Treatment of tissue in the digestive circulatory respiratory urinary and reproductive systems

• US 6,425,877 B1
• Filed: 05/06/1999
• Issued: 07/30/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 04/02/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Novasys Medical, Inc. (Roper Technologies, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Novasys Medical, Inc. (Roper Technologies, Inc.)
• Inventors: Edwards, Stuart D.
• Primary Examiner(s): Hayes, Michael J.
• Application Number:
  US09/307,348
• Time in Patent Office: 1,181 Days
• Field of Search: 604/20, 604/21, 604/96.01, 604/102.01, 604/101.02, 604/103.01, 604/103.02, 604/103.03, 604/101.03, 604/101.05, 604/102.02, 606/27, 606/32, 606/33, 606/41, 606/46-50, 606/191-194, 607/100-105, 607/116, 607/138
• US Class Current: 604/21
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/1617 with mobile or detachable parts
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/1477 Needle-like probes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/1492 having a flexible, catheter-like structure, e.g. for heart ablation A61B18/1477 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/1815 using microwaves
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/20 using laser
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/4216 Operations on uterus, e.g. endometrium
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00214 Expandable means emitting energy, e.g. by elements carried thereon
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00553 Sphincter

Abstract

Apparatus for creating a controlled pattern of ablation throughout the interior of an organ or body cavity while minimizing thermal damage to collateral tissue includes a microporous balloon mounted on a catheter. The balloon, bearing electrodes embedded in the surface, is inserted into the target body region and inflated, whereupon the electrodes come into contact with the interior of the targeted organ. Because of its microporous nature, fluids for cooling or various therapeutic purposes may pass through the surface of the balloon to the target site. Sensors monitor conditions such as temperature and impedance at the site, providing required feedback for delivery of RF energy for ablation, and administration of cooling and hydrating fluids. A second balloon or other means isolates the treatment area and controls the flow and accumulation of body fluids and treatment fluids minimizing adverse treatment effects from fluid accumulations, and anchoring the catheter in place.

Claims

1. Apparatus comprising:

a catheter disposed for insertion into a body at a selected location;

a microporous, inflatable balloon coupled to said catheter, said inflatable balloon having at least one surface, said balloon being capable of allowing passage of a flowable substance through said one surface;

one or more electrodes coupled proximately to said one surface, said electrode capable of delivering electromagnetic energy; and

at least one of an electromagnetic impedance sensor, an optical sensor, and a temperature sensor housed in each electrode, for providing feedback to said electrodes.

2. Apparatus as in claim 1, said electrodes adapted for independent control of each other, wherein said electrodes are activated in any of numbers, patterns, and sequences selectable by means of a mechanical switch.

3. Apparatus as in claim 2, said electrodes arranged in one or more arrays, said selectable numbers, patterns or sequences including said arrays.

4. Apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said catheter is disposed for either laporoscopic or manual insertion into said selected location.

5. Apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said electromagnetic energy includes RF energy at about 400 to about 500 kilohertz.

6. Apparatus as in claim 1, including a blocking element coupled to said catheter, said blocking element comprising an inflatable balloon, said inflatable balloon being disposed to present a liquid-tight seal in a region proximate to said selected location.

7. Apparatus as in claim 1, including a coupling element adapted for delivery of a cooling fluid to said selected location.

8. Apparatus as in claim 1, including at least one lumen for delivering a flowable substance to said selected location, said flowable substance being responsive to said electromagnetic energy.

9. Apparatus as in claim 8, wherein said flowable substance has a selected response to said electromagnetic energy, said selected response including receiving said electromagnetic energy for ablation, coating, expansion, plumping, shaping, or shrinking tissue.

10. Apparatus as in claim 1, including a port adapted to couple with a source of energy.

11. Apparatus as in claim 10, wherein a controlled application includes uniform distribution of said electromagnetic energy in said interior region.

12. Apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said catheter includes at least one lumen capable of delivery of a flowable substance from outside the body to said elected location.

13. Apparatus as in claim 12, wherein said flowable substance includes at least one of:

a drug, a gas, a radioisotope, an analgesic, an antibiotic, an anti-inflammatory, an anti-spasmodic, or saline.

14. Apparatus as in claim 1, wherein

said selected location is disposed within a human being or other mammal; and

said electromagnetic energy is delivered proximate to said selected location to a sphincter, to muscle tissue, or to nerve tissue.

15. Apparatus as in claim 14, wherein said sphincter or tissue is proximate to a bladder, esophagus, uterus, fallopian tube or vas deferens, sinus cavity, aorta, larynx, or pharynx.