Method and apparatus for treating venous insufficiency using directionally applied energy
First Claim
1. A method comprising:
- inserting an optical fiber transluminally through a lumen of a vein;
positioning a distal end of the optical fiber at a treatment site in the lumen of the vein;
approximating the distal end of the optical fiber and an inner wall of the vein, at the treatment site;
applying light energy from the optical fiber to the inner wall of the vein at the treatment site, and thereby shrinking the vein at the treatment site; and
inserting a tubular member transluminally into the vein;
whereinapplying light energy comprises applying light energy from the distal end of the optical fiber while the distal end of the optical fiber is positioned within the tubular member;
the tubular member comprises a first material portion and a second material portion located in a distal region of the tubular member, the second material portion being transmissive of light energy; and
applying light energy comprises passing light energy from the distal end of the optical fiber through the second material portion of the tubular member.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A catheter introduces electrodes in a vein for a minimally invasive treatment of venous insufficiency by the application of energy to cause selective heating of the vein. The catheter is positioned within the vein to be treated, and the electrodes on the catheter are moved toward one side of the vein. RF energy is applied in a directional manner from the electrodes at the working end of the catheter to cause localized heating and corresponding shrinkage of the adjacent venous tissue, which may include commissures, leaflets and ostia. Fluoroscopy or ultrasound may be used to detect shrinkage of the vein. After treating one section of the vein, the catheter can be repositioned to place the electrodes to treat different sections of the vein until all desired venous valves are repaired and rendered functionally competent.
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Citations
10 Claims
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1. A method comprising:
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inserting an optical fiber transluminally through a lumen of a vein; positioning a distal end of the optical fiber at a treatment site in the lumen of the vein; approximating the distal end of the optical fiber and an inner wall of the vein, at the treatment site; applying light energy from the optical fiber to the inner wall of the vein at the treatment site, and thereby shrinking the vein at the treatment site; and inserting a tubular member transluminally into the vein; wherein applying light energy comprises applying light energy from the distal end of the optical fiber while the distal end of the optical fiber is positioned within the tubular member; the tubular member comprises a first material portion and a second material portion located in a distal region of the tubular member, the second material portion being transmissive of light energy; and applying light energy comprises passing light energy from the distal end of the optical fiber through the second material portion of the tubular member. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A method comprising:
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inserting an optical fiber transluminally through a lumen of a vein; positioning a distal end of the optical fiber at a treatment site in the lumen of the vein; inhibiting contact between the distal end of the optical fiber and an inner wall of the vein; applying light energy from the optical fiber to the inner wall of the vein at the treatment site, and thereby shrinking the vein at the treatment site; and employing a tubular member surrounding the distal end of the optical fiber to perform the inhibiting contact; wherein the tubular member comprises a first material portion and a second material portion located in a distal region of the tubular member, the second material portion being transmissive of light energy; and applying light energy comprises passing light energy from the distal end of the optical fiber through the second material portion of the tubular member. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10)
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Specification