Moisture transport system for contact electrocoagulation
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0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An apparatus and method for use in performing ablation or coagulation of organs and other tissue includes a metallized fabric electrode array which is substantially absorbent and/or permeable to moisture and gases such as steam and conformable to the body cavity. The array includes conductive regions separated by insulated regions arranged to produce ablation to a predetermined depth. Following placement of the ablation device into contact with the tissue to be ablated, an RF generator is used to deliver RF energy to the conductive regions and to thereby induce current flow from the electrodes to tissue to be ablated. As the current heats the tissue, moisture (such as steam or liquid) leaves the tissue causing the tissue to dehydrate. Suction may be applied to facilitate moisture removal. The moisture permeability and/or absorbency of the electrode carrying member allows the moisture to leave the ablation site so as to prevent the moisture from providing a path of conductivity for the current.
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Citations
50 Claims
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1-31. -31. (canceled)
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32. A method of ablating walls of a hollow body organ, comprising the steps of:
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providing an ablation device comprising a tubular member and a mesh electrode array carried by the tubular member;
positioning the array within a hollow body organ surrounded by walls;
applying suction through the tubular member and the mesh array to pull interior surfaces of the walls into contact with the array; and
delivering ablation energy through the array to the walls while continuing to apply suction through the tubular member. - View Dependent Claims (33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50)
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Specification