Method for cryogenic tissue ablation

• US 7,507,234 B2
• Filed: 05/26/2006
• Issued: 03/24/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 10/11/1996
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Covidien LP (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: BARRX Medical, Inc.
• Inventors: Utley, David S., West, Scott H., Qin, Jay, Edwards, Stuart D., Gaiser, John
• Primary Examiner(s): PEFFLEY, MICHAEL F
• Application Number:
  US11/420,714
• Publication Number:
  US 20060259029A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,033 Days
• Field of Search: 606 20- 26, 128/898
• US Class Current: 606/21
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/12 by passing a current through the tissue to be heated, e.g. high-frequency current
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/1206 Generators therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/1477 Needle-like probes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/1485 having a short rigid shaft for accessing the inner body through natural openings
• 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 2018/00011 with fluids
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00029 open
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00077 high, i.e. electrically conducting
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00148 with metal
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00214 Expandable means emitting energy, e.g. by elements carried thereon
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00232 having an irregular shape
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00261 arranged in a line
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00267 having a basket shaped structure
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00273 Anchoring means for temporary attachment of a device to tissue
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00285 Balloons
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00291 using suction
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00553 Sphincter
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00654 with individual control of each of a plurality of energy emitting elements
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/0066 without feedback, i.e. open loop control
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00702 Power or energy
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00755 : Resistance or impedance
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00791 : Temperature
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00797 : measured by multiple temperature sensors
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00815 : measured by a thermistor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00875 : Resistance or impedance
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00898 : Alarms or notifications created in response to an abnormal condition
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/046 : in liquid form
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/1425 : Needle
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/1475 : Electrodes retractable in or deployable from a housing
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/3782 : transmitter or receiver in catheter or minimal invasive instrument
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2218/002 : Irrigation
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2218/007 : Aspiration

Abstract

Methods of accessing and ablating abnormal epithelium tissue in an alimentary canal are provided. The methods can include steps of (i) inserting an operative element into an alimentary canal such that the proximate to a portion of the alimentary canal having tissue to be ablated; and (ii) using the operative element to apply cryogenic ablation to a site of abnormal tissue.

Claims

1. A method of accessing and ablating abnormal epithelium tissue in an alimentary canal comprising:

(i) inserting an operative element comprising an inflatable member disposed within a basket into the alimentary canal and proximate to a portion of the alimentary canal having tissue to be ablated;

(ii) expanding the operative element into contact with the portion of the alimentary canal having tissue to be ablated, and

(iii) using cryogenic fluid within the operative element to perform cryogenic ablation to the portion of the alimentary canal having tissue to be ablated.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the abnormal epithelium comprises Barrett'"'"'s epithelium.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the inflatable member comprises a balloon.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing an endoscope carried by a flexible catheter and positioned to visualize abnormal tissue in an alimentary canal.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the operative element and the endoscope are separately positioned proximate a portion of the alimentary canal having tissue to be ablated.

6. The method of claim 4, wherein the operative element is deployed over the catheter carrying the endoscope.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein abnormal tissue ablation comprises ablation of the mucosal surface layer of the alimentary canal without substantial ablation of the underlying tissue.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein ablation of the mucosal surface layer is to a depth in a range of about 1 mm to 1.5 mm.