METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DETERMINING PHYSIOLOGIC CHARACTERISTICS FOR TREATMENT OF THE ESOPHAGUS
First Claim
Patent Images
1. An apparatus for treating an esophagus, comprising:
- a generator having a source of RF energy connected to an generator electrical connector and a pump connected to a generator pneumatic connector; and
a sizing and treatment catheter having a proximal end and a distal end, an electrical connector configured for attachment to the generator electrical connector and a pneumatic connector on the proximal end configured for attachment to the generator pneumatic connector and a balloon on the distal end of the catheter in communication with the pneumatic connector and an electrode array on an exterior surface of the balloon in communication with the electrical connector;
wherein, when the sizing and treatment catheter is connected to the generator electrical connector and the generator pneumatic connector, the generator is configured to determine a dimension of the esophagus by inflating the sizing and treatment catheter to a sizing pressure and to deliver sufficient energy to the electrode array for treatment of the esophagus based on the dimension of the esophagus determined by the generator.
5 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A method and apparatus for treating abnormal mucosa in the esophagus is disclosed, such that the depth of the treated tissue is controlled. The depth of ablation is controlled by monitoring the tissue impedance and/or the tissue temperature. A desired ablation depth is also achieved by controlling the energy density or power density, and the amount of time required for energy delivery. A method and apparatus is disclosed for measuring an inner diameter of a body lumen, where a balloon is inflated inside the body lumen at a fixed pressure.
147 Citations
21 Claims
-
1. An apparatus for treating an esophagus, comprising:
-
a generator having a source of RF energy connected to an generator electrical connector and a pump connected to a generator pneumatic connector; and a sizing and treatment catheter having a proximal end and a distal end, an electrical connector configured for attachment to the generator electrical connector and a pneumatic connector on the proximal end configured for attachment to the generator pneumatic connector and a balloon on the distal end of the catheter in communication with the pneumatic connector and an electrode array on an exterior surface of the balloon in communication with the electrical connector; wherein, when the sizing and treatment catheter is connected to the generator electrical connector and the generator pneumatic connector, the generator is configured to determine a dimension of the esophagus by inflating the sizing and treatment catheter to a sizing pressure and to deliver sufficient energy to the electrode array for treatment of the esophagus based on the dimension of the esophagus determined by the generator. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
-
-
12. An apparatus for treating a tissue inside a body lumen comprising:
-
a treatment catheter having an expansion member, an electrode array on the expansion member, a pneumatic connector in communication with the interior of the expansion member and an electrical connection connected to the electrode array; a generator having an RF energy source and a generator electrical connector to attach to the electrical connection, a pump and a generator pneumatic connector to attach to the pneumatic connector wherein, when a sizing catheter is connected to the generator electrical connector and the generator pneumatic connector, the generator is configured to inflate the sizing catheter to distend the body lumen and to determine a dimension of the distended body lumen and thereafter, when a treatment catheter is connected to the generator pneumatic connector and the generator electrical connector, the generator is configured to inflate the expansion member and provide sufficient energy to the electrode array to sear the lining of the distended lumen. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
-
Specification