Ablation Probe Fixation

• US 20100331834A1
• Filed: 06/29/2009
• Published: 12/30/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 06/29/2009
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Covidien LP (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Vivant Medical, Inc. (Johnson Controls International plc)
• Inventors: Smith, Ian, Wetz, Richard W., Brannan, Joseph D., Rossetto, Francesca, Bonn, Kenlyn S., Peterson, Darion
• Application Number:
  US12/493,302
• Publication Number:
  US 20100331834A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 606/41
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/1477 Needle-like probes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/1425 Needle
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/1869 with an instrument interstitially inserted into the body, e.g. needles
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/508 with releasable brake mechanisms
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 90/50 Supports for surgical instruments, e.g. articulated arms

Abstract

An ablation probe fixation apparatus for securing an ablation probe to tissue is disclosed. The ablation probe fixation apparatus includes a base having a top surface and a skin-contacting bottom surface, wherein the base includes an adhesive layer disposed on the skin-contacting bottom surface. The fixation apparatus also includes a fixation member coupled to the top surface of the base. The base and the fixation member include an aperture defined therein for insertion of the ablation probe therethrough.

Claims

1. An ablation probe fixation apparatus for securing an ablation probe to tissue, the ablation probe fixation apparatus comprising:

a base having a top surface and a skin-contacting bottom surface, wherein the base includes an adhesive layer disposed on the skin-contacting bottom surface; and

a fixation member coupled to the top surface of the base, wherein the base and the fixation member include an aperture defined therein for insertion of the ablation probe therethrough.

2. The ablation probe fixation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the base includes at least one fastening element coupled to the skin-contacting bottom surface and adapted for penetrating tissue and securing the fixation member to the tissue,

3. The ablation probe fixation apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the at least one fastening element is selected from the group consisting of a hook and a barb.

4. The ablation probe fixation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the fixation member is formed from an elastomer adapted to provide a frictional interface with the ablation probe.

5. The ablation probe fixation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the fixation member includes a first half-shell and a second half-shell movable from a first position in spaced relation relative to one another to a closed position for securing the ablation probe therebetween.

6. The ablation probe fixation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the aperture includes a gel diaphragm therein.

7. The ablation probe fixation apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the gel diaphragm is formed from at least one of a hydrogel and an adhesive.

8. The ablation probe fixation apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the gel diaphragm includes an opening defined therein.

9. The ablation probe fixation apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the gel diaphragm is contiguous and is adapted to be perforated by the ablation probe.

10. An ablation probe fixation apparatus for securing an ablation probe to tissue, comprising:

an adhesive amorphous putty adapted to be perforated by an ablation probe, the adhesive amorphous putty configured to be shaped from a first configuration into at least one subsequent configuration for securing the ablation probe therein.

11. The ablation probe fixation apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the amorphous putty is a viscoelastic polymer composition.

12. The ablation probe fixation apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the viscoelastic polymer comprises a siloxane polymer, a crystalline material and at least one thixotropic agent.

13. A method for securing an ablation probe to tissue, the method comprising the steps of:

applying an ablation probe fixation apparatus to the tissue, the fixation apparatus formed from an adhesive amorphous putty adapted to be perforated by an ablation probe;

shaping the adhesive amorphous putty from a first configuration into at least one subsequent configuration for securing the ablation probe therein; and

inserting the ablation probe through the fixation apparatus into the tissue.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the amorphous putty of the applying step is a viscoelastic polymer composition.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the viscoelastic polymer comprises a siloxane polymer, a crystalline material and at least one thixotropic agent.