Multi-layer electrode ablation probe and related methods

• US 9,603,654 B2
• Filed: 10/02/2013
• Issued: 03/28/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 09/14/2007
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: LaZure Scientific Inc.
• Original Assignee: Lazure Technologies, LLC
• Inventors: Azure, Larry
• Primary Examiner(s): Peffley, Michael
• Assistant Examiner(s): GIULIANI, THOMAS ANTHONY
• Application Number:
  US14/044,756
• Publication Number:
  US 20140100565A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,273 Days
• Field of Search: 606/40, 606/42, 606/50, 606/41
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/14 Probes or electrodes therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/1477 Needle-like probes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/18 by applying electromagnetic radiation, e.g. microwaves radiation therapy A61N5/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00867 shape memory effect for prostheses A61F2210/0014
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/0016 Energy applicators arranged in a two- or three dimensional array
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/1407 Loop
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/1425 Needle
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/143 multiple needles
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/1432 curved
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/1475 Electrodes retractable in or deployable from a housing
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/05 for implantation or insertion into the body, e.g. heart electrode A61N1/06 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: C08L 2201/12 Shape memory

Abstract

Electric field delivery and ablation of target tissue regions, including cancerous cells and solid tumors. Methods and systems include delivering an electric field to a target tissue, and may include positioning a first electrode or plurality to at least partially define a first treatment volume in the target tissue; positioning a second electrode or plurality to at least partially define a second treatment volume, the first volume is disposed in the second volume; and establishing a first current flow extending through the first volume and a second current flow extending through the second volume.

Claims

1. A method of delivering an electric field to a target tissue, comprising:

positioning a first electrode to at least partially define a first treatment volume in the target tissue;

positioning a second electrode to at least partially define a second treatment volume, wherein the first volume is disposed in the second volume;

establishing a first current flow extending radially within the first volume and a second current flow extending through the second volume; and

wherein the first current flow selectively destroys abnormally proliferating cells while leaving normal cells substantially intact within the first treatment volume and the second current flow selectively destroys abnormally proliferating cells while leaving normal cells substantially intact within the second treatment volume.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode curve around a flow center.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the flow center comprises a central electrode positioned at about a location commonly central to the first treatment volume and to the second treatment volume.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the first current flow extends between the central electrode and the first electrode.

5. The method of claim 3, wherein the second current flow extends between the central electrode and the second electrode.

6. The method of claim 3, wherein the second current flow extends between the first electrode and the second electrode.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein establishing the first current flow destroys cancerous cells in the first treatment volume.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein cancerous cell destruction comprises low-power, mild hyperthermic tissue ablation.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the first current flow provides a first current frequency between about 50 kHz and 300 kHz, and a first voltage field of less than about 50 V/cm.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the first current flow and second current flow are established sequentially and at different times.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the first current flow is established while the second current flow is established.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein establishing the second current flow selectively destroys cancerous cells in the second treatment volume.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein cancerous cell destruction comprises low-power, mild hyperthermic tissue ablation.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the second current flow provides a second current frequency between about 50 kHz and 300 kHz, and a second voltage field of less than about 50 V/cm.

15. The method of claim 1, further comprising a third electrode, wherein the first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode are aligned along a linear path.

16. The method of claim 1, further comprising a third electrode, wherein the first electrode and the third electrode are off-set from the second electrode.