Devices for interstitial delivery of thermal energy into tissue and methods of use thereof
First Claim
1. A catheter device adapted for delivering thermal energy to a body tissue, having a proximal end for connection to an energy source, a tubular body portion, and a distal end adapted for penetration into body tissue, which catheter device comprises:
- (a) a permanently curved flexible metal cannula made of a superelastic shape memory alloy, and having a beveled distal end capable of penetrating body tissue; and
(b) a flexible energy conduit within the flexible metal cannula and adapted for delivering energy to a predetermined tissue site;
said metal cannula being sufficiently flexible to be straightened when confined within a relatively more rigid passageway without exceeding the elastic limit thereof.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A device is provided for interstitial delivery of thermal energy and/or a biologically compatible bulking material into tissues in a confined space. The device include means for delivering laser, radio-frequency, electrical, microwave, ultrasound or other thermal energy, as well as a port and channel for concomitant or subsequent injection of a bulking agent. The method of use of the device in the treatment of female stress incontinence (FSI), gastro-esophageal reflex disease (GERD), benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) and other conditions is described.
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Citations
30 Claims
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1. A catheter device adapted for delivering thermal energy to a body tissue, having a proximal end for connection to an energy source, a tubular body portion, and a distal end adapted for penetration into body tissue, which catheter device comprises:
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(a) a permanently curved flexible metal cannula made of a superelastic shape memory alloy, and having a beveled distal end capable of penetrating body tissue; and
(b) a flexible energy conduit within the flexible metal cannula and adapted for delivering energy to a predetermined tissue site;
said metal cannula being sufficiently flexible to be straightened when confined within a relatively more rigid passageway without exceeding the elastic limit thereof. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A catheter device adapted for delivering energy to heat a body tissue, having a proximal end for connection to an energy source, a tubular body portion, and a distal end adapted for penetration into body tissues, which catheter device comprises;
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(a) an introducer sheath which is a hollow tube open at both ends;
(b) a permanently curved flexible metal cannula, receivable within the introducer sheath, having a beveled distal end capable of penetrating body tissues when the distal end of the metal cannula extends beyond the distal end of the introducer sheath; and
(c) a flexible energy conduit within the flexible metal cannula adapted for delivering energy to a predetermined tissue site. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30)
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Specification