Radiofrequency probes for tissue treatment and methods of use
First Claim
1. A tissue ablation device, comprising:
- an introducer having a proximal portion and a distal portion;
one or more RF electrodes movable between a nondeployed state within the introducer, and a deployed state in which the electrodes extend from the distal portion of the introducer;
an electrode advancement element coupled to the RF electrodes and capable of moving the RF electrodes between the nondeployed state and the deployed state; and
an occluder that occludes the distal portion of the introducer when the electrode device is in the nondeployed state, wherein the occluder comprises a plug of biocompatible material mounted for ejection from the distal portion of the introducer when the electrodes are moved to the deployed state.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A device and method for radiofrequency treatment of tissue is disclosed. The device includes an introducer, a plurality of RF electrodes positionable in a nondeployed state within the introducer, and an electrode advancement element. In the nondeployed state, the RF electrodes are contained within the introducer, and separated from the subject'"'"'s tissue by a plug which substantially occludes the distal end of the introducer. In the method for RF tissue treatment, the introducer is introduced into the tissue of a subject. The RF electrodes are then positioned in the deployed state when the electrode advancement element advances the RF electrodes through the distal end of the introducer, thereby displacing the plug. The electrode advancement element may be a spring-loaded element, and may be actuated by a triggering device on the introducer. The introducer and the RF electrodes may be scored to enhance their visibility in medical imaging studies such as ultrasound, thereby helping to ensure optimal placement of the introducer and the RF electrodes.
138 Citations
31 Claims
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1. A tissue ablation device, comprising:
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an introducer having a proximal portion and a distal portion;
one or more RF electrodes movable between a nondeployed state within the introducer, and a deployed state in which the electrodes extend from the distal portion of the introducer;
an electrode advancement element coupled to the RF electrodes and capable of moving the RF electrodes between the nondeployed state and the deployed state; and
an occluder that occludes the distal portion of the introducer when the electrode device is in the nondeployed state, wherein the occluder comprises a plug of biocompatible material mounted for ejection from the distal portion of the introducer when the electrodes are moved to the deployed state. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A tissue ablation device, comprising:
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an introducer having a proximal portion and a distal portion;
one or more RF electrodes movable between a nondeployed state within the introducer, and a deployed state in which the electrodes extend from the distal portion of the introducer;
an electrode advancement element coupled to the RF electrodes and capable of moving the RF electrodes between the nondeployed state and the deployed state; and
an occluder that occludes the distal portion of the introducer when the electrode device is in the nondeployed state, the occluder comprising a plug of biocompatible material, wherein the biocompatible material is selected from the group consisting of;
collagen, gelatin, pectin, agar, arabic gum, xanthum gum, tragacanth gum, karaya alginic acid, karaya alginate salts, carrageenan, dextrin, starches, celluloses, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyethylene glycol, and mannans.
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14. A method of ablating tissue in a subject, comprising:
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inserting an introducer into the subject;
deploying a plurality of RF electrodes from the introducer into the subject'"'"'s tissue; and
applying RF energy to the RF electrodes;
wherein prior to deployment of the RF electrodes, the introducer'"'"'s distal end is occluded by an occluder, and the occluder comprises a plug of biocompatible material mounted for ejection from the distal end of the introducer when the electrodes are deployed. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
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27. A method of ablating tissue in a subject, comprising:
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inserting an introducer into the subject;
deploying a plurality of RF electrodes from the introducer into the subject'"'"'s tissue; and
applying RF energy to the RF electrodes;
wherein prior to deployment of the RF electrodes, the introducer'"'"'s distal end is occluded by an occluder, the occluder comprising a plug of biocompatible material, wherein the biocompatible material is selected from the group consisting of;
collagen, gelatin, pectin, agar, arabic gum, xanthum gum, tragacanth gum, karaya alginic acid, karaya alginate salts, carrageenan, dextrin, starches, celluloses, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyethylene glycol, and mannans. - View Dependent Claims (28, 29, 30, 31)
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Specification