Platelet inhibitor eluting ablation catheter
First Claim
1. A method of applying energy to biological tissue within a biological site having biological fluid therein, said method comprising:
- positioning a catheter having at least one electrode and at least one pocket having a length from about 0.5 mm to about 2 mm carried by die catheter and having an opening terminating at the outside surface of the catheter, within the biological site so that the electrode is adjacent the tissue to be ablated; and
applying RF energy to the at least one electrode;
wherein the pocket is filled with a platelet inhibitor substance adapted to elute upon contact with the biological fluid.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An ablation catheter stores a platelet inhibitor substance within a plurality of pockets or recesses of its shaft. The substance is adapted to elute upon contact with biological fluid. In the pocket configuration, the platelet inhibitor substance is in a capsule positioned within the pocket. In the recess configuration, the platelet inhibitor substance is in a hydrogel or silicone-based porous/semi-porous matrix positioned within the recess. Elution of the platelet inhibitor substance prevents or at least substantially minimizes the adhesion of blood platelets on the catheter surface during ablation. In another configuration, the catheter includes an internal lumen network having apertures terminating at the surface of the shaft. The lumen communicates with a source of platelet inhibitor fluid that is forced through the lumen by a variable pump.
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Citations
22 Claims
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1. A method of applying energy to biological tissue within a biological site having biological fluid therein, said method comprising:
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positioning a catheter having at least one electrode and at least one pocket having a length from about 0.5 mm to about 2 mm carried by die catheter and having an opening terminating at the outside surface of the catheter, within the biological site so that the electrode is adjacent the tissue to be ablated; and
applying RF energy to the at least one electrode;
wherein the pocket is filled with a platelet inhibitor substance adapted to elute upon contact with the biological fluid. - 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 biological tissue within a biological site having biological fluid therein, said method comprising:
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positioning a catheter having at least one electrode and at least one recess having a length from about 0.5 mm to about 2 mm carried by the catheter and having an opening terminating at the outside surface of the catheter, within the biological site so that the electrode is adjacent the tissue to be ablated; and
applying energy to the at least one electrode;
wherein the recess is filled with a matrix having a platelet inhibitor substance dispersed therein that is adapted to elute upon contact with the biological fluid. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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Specification