Apparatuses and methods for interstitial tissue removal
First Claim
1. A method for removing a volume of solid tissue beneath a tissue surface, said method comprising:
- positioning an energy conductive element at a target site in the solid tissue beneath the tissue surface;
energizing the energy conductive element; and
moving the energized element through successive tissue layers, wherein the element is energized with sufficient energy to vaporize tissue in said successive layers to produce a desired removal volume.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Apparatuses and methods for removing solid tissue from beneath a tissue surface are described. The methods rely on positioning an energy conductive element at a target site beneath the tissue surface and energizing the element so that it can vaporize tissue. The element is then moved in a pattern which provides the desired tissue removal geometry, such as spherical, ovoid, or cylindrical. Usually, the shaft is moved, typically rotated or reciprocated, and the energy conductive element is moved relative to the shaft, typically by pivoting a rigid element or bowing a flexible element.
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Citations
61 Claims
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1. A method for removing a volume of solid tissue beneath a tissue surface, said method comprising:
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positioning an energy conductive element at a target site in the solid tissue beneath the tissue surface;
energizing the energy conductive element; and
moving the energized element through successive tissue layers, wherein the element is energized with sufficient energy to vaporize tissue in said successive layers to produce a desired removal volume. - View Dependent Claims (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 15, 20, 24, 25, 26, 60)
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2. A method for removing a volume of solid tissue beneath a tissue surface, said method comprising:
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providing an instrument having a shaft and a repositionable energy conductive element;
advancing the element through the tissue surface to a target site in the solid tissue, wherein the element is in a low profile configuration and a proximal end of the shaft remains outside the solid tissue;
moving the shaft relative to the tissue surface;
repositioning the element relative to the shaft; and
energizing the element;
wherein the combined movement of the shaft and repositioning of the element cause the element to pass through successive tissue layers and wherein the element is energized with sufficient energy to vaporize tissue in said successive layers to produce a desired removal volume. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 45, 46, 47, 48, 50, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 61)
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27. A tissue ablation device comprising:
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a shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen therethrough;
at least one flexible energy conductive element disposed near the distal end of the shaft;
means for bowing the element between a substantially linear profile where the element lies directly over the shaft and a series of arcuate profiles spaced progressively away from the shaft;
an aspiration connector coupled to the lumen near the proximal end of the shaft; and
a power supply connector disposed near the proximal end of the shaft and electrically coupled to the energy conductive element.
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44. A tissue ablation device comprising:
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a shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen therethrough, a substantially rigid energy conductive element pivotally attached to the shaft near its distal end;
means for causing the element to pivot relative to the shaft;
an aspiration connector coupled to the lumen near the proximal end of the shaft; and
a power supply connector disposed near the proximal end of the shaft and electrically coupled to the energy conductive element. - View Dependent Claims (49, 51)
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Specification