Variable length electrodes for delivery of irrigated ablation

• US 6,488,680 B1
• Filed: 04/27/2000
• Issued: 12/03/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 04/27/2000
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Medtronic Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Medtronic Incorporated (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Ocel, Jon M., Pearson, Robert, Jahns, Scott E., Mehra, Rahul, Francischelli, David E., Hoey, Michael F., Trescony, Paul V., Comben, Richard H.
• Primary Examiner(s): Dvorak, Linda C. M.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Ruddy, David M.
• Application Number:
  US09/558,975
• Time in Patent Office: 950 Days
• Field of Search: 607/101, 607/102, 606/41, 606/47, 606/48, 606/49, 606/50-52
• US Class Current: 606/41
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/1445 at the distal end of a shaft, e.g. forceps or scissors at the end of a rigid rod
• 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 2018/00065 porous
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00351 Heart
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00577 Ablation
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/1435 Spiral
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/1472 for use with liquid electrolyte, e.g. virtual electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2218/002 Irrigation

Abstract

A device for ablating tissue is provided. The device comprises a conductive element with a channel for irrigating fluid formed therein, which is in contact with a non-conductive microporous interface. All or a portion of the interface may be removable. When the interface is removed, a portion of the conductive element is exposed for use in ablating tissue. Methods of using the device and of removing the interface are also provided.

Claims

1. A device for ablating organic tissue comprising:

a conductive element;

a fluid component in communication with the conductive element;

an interface of non-conductive, microporous material positioned adjacent the tissue to allow the fluid to pass through the interface and contact the tissue; and

a hemostat tool, wherein the conductive element is placed adjacent at least one jaw of the tool.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the conductive element is a metallic coil with a lumen.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the conductive element is a spring with a lumen.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the interface has a length, the length being variable.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein a portion of the interface may be removed to expose the conductive element.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the interface comprises openings that may be slidably opened.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the interface lies between the conductive element and the surface of the tissue.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the interface encircles the conductive element and the fluid component.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the conductive element is a wire, the wire located within the fluid component.

10. The device of claim 1 further comprising:

a support element in communication with the conductive element.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein the support element is a slotted tube.

12. The device of claim 1, wherein the conductive element is a slotted tube.

13. The device of claim 1, wherein the non-conductive interface is rigid.

14. The device of claim 1 wherein the non-conductive, microporous material is selected from silicone, PTFE, Dacron, and polyurethane.

15. A device for creating ablations of variable length, comprising:

a conductive element having a channel formed therein;

the channel operatively adapted to receive irrigating fluid; and

a removable non-conductive interface in communication with the conductive element; and

a maneuvering mechanism operably attached to the conductive element, wherein the maneuvering mechanism is a hemostat tool.

16. The device of claim 15 further comprising:

a support element in communication with the conductive element.

17. The device of claim 15, wherein the support element is a slotted tube.

18. The device of claim 15, wherein the conductive element is a slotted tube.

19. A device for creating ablations of variable length, comprising:

a non-porous tube operatively adapted to receive irrigating fluid therein;

a conductive element in communication with the tube;

a removable non-conductive interface in communication with the conductive element; and

a maneuvering mechanism operably attached to the conductive element, wherein the maneuvering mechanism is a hemostat tool.

20. The device of claim 19, wherein the non-conductive interface is rigid.

21. The device of claim 19 further comprising:

a maneuvering mechanism operably attached to the conductive element.

22. A device for creating ablations of variable length, comprising:

a non-porous tube operatively adapted to receive a hydrogel;

a conductive element in communication with the tube;

a removable non-conductive interface in communication with the conductive element; and

a maneuvering mechanism operably attached to the conductive element, wherein the maneuvering mechanism is a hemostat tool.

23. The device of claim 22, wherein the tube is slotted.

24. A device for ablating organic tissue, comprising:

a conductive element;

a fluid component in communication with the conductive element; and

a nonconductive interface positioned adjacent the tissue and having openings therein to allow the fluid to pass through the interface and contact the tissue, wherein a portion of the interface may be removed to expose the conductive element.

25. The device of claim 24, wherein the conductive element is a metallic coil with a lumen.

26. The device of claim 24, wherein the conductive element is a spring with a lumen.

27. The device of claim 24, wherein the conductive element has a conductive element diameter and the interface has an interface diameter, the conductive element diameter being greater than the interface diameter.

28. The device of claim 24, wherein the interface has a length, the length being variable.

29. The device of claim 24, wherein the interface is micro-porous.

30. The device of claim 24, wherein the interface is perforated.

31. The device of claim 24, wherein the interface may be rotatably opened.

32. The device of claim 24, wherein the interface comprises openings that may be slidably opened.

33. The device of claim 24, wherein the interface is from the group consisting of:

silicones, PTFE, Dacron fabrics, polyurethane, polymeric coatings, polyester fabrics, hydrogels and a gel.

34. The device of claim 24, wherein the interface lies between the conductive element and the surface of the tissue.

35. The device of claim 24, wherein the interface encircles the conductive element and the fluid component.

36. The device of claim 24, wherein the conductive element is a wire, the wire located within the fluid component.

37. The device of claim 24, further comprising:

means for flowing the fluid component through the interface.

38. The device of claim 24, further comprising:

an infusion pump in communication with the fluid component for flowing the fluid component through the interface.

39. The device of claim 24, further comprising:

a maneuvering mechanism operably attached to the conductive element.

40. The device of claim 39, wherein the maneuvering mechanism is a hemostat-type tool.

41. The device of claim 39, wherein the maneuvering mechanism is a catheter.