Moisture transport system for contact electrocoagulation
First Claim
1. A method of treating tissue in a uterus, comprising the steps of:
- providing a moisture permeable electrode member comprising an array of electrodes;
positioning at least a portion of the array of electrodes in contact with tissue in a region of a tubal ostium of a fallopian tube;
delivering RF energy to the electrodes, causing the tissue to release liquid; and
applying suction through the moisture permeable electrode member to draw released liquid from the uterus, the suction substantially preventing formation of a low-impedance liquid layer around the electrodes.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An apparatus and method for use in performing ablation or coagulation of organs and other tissue includes a metallized fabric electrode array which is substantially absorbent and/or permeable to moisture and gases such as steam and conformable to the body cavity. The array includes conductive regions separated by insulated regions arranged to produce ablation to a predetermined depth. Following placement of the ablation device into contact with the tissue to be ablated, in RF generator is used to deliver RF energy to the conductive regions and to thereby induce current flow from the electrodes to tissue to be ablated. As the current heats the tissue, moisture (such as steam or liquid) leaves the tissue causing the tissue to dehydrate. Suction may be applied to facilitate moisture removal. The moisture permeability and/or absorbency of the electrode carrying member allows the moisture to leave the ablation site so as to prevent the moisture from providing a path of conductivity for the current.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method of treating tissue in a uterus, comprising the steps of:
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providing a moisture permeable electrode member comprising an array of electrodes; positioning at least a portion of the array of electrodes in contact with tissue in a region of a tubal ostium of a fallopian tube; delivering RF energy to the electrodes, causing the tissue to release liquid; and applying suction through the moisture permeable electrode member to draw released liquid from the uterus, the suction substantially preventing formation of a low-impedance liquid layer around the electrodes. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification