Auto-aligning ablating device and method of use

• US 9,918,793 B2
• Filed: 03/03/2014
• Issued: 03/20/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 11/23/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Covidien LP (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Covidien LP (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Wallace, Michael P., Garabedian, Robert, Gerberding, Brent, Chung, Winnie, Utley, David S.
• Primary Examiner(s): HUPCZEY, JR, RONALD JAMES
• Application Number:
  US14/195,179
• Publication Number:
  US 20140243817A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,478 Days
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/02 by cooling, e.g. cryogenic techniques devices for cooling specific reflex points of the body within cell-life limits A61H39/06
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/1492 having a flexible, catheter-like structure, e.g. for heart ablation A61B18/1477 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/18 by applying electromagnetic radiation, e.g. microwaves radiation therapy A61N5/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/1815 using microwaves
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00296 mounted on an endoscope
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/0022 Balloons
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00285 Balloons
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00482 Digestive system
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00488 Esophagus
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00577 Ablation
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/046 in liquid form
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/1495 Electrodes being detachable from a support structure
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 34/71 Manipulators operated by drive cable mechanisms
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 90/50 Supports for surgical instruments, e.g. articulated arms

Abstract

An ablation device and methods for use thereof including a support structure adapted to support an ablation structure within an alimentary tract of a patient are provided. The support structure includes a longitudinal support with a longitudinal axis and a rotational support. The rotational support is adapted to permit at least part of the ablation structure to rotate with respect to the longitudinal support'"'"'s longitudinal axis.

Claims

1. An ablation device comprising:

a base;

an insulative longitudinal support rotatively coupled with the base by a pin, the longitudinal support comprising a proximal end, a distal end, and a continuous arcuate surface that is curved about a longitudinal axis of the longitudinal support, wherein the continuous arcuate surface extends linearly from the pin in a distal direction to the distal end and linearly from the pin in a proximal direction to the proximal end; and

an electrode array coupled with the continuous arcuate surface, wherein the electrode array extends linearly from the pin along the longitudinal support in the distal direction beyond the pin and linearly from the pin along the longitudinal support in the proximal direction beyond the pin.

2. The device of claim 1, further comprising a strap adapted to couple the base with an elongate member.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the elongate member comprises an endoscope.

4. The device of claim 2, wherein the strap is adapted to couple with an outside surface of the elongate member.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the electrode array comprises bipolar electrodes.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the pin is sufficiently distal to the base to permit rotation of the longitudinal support up to an angle of 90 degrees from a neutral position.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the pin is positioned at a distal end of the base.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the pin is positioned between the distal end and the proximal end of the longitudinal support.

9. A method of ablating a tissue surface in an alimentary tract comprising:

advancing an ablation structure into the alimentary tract, wherein the ablation structure is supported by an insulative longitudinal support rotatively coupled with a base by a pin, the longitudinal support comprising a proximal end, a distal end, and a continuous arcuate surface that is curved about a longitudinal axis of the longitudinal support, wherein the continuous arcuate surface extends linearly from the pin in a distal direction to the distal end and linearly from the pin in a proximal direction to the proximal end, and an electrode array coupled with the continuous arcuate surface, wherein the electrode array extends linearly from the pin along the longitudinal support in the distal direction beyond the pin and linearly from the pin along the longitudinal support in the proximal direction beyond the pin;

rotating the longitudinal support about the pin by applying a force between the tissue surface and the ablation structure; and

activating the electrode array to ablate the tissue surface.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein supporting the ablation structure comprises coupling the base with an elongate member using a strap coupled with the base.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the elongate member comprises an endoscope.

12. The method of claim 9, wherein advancing the ablation structure comprises advancing the longitudinal support in a rotationally neutral position.

13. The method of claim 9, wherein rotating the longitudinal support comprises rotating the longitudinal support from a neutral position to an angled position.

14. The method of claim 9, wherein rotating the longitudinal support comprises rotating the longitudinal support from an angled position to a neutral position.

15. The method of claim 9, wherein rotating the longitudinal support comprises rotating the longitudinal support up to an angle of 90 degrees from a neutral position.

16. The method of claim 9, wherein activating the electrode array comprises delivering radiofrequency energy to the electrode array.

17. An ablation device for ablating a tissue surface in an alimentary tract comprising:

means for advancing an ablation structure into the alimentary tract;

an insulative longitudinal support rotatively coupled with a base by a pin, the longitudinal support comprising a proximal end, a distal end, and a continuous arcuate surface that is curved about a longitudinal axis of the longitudinal support, wherein the continuous arcuate surface extends linearly from the pin in a distal direction to the distal end and linearly from the pin in a proximal direction to the proximal end, and an electrode array coupled with the continuous arcuate surface, wherein the electrode array extends linearly from the pin along the longitudinal support in the distal direction beyond the pin and linearly from the pin along the longitudinal support in the proximal direction beyond the pin;

means for rotating the longitudinal support about the pin; and

means for activating the electrode array to ablate the tissue surface.

18. The ablation device of claim 17, wherein the longitudinal support comprises means for coupling the base with an elongate member.

19. The ablation device of claim 18, wherein the elongate member comprises an endoscope.

20. The ablation device of claim 17, wherein the means for rotating the longitudinal support comprises means for rotating the longitudinal support from a neutral position to an angled position.