Apparatuses and Methods for Interstitial Tissue Removal
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A tissue ablation device comprising:
- a shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen therethrough, a substantially rigid energy conductive straight cylindrical pin attached to pivot about a fixed point on the shaft near its distal end;
a means for causing the element to pivot relative to the shaft; and
an aspiration connector coupled to the lumen near the proximal end of the shaft.
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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.
204 Citations
20 Claims
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1. 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 straight cylindrical pin attached to pivot about a fixed point on the shaft near its distal end;
a means for causing the element to pivot relative to the shaft; and
an aspiration connector coupled to the lumen near the proximal end of the shaft. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method for performing tissue ablation comprising:
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positioning an energy conductive element situated at a distal end of a shaft at a target tissue site;
operating a drive mechanism coupled to the conductive element to bow the conductive element between a substantially linear profile where the element lies directly over the shaft and a series of arcuate profiles continuously spaced progressively away from the shaft, thereby providing a continuous series of arcuate tissue removal paths;
while operating said drive mechanism, rotating the conductive element about the shaft and applying energy to the conductive element, thereby vaporizing all tissue in the path of the conductive element; and
while vaporizing said tissue, applying an aspiration source to a lumen included within the shaft, said lumen coupled to the distal end of the shaft in a region including the conductive element, and thereby withdrawing vaporized tissue from the target tissue site. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification