a current to the coil to inductively heat the fluid in the plurality of microtubes to convert the fluid into a heated condensable vapor.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An induction coil vapor generator is provided that may include any of a number of features. One feature of the vapor generator is that it can inductively generate high quality condensable vapor. The vapor generator can comprise an outer assembly that supports a coil wire, and an inner assembly disposed in the outer assembly. The inner assembly can house a plurality of microtubes configured to be inductively heated by the coil wire to convert a fluid to condensable vapor. The generator can be disposed in a medical device to treat tissue with vapor. One feature of the medical device is that it can apply condensable vapor energy to tissue, such as a prostrate, to shrink, damage, denaturate the prostate. Methods associated with use of the vapor generator are also covered.
284 Citations
17 Claims
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1. An inductive vapor generator, comprising:
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an outer support assembly comprising a first tube wherein the first tube is thermally insulating and electrically insulating; a coil disposed around the outer support assembly; an inner assembly comprising a second tube, the inner assembly being disposed within the outer support assembly wherein the second tube is thermally conductive and electrically insulating; a plurality of microtubes disposed within the inner assembly, the plurality of microtubes being configured to receive a fluid from a fluid source; a first cap pressure-fit on a first end of the inner assembly and a second cap pressure-fit on a second end of the inner assembly, wherein each of the first and the second pressure-fit caps includes an o-ring seal; a sintered filter disposed within the inner assembly; and a radiofrequency generator electrically coupled to the coil, the radiofrequency generator being configured to apply a current to the coil to inductively heat the fluid in the plurality of microtubes to convert the fluid into a heated condensable vapor. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A medical vapor delivery device, comprising:
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a handle; a working shaft coupled to the handle; an induction vapor generator disposed in the handle and fluidly coupled to a fluid source and the working shaft, the induction vapor generator comprising; an outer support assembly comprising a first tube wherein the first tube is electrically insulating; a coil disposed around the outer support assembly; an inner assembly comprising a second tube, the inner assembly being disposed within the outer support assembly wherein the second tube is electrically insulating; a plurality of microtubes disposed within the inner assembly; and a first cap pressure-fit on a first end of the inner assembly and a second cap pressure-fit on a second end of the inner assembly, wherein each of the first and the second pressure-fit caps includes an o-ring seal; a radiofrequency generator electrically coupled to the coil, the radiofrequency generator configured to apply a current to the coil; and a controller configured to apply a current to the coil to convert a fluid in the plurality of microtubes into a heated vapor inside the induction vapor generator for delivery of the heated vapor through the working shaft to human tissue. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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Specification