Method and apparatus for reducing the size of a hollow anatomical structure
First Claim
1. A method of reducing the size of a hollow anatomical structure, the method comprising the steps of:
- applying energy to the hollow anatomical structure from a heating device to cause the hollow anatomical structure to durably assume a reduced size; and
preventing further reduction in the size of the hollow anatomical structure beyond the selected reduced size so that the hollow anatomical structure remains patent.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A catheter delivers an electrode within a hollow anatomical structure for a minimally invasive treatment which reduces the size of the structure. The catheter is introduced and positioned within a section of the hollow anatomical structure to be treated. The electrode radiates high frequency energy, and the surrounding tissue of the hollow anatomical structure becomes heated and begins to shrink. The catheter includes a controllable member for limiting the amount of shrinkage. The temperature of the surrounding hollow anatomical structure can be monitored while the electrode radiates high frequency energy. After treating one section of the hollow anatomical structure, the catheter and electrodes can be repositioned intraluminally to treat different sections of the hollow anatomical structure.
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Citations
42 Claims
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1. A method of reducing the size of a hollow anatomical structure, the method comprising the steps of:
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applying energy to the hollow anatomical structure from a heating device to cause the hollow anatomical structure to durably assume a reduced size; and preventing further reduction in the size of the hollow anatomical structure beyond the selected reduced size so that the hollow anatomical structure remains patent. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method of reducing the size of a hollow anatomical structure, the method comprising the steps of:
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introducing a catheter into the hollow anatomical structure; applying energy from a heating device to durably reduce the size of the hollow anatomical structure; and preventing shrinkage beyond a selected size defined by the catheter so that the hollow anatomical structure remains patent. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28)
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29. A method of reducing the diameter of a hollow anatomical structure, the method comprising the steps of:
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introducing a catheter into the hollow anatomical structure, the catheter having a heating device; placing the heating device in apposition with a wall of the hollow anatomical structure; applying energy from the heating device to cause the hollow anatomical structure to durably assume a reduced diameter; preventing shrinkage beyond a selected reduced diameter so that the hollow anatomical structure remains patent. - View Dependent Claims (30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42)
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Specification