Device and method for treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease

• US 7,043,307 B1
• Filed: 08/04/2003
• Issued: 05/09/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 11/15/1996
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed (Boston Scientific Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed (Boston Scientific Corporation)
• Inventors: Zelickson, Brian D., Ganz, Robert A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Lacyk, John P.
• Application Number:
  US10/633,820
• Time in Patent Office: 1,009 Days
• Field of Search: 606/27, 606/28, 606 32- 33, 606 41- 42, 606 46- 47, 607 96-105, 607/113, 607/116, 607/133
• US Class Current: 607/101
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00082 Balloons
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/018 for receiving instruments
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/08 by means of electrically-heated 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 2018/00011 with fluids
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00214 Expandable means emitting energy, e.g. by elements carried thereon
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00553 Sphincter

Abstract

A lower esophageal sphincter tightening device for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease which includes an insertion device, an energy source, and an energy transmitting device. The insertion device, by insertion through a body opening, positions the energy transmitting device in the proximity of the lower esophageal sphincter. The energy source generates and transmits energy via the insertion device to the energy transmitting device which directs the transmitted energy onto the lower esophageal sphincter which is comprised largely of collagen. The energy source transmits energy at a level sufficient to cause heating of the sphincter'"'"'s collagen resulting in a shrinkage of the collagen and a tightening of the sphincter.

Claims

1. A medical treatment system, comprising:

an elongate insertion device configured for insertion into a natural opening of a body;

an energy source coupled to a proximal end of the insertion device; and

an energy transmitting device located at a distal end of the insertion device, the energy transmitting device electrically connected to the energy source through the insertion device and comprising an expandable portion which extends radially from the insertion device, and an antenna located in an exterior surface of the expandable portion, the antenna configured to transmit energy generated by the energy source to a target tissue area in the body,

wherein the distal end of the insertion device is controllable to position the energy transmitting device in relation to the target tissue area.

2. The system of claim 1, the antenna comprising a radio frequency (RF) antenna.

3. The system of claim 1, the antenna comprising a microwave antenna.

4. The system of claim 1, the antenna comprising a directional RF antenna.

5. The system of claim 1, further comprising a light source configured to illuminate an area proximate the distal end of the insertion device, the insertion device including an observation eye piece to provide viewing of the illuminated area.

6. The system of claim 1, the antenna comprising a plurality of electrically conductive elements spaced circumferentially about an exterior surface of the expandable portion.

7. A medical treatment system, comprising:

an elongate insertion device configured for insertion into a natural opening of a body;

an energy transmitting device located at a distal end of the insertion device and comprising

an expandable portion which extends radially away from the insertion device, and

an electrically conductive element located in an exterior surface of the expandable portion and configured to transmit energy to a target tissue area in the body; and

a conductor extending through the insertion device and configured for electrically connecting the energy transmitting device to an output of an energy source coupled to a proximal end of the insertion device,

wherein the distal end of the insertion device is controllable to position the energy transmitting device in relation to the target tissue area.

8. The system of claim 7, the electrically conductive element comprising a plurality of electrically conductive elements on an exterior surface of the expandable portion.

9. A medical treatment system, comprising:

an insertion device configured for insertion into a natural opening of a body, the insertion device comprising

a proximal end,

a distal end,

an expandable structure located at the distal end, the expandable structure defining an interior region, and

a lumen extending from the proximal end to an interior region of the expandable structure;

an energy source coupled to the proximal end of the insertion device, wherein an electrically conductive element located on an exterior surface of the expandable structure is electrically connected to the energy source through the insertion device, the conductive element configured for transmitting energy generated by the energy source to a target tissue area in the body to thereby heat the target tissue area sufficient to change a state of collagen in the target tissue area; and

a cooling medium supplied through the insertion device lumen to the interior region of the expandable structure.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the energy source generates radiofrequency energy.

11. The system of claim 9, wherein the insertion device comprises an endoscope.

12. The system of claim 9, wherein the insertion device comprises a catheter.

13. The system of claim 9, wherein the expandable structure comprises an inflatable balloon.

14. The system of claim 9, wherein the conductive element comprises a plurality of spaced-apart conductors.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the conductors are arranged in a fanned configuration.