Modification of airways by application of energy
First Claim
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1. A device for delivering energy to tissue, the device comprising:
- a flexible elongate body having a proximal end and a distal end;
an expandable electrode assembly disposed adjacent to the distal end of the elongate body, the electrode assembly including a plurality of electrically-conductive electrodes;
an electrically-conductive member extending from the proximal end of the elongate body to the expandable electrode assembly, for supplying energy to the electrodes; and
a thermocouple attached to at least one of the plurality of electrodes so that the at least one of the plurality of electrodes and the thermocouple form a thermocouple junction for obtaining a measurement of a temperature of tissue contacting the one of the plurality of electrodes, wherein the thermocouple includes two leads disposed along an outer surface of the at least one electrode, wherein each of the two leads is attached to the at least one of the plurality of electrodes in a spaced relationship.
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Abstract
This relates to treating reversible chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and more particularly, to exchanging energy with airway tissue such as that found in human lungs. This exchange of energy reduces the ability of the airways to constrict, reduces the resistance within the airway to the flow of air through the airway, reduces mucus plugging of the airways, and/or increases the airway diameter. This energy exchange also may reduce the ability of the lung to produce at least one of the symptoms of reversible obstructive pulmonary disease.
523 Citations
18 Claims
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1. A device for delivering energy to tissue, the device comprising:
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a flexible elongate body having a proximal end and a distal end; an expandable electrode assembly disposed adjacent to the distal end of the elongate body, the electrode assembly including a plurality of electrically-conductive electrodes; an electrically-conductive member extending from the proximal end of the elongate body to the expandable electrode assembly, for supplying energy to the electrodes; and a thermocouple attached to at least one of the plurality of electrodes so that the at least one of the plurality of electrodes and the thermocouple form a thermocouple junction for obtaining a measurement of a temperature of tissue contacting the one of the plurality of electrodes, wherein the thermocouple includes two leads disposed along an outer surface of the at least one electrode, wherein each of the two leads is attached to the at least one of the plurality of electrodes in a spaced relationship. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A device for delivering energy to tissue, the device comprising:
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a flexible elongate body having a proximal end and a distal end; an expandable electrode assembly disposed adjacent to the distal end of the flexible elongate body, the electrode assembly including at least one electrically-conductive electrode; and a thermocouple in communication with the at least one electrode so that the at least one electrode and the thermocouple form a thermocouple junction for obtaining a measurement of a temperature of tissue contacting the at least one electrode, wherein the thermocouple includes two leads disposed along an outer surface of the at least one electrode, wherein each of the two leads is attached to the at least one electrode in a spaced relationship. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A device for delivering energy to tissue, the device comprising:
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a flexible elongate body having a proximal end and a distal end; an expandable electrode assembly disposed adjacent to the distal end of the flexible elongate body, the electrode assembly including at least one electrically-conductive electrode; and a thermocouple in communication with the at least one electrode so that the at least one electrode and the thermocouple form a thermocouple junction for obtaining a measurement of a temperature of tissue contacting the at least one electrode, wherein the thermocouple includes two leads disposed along an outer surface of the at least one electrode, each of the two leads is attached to the at least one electrode in a spaced relationship, and when one of the two leads detaches from the electrode, the thermocouple stops measuring temperature. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18)
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Specification