Helical and pre-oriented loop structures for supporting diagnostic and therapeutic elements in contact with body tissue
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A probe, comprising:
- a probe body defining a distal region, a proximal region and a longitudinal axis;
a helical structure associated with the distal region of the probe body and movable between a coiled and uncoiled configuration, the helical structure defining proximal and distal ends, proximal and distal end diameters, and proximal and distal end stiffnesses, the distal end diameter being less than the proximal end diameter when in the coiled configuration and the distal end stiffness being less than the proximal end stiffness at least when in the uncoiled configuration; and
at least one tissue coagulation element supported on the helical structure.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A probe that facilitates the creation of circumferential lesions in body tissue. The probe includes a probe body and a helical or loop structure that supports electrodes or other operative elements against the body tissue.
320 Citations
39 Claims
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1. A probe, comprising:
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a probe body defining a distal region, a proximal region and a longitudinal axis;
a helical structure associated with the distal region of the probe body and movable between a coiled and uncoiled configuration, the helical structure defining proximal and distal ends, proximal and distal end diameters, and proximal and distal end stiffnesses, the distal end diameter being less than the proximal end diameter when in the coiled configuration and the distal end stiffness being less than the proximal end stiffness at least when in the uncoiled configuration; and
at least one tissue coagulation element supported on the helical structure. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
an anchor member associated with the distal end of the helical structure and extending distally therefrom.
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14. A probe as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:
a control element associated with the helical structure and extending to the proximal region of the probe body.
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15. A probe, comprising:
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a probe body defining a distal region, a proximal region and a longitudinal axis;
a helical structure associated with the distal region of the probe body and defining proximal and distal ends;
a core wire located within the helical structure and defining a core wire stiffness at the proximal end of the helical structure and a core wire stiffness at the distal end of the helical structure that is less than the core wire stiffness at the proximal end of the helical structure; and
at least one tissue coagulation element supported on the helical structure. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
an anchor member associated with the distal end of the helical structure and extending distally therefrom.
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26. A probe as claimed in claim 15, further comprising:
a control element associated with the helical structure and extending to the proximal region of the probe body.
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27. A probe, comprising:
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a probe body defining a distal region, a proximal region and a longitudinal axis;
a helical structure associated with the distal region of the probe body and defining proximal and distal ends;
a core wire located within the helical structure and defining a cross-sectional area at the proximal end of the helical structure and a cross-sectional area at the distal end of the helical structure that is less than the cross-sectional area at the proximal end of the helical structure; and
at least one tissue coagulation element supported on the helical structure. - View Dependent Claims (28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37)
an anchor member associated with the distal end of the helical structure and extending distally therefrom.
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37. A probe as claimed in claim 27, further comprising:
a control element associated with the helical structure and extending to the proximal region of the probe body.
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38. A probe, comprising:
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a probe body defining a distal region, a proximal region and a longitudinal axis;
a helical structure associated with the distal region of the probe body defining proximal and distal ends and proximal and distal end diameters, the distal end diameter being less than the proximal end diameter;
an anchor member associated with the distal end of the helical structure;
a core wire formed from shape memory material including a helical portion located within the helical structure and a linear portion located within the anchor member, the helical portion defining a cross-sectional area at the proximal end of the helical structure and a cross-sectional at the distal end of the helical structure that is less than the cross-sectional area at the proximal end of the helical structure and the linear portion defining a cross-sectional area that is less than the cross-sectional area at the proximal end of the helical structure; and
a plurality of electrodes supported on the helical structure. - View Dependent Claims (39)
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Specification