Method for treating hemorrhoids
First Claim
1. A method of applying energy to cause shrinkage of a dilated vein for treating hemorrhoids, the method comprising the steps of:
- introducing a catheter having a working end and means for heating located at the working end, to a treatment site in a vein;
positioning the means for heating at the treatment site in the vein;
applying energy from the means for heating to heat the treatment site and cause shrinkage of the vein;
terminating the emission of energy from the means for heating after sufficient shrinkage of the vein so as to reduce the hemorrhoid while the vein remains patent.
8 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A catheter delivers an electrode within a vein for a minimally invasive treatment of hemorrhoids using RF energy. The catheter is introduced into a patient and positioned within the section of the vein to be treated. The electrode radiates high frequency energy towards the vein, and the surrounding venous tissue becomes heated and begins to shrink. The catheter includes a controllable member for limiting the amount of shrinkage of the vein to the diameter of the member. The electrode remains active until there has been sufficient shrinkage of the vein. The extent of shrinkage of the vein can be detected by fluoroscopy. After treating one section of the vein, the catheter and the electrode can be repositioned within the hemorrhoidal venous system to treat different sections until all desired venous sections and valves are repaired and rendered functionally competent. Shrinkage of the vein further thickens and stiffens the vein wall which reduces the potential for the hemorrhoid vein to dilate.
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Citations
71 Claims
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1. A method of applying energy to cause shrinkage of a dilated vein for treating hemorrhoids, the method comprising the steps of:
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introducing a catheter having a working end and means for heating located at the working end, to a treatment site in a vein; positioning the means for heating at the treatment site in the vein; applying energy from the means for heating to heat the treatment site and cause shrinkage of the vein; terminating the emission of energy from the means for heating after sufficient shrinkage of the vein so as to reduce the hemorrhoid while the vein remains patent. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method of applying energy to cause the shrinkage of a dilated vein for treating hemorrhoids, the method comprising the steps of:
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introducing a catheter having a working end and an electrode located at the working end, to a treatment site in the vein; positioning the electrode at the treatment site in the vein; applying radio frequency energy from the electrode to heat the treatment site and cause shrinkage of the vein; terminating the applying of radio frequency energy from the electrode after sufficient shrinkage of the vein so as to reduce the hemorrhoids while that the vein remains patent. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38)
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39. A method of applying energy to cause shrinkage of a vein for restoring the competency of a venous valve in treating hemorrhoids, the method comprising the steps of:
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introducing a catheter having a working end and means for heating located at the working end, to a treatment site in a vein; positioning the means for heating at the treatment site in the vein; applying energy from the means for heating to heat the treatment site and cause shrinkage of the vein; terminating the emission of energy from the means for heating after sufficient shrinkage of the vein so as to restore venous valve competency and reduce the hemorrhoids.
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40. A method of applying energy to cause the shrinkage of a vein for restoring the competency of a venous valve in treating hemorrhoids, the method comprising the steps of:
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introducing a catheter having a working end and an electrode located at the working end, to a treatment site in the vein; positioning the electrode at the treatment site in the vein; applying high frequency energy from the electrode to heat the treatment site and cause shrinkage of the vein; terminating the application of energy from the electrode after sufficient shrinkage of the vein so as to restore venous valve competency and reduce the hemorrhoids. - View Dependent Claims (41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71)
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Specification