Localized heat applying medical device
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A system for applying heat to a body site, the system comprising in operative association:
- (a) a medical device including an elongated light transmitting fiber having a proximal end and a distal end, and a heat generating element defining a cavity with vent means in flow communication with the cavity for permitting gas to escape from the cavity, the element having a selectively varying thickness and being mounted with respect to the distal end such that light transmitted by the fiber to the element is converted into heat by the element;
(b) a light source associated with the proximal end of the fiber for providing sufficient light energy to raise the temperature of the element; and
(c) temperature sensing means associated with the proximal end of the fiber for measuring the temperature of the element.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A medical device for applying localized heat to a portion of a patient'"'"'s body is disclosed. Generally, the device includes a light transmitting conduit and a heat generating element which converts transmitted light into heat. A suitable exterior tube can also be provided for guidance, strength and delivery of fluids. The medical device can be used to cauterize or destroy tissue, or alter or remove deposits from lumens. The medical device can also serve as part of a system which provides the light and measures the temperature of the element.
217 Citations
59 Claims
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1. A system for applying heat to a body site, the system comprising in operative association:
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(a) a medical device including an elongated light transmitting fiber having a proximal end and a distal end, and a heat generating element defining a cavity with vent means in flow communication with the cavity for permitting gas to escape from the cavity, the element having a selectively varying thickness and being mounted with respect to the distal end such that light transmitted by the fiber to the element is converted into heat by the element; (b) a light source associated with the proximal end of the fiber for providing sufficient light energy to raise the temperature of the element; and (c) temperature sensing means associated with the proximal end of the fiber for measuring the temperature of the element. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A localized heat applying medical device for applying heat to a site in a patient'"'"'s lumen, the device comprising in operative association:
an elongated light transmitting conduit having a proximal end and a distal end and a heat generating element defining a cavity with vent means therein for permitting gas to escape from the cavity, the element being mounted on the distal end such that light transmitted by the conduit to the element is converted by the element into heat to raise the temperature of the element and the element can then be contacted with material in the patient'"'"'s lumen to alter the material;
the conduit and heat generating element being adapted for insertion into the patient'"'"'s lumen.- View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29)
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30. A localized heat applying medical device for applying heat to a site, the device comprising in operative association:
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(a) a flexible elongated light transmitting fiber having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end adapted to emit light transmitted by the fiber; (b) a metal heat generating element insertable into a lumen and defining a cavity into which the distal end of the fiber is positioned and a light receiving surface adapted to collect light emitted by the distal end of the fiber, the element converting the light into heat, the element having vent means in flow communication with the cavity for permitting gas to escape from the cavity; and (c) means for mounted the element onto the distal end of the fiber such that light emitted by the distal end is received on the surface of the element, the mounting means including at least one inwardly extending peripheral ridge on the element which lockingly engages a corresponding groove defined by the fiber. - View Dependent Claims (31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40)
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41. A medical device for applying heat to a site in a patient'"'"'s body, the device comprising in operative association;
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(a) an elongated tube having a distal portion and defining a fluid passageway along its length; (b) an elongated light transmitting fiber slidably carried by the tube in the passageway, the fiber having a proximal end and distal end; and (c) a metal heat generating element mounted on the distal end of the fiber such that light transmitted through the fiber is converted by the element to heat, the element defining a cavity therein bounded in part by a closed, rounded end of a selected thickness and a sidewall of a thickness less than the thickness of the end, the element having vent means in flow communication with the cavity for permitting gas to escape from the cavity, the element being extendable beyond the distal portion of the tube. - View Dependent Claims (42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48)
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49. A method for removing at least a portion of material causing a constriction or obstruction in a lumen, the method comprising the steps of:
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(a) providing a medical device having a heat generating element mounted on the distal end of an elongated light transmitting fiber; (b) positioning the distal end of medical device within the lumen with the element in contact with the material; (c) transmitting light energy through the fiber such that the element becomes sufficiently hot to soften the material; and (d) moving the element into the material so as to form or enlarge a channel in the material. - View Dependent Claims (50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59)
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Specification