Method and apparatus for treating venous insufficiency using directionally applied energy
First Claim
1. A method of applying energy to cause shrinkage of a vein lumen, the method comprising the steps of:
- introducing a catheter having a working end with an energy application apparatus located at the working end, to a treatment site in the vein lumen;
positioning the energy application apparatus adjacent the treatment site in the vein lumen;
directionally emitting energy from the energy application apparatus to selectively heat the treatment site and cause shrinkage of a selected area of the vein lumen at the treatment site; and
terminating the emission of energy from the energy application apparatus after causing sufficient shrinkage of the vein lumen to restore valvular competency while maintaining venous patency.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A catheter introduces electrodes in a vein for a minimally invasive treatment of venous insufficiency by the application of energy to cause selective heating of the vein. The catheter is positioned within the vein to be treated, and the electrodes on the catheter are moved toward one side of the vein. RF energy is applied in a directional manner from the electrodes at the working end of the catheter to cause localized heating and corresponding shrinkage of the adjacent venous tissue, which may include commissures, leaflets and ostia. Fluoroscopy or ultrasound may be used to detect shrinkage of the vein. After treating one section of the vein, the catheter can be repositioned to place the electrodes to treat different sections of the vein until all desired venous valves are repaired and rendered functionally competent.
533 Citations
33 Claims
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1. A method of applying energy to cause shrinkage of a vein lumen, the method comprising the steps of:
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introducing a catheter having a working end with an energy application apparatus located at the working end, to a treatment site in the vein lumen; positioning the energy application apparatus adjacent the treatment site in the vein lumen; directionally emitting energy from the energy application apparatus to selectively heat the treatment site and cause shrinkage of a selected area of the vein lumen at the treatment site; and terminating the emission of energy from the energy application apparatus after causing sufficient shrinkage of the vein lumen to restore valvular competency while maintaining venous patency. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A method of applying energy to cause the shrinkage of a vein to restore valvular competency, the method comprising the steps of:
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introducing a catheter having a working end and at least two electrodes located at the working end, to a treatment site in the vein; positioning the at least two electrodes adjacent venous tissue at the treatment site in the vein; applying high frequency energy from the electrodes to heat the treatment site and cause a reduction in the size of the vein; and terminating the application of energy from the electrodes after the size of the vein is reduced so that valvular competency is restored and patency of the vein is maintained. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33)
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Specification