Methods and apparatus for electrical treatment using balloon and electrode
First Claim
1. A device for delivering energy to a mammal comprising:
- a first enclosure having an outer wall surrounding an interior;
a second enclosure having an outer wall surrounding an interior;
a first electrode located within the interior of the first enclosure and spaced from the outer wall of the first enclosure;
a second electrode located within the interior of the second enclosure and spaced from the outer wall of the second enclosure; and
first and second fluid passages coupled to the interiors of the first and second enclosures, respectively, for delivery of an electrically conductive fluid to the interiors of the first and second enclosures, respectively, such that each of the first and second electrodes are electrically coupled to each of the outer walls of the first and second enclosures through the electrically conductive fluid.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention provides systems, apparatus and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to body tissue. A device is provided with an electrode positioned within the interior of an enclosure and a fluid passage coupled to the enclosure for delivery of an electrically conductive fluid such that the electrically conductive fluid. The conductive fluid allows for the passage of electrical energy from the electrode through the fluid and the outer wall of the enclosure for treatment of tissue on or in a patient. The electrode does not directly contact the tissue of the patient, which reduces the potential for collateral tissue damage or necrosis and/or excessive electric fields in the tissue.
129 Citations
11 Claims
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1. A device for delivering energy to a mammal comprising:
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a first enclosure having an outer wall surrounding an interior; a second enclosure having an outer wall surrounding an interior; a first electrode located within the interior of the first enclosure and spaced from the outer wall of the first enclosure; a second electrode located within the interior of the second enclosure and spaced from the outer wall of the second enclosure; and first and second fluid passages coupled to the interiors of the first and second enclosures, respectively, for delivery of an electrically conductive fluid to the interiors of the first and second enclosures, respectively, such that each of the first and second electrodes are electrically coupled to each of the outer walls of the first and second enclosures through the electrically conductive fluid. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 5, 6)
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4. The device of 1 wherein the first and second enclosures are balloons movable between a deflated position for introduction into a patient and an inflated position for contacting tissue within the patient.
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7. A method of treating an ailment comprising:
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positioning first and second balloons adjacent to or in contact with a tissue structure having a longitudinal axis within or on a patient'"'"'s body, said first and second balloons having first and second electrodes located within an interior of the first and second balloons, respectively; and applying an electric field to the first and second electrode(s) such that the electric field is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tissue structure. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11)
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Specification