Method and apparatus for creating a bi-polar virtual electrode used for the ablation of tissue
First Claim
1. A method for ablating tissue comprising:
- positioning an ablating element of an ablation device adjacent to the tissue, wherein the ablation device comprises;
an ablation member comprising an elongated tubular member, wherein the ablating element is disposed at a distal end portion of the ablation member; and
a suction member comprising an elongated tubular member having a lumen in fluid communication with a vacuum and a vacuum opening disposed at a distal end portion of the suction member, the suction member coupled to the ablation member, wherein at least a portion of the elongated tubular member of the ablation member resides within the suction member lumen and the vacuum opening;
providing suction to the tubular suction member to draw the tissue into contact with the device; and
providing an ablation energy to the ablating element for ablating the tissue.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method and apparatus for creating a virtual electrode to ablate bodily tissue. The apparatus includes an outer tube, a first electrode, an inner tube and a second electrode. The outer tube is fluidly connected to a source of conductive fluid and defines a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end includes an opening for delivering conductive fluid from the outer tube. The first electrode is disposed at the distal end of the outer tube for applying a current to conductive fluid delivered from the outer tube. The inner tube is coaxially received within the outer tube and is connected to a source of conductive fluid. The inner tube defines a proximal end and a distal end, with the distal end forming an opening for delivering conductive fluid from the inner tube. Finally, the second electrode is disposed at the distal end of the inner tube for applying a current to conductive fluid delivered from the inner tube. With this configuration, upon final assembly, the distal end of the outer tube is axially spaced from the distal end of the inner tube such that the first electrode is spaced from the second electrode. As a result, a bi-polar virtual electrode can be established.
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Citations
11 Claims
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1. A method for ablating tissue comprising:
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positioning an ablating element of an ablation device adjacent to the tissue, wherein the ablation device comprises; an ablation member comprising an elongated tubular member, wherein the ablating element is disposed at a distal end portion of the ablation member; and a suction member comprising an elongated tubular member having a lumen in fluid communication with a vacuum and a vacuum opening disposed at a distal end portion of the suction member, the suction member coupled to the ablation member, wherein at least a portion of the elongated tubular member of the ablation member resides within the suction member lumen and the vacuum opening; providing suction to the tubular suction member to draw the tissue into contact with the device; and providing an ablation energy to the ablating element for ablating the tissue. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A method for ablating tissue comprising:
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positioning adjacent the tissue an ablating member of an ablation device, the device comprising; an elongated cylindrical ablation member comprising a tubular member and an ablating member disposed at a distal end portion of the ablation member; and an elongated cylindrical suction member comprising a tubular member having a lumen in fluid communication with a vacuum and a vacuum opening disposed at a distal end portion of the suction member, the suction member coupled to the ablation member, wherein at least a portion of the ablation member passes through the lumen and the vacuum opening; providing suction to the suction member to draw the tissue into contact with the device; and providing an ablation energy to the ablating member for ablating the tissue. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11)
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Specification