Ablation probe for delivering fluid through porous structure

• US 7,993,335 B2
• Filed: 10/17/2006
• Issued: 08/09/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 02/04/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Apyx Medical Corporation
• Original Assignee: Bovie Medical Corporation
• Inventors: Garabedian, Robert, Rioux, Robert F.
• Primary Examiner(s): PEFFLEY, MICHAEL F
• Application Number:
  US11/550,374
• Publication Number:
  US 20070123848A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,757 Days
• Field of Search: 606/41, 606 45- 50, 607101-105
• US Class Current: 606/41
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/1477 Needle-like probes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00065 porous
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/143 multiple needles
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/1432 curved
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2218/002 Irrigation
• CPC Class Codes: C04B 2111/00836 for medical or dental applications
• CPC Class Codes: C04B 2111/94 Electrically conducting materials
• CPC Class Codes: C04B 35/00 Shaped ceramic products characterised by their composition porous ceramic products C04B38/00; ceramic articles characterised by particular shape, see the relevant classes, e.g. linings for casting ladles, tundishes, cups or the like B22D41/02; ceramic substrates for microelectronic semi-conductors H01L23/15; Ceramics compositions containing free metal bonded to carbides, diamond, oxides, borides, nitrides, silicides, e.g. cermets, or other metal compounds, e.g. oxynitrides or sulfides other than as macroscopic reinforcing agents C22C; shaping of ceramics B28B; Processing powders of inorganic compounds preparatory to the manufacturing of ceramic products chemical preparation of powders of inorganic compounds C01; infiltration of sintered ceramic preforms with molten metal C04B41/51
• CPC Class Codes: C04B 38/0054 the pores being microsized or nanosized
• CPC Class Codes: C04B 38/0067 characterised by the density of the end product

Abstract

Ablation probes are provided for perfusing the tissue, while the tissue is ablated. The ablation probe comprises an elongated shaft and an ablative element, such as a needle electrode. The ablation probe further comprises a lumen that extends through the probe shaft, which will be used to deliver an fluid to the distal end of the probe shaft for perfusion into the surrounding tissue. The ablation probe further comprises a porous structure that is associated with the distal end of the shaft in fluid communication with the lumen. For example, the distal end of the shaft, or the entirety of the shaft, can be composed of the porous structure. Or, if the ablative element is an electrode, the electrode can be composed of the porous structure. Because the pores within the porous structure are pervasive, the fluid will freely flow out into the tissue notwithstanding that some of the pores may become clogged.

Claims

1. A method of assembling an ablation probe, comprising:

shaping a mass of particles into an elongated shaft having a proximate end and a distal end;

sintering the shaped particles to form a porous structure within the elongated shaft, wherein the elongated shaft is rigid along substantially its entire length;

forming a longitudinal lumen within the elongated shaft, wherein said lumen extends from the proximate end and terminates inward from the distal end of the elongated shaft;

forming an ablative element on the distal end of the elongated shaft; and

mounting the proximate end of the elongated shaft to a separate, rigid connector assembly.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the lumen is formed when the mass of particles is shaped into the elongated shaft.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein when the mass of particles is shaped into the elongated shaft, the elongated shaft defines a needle.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the mass of particles is shaped by compacting the particles within a mold.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the particles are electrically conductive.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the particles are powder.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the ablative element comprises at least one electrode.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising co-extruding a sleeve around the elongated shaft.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the connector assembly comprises a port in fluid communication with the lumen.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the lumen is adapted for transporting fluid such that said fluid permeates through the closed distal end of the elongated shaft proximate the ablative element.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the lumen is adapted for transporting fluid such that said fluid permeates through the ablative element.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the fluid may be conductive.

13. A method of assembling an ablation probe, comprising:

shaping a mass of particles into an elongated shaft having a proximate end and a distal end, the elongated shaft defining a lumen open at the proximate end and closed at the distal end;

sintering the shaped particles to form a porous structure, wherein the elongated shaft is rigid along substantially its entire length;

mounting the proximate end of the elongated shaft to a separate, rigid connector assembly; and

wherein the distal end of the elongated shaft comprises an ablative element.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the particles are electrically conductive.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein the ablative element is electrically conductive.