Methods of deploying helical diagnostic and therapeutic element supporting structures within the body

• US 20020004644A1
• Filed: 08/15/2001
• Published: 01/10/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 11/22/1999
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed (Boston Scientific Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Scimed Life Systems Incorporated (Boston Scientific Corporation)
• Inventors: Koblish, Josef V.
• Granted Patent: US 6,711,444 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 604/104
• 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 2018/00065 porous
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00077 high, i.e. electrically conducting
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00113 with foam
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00148 with metal
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00214 Expandable means emitting energy, e.g. by elements carried thereon
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00375 Ostium, e.g. ostium of pulmonary vein or artery
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00797 measured by multiple temperature sensors
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00821 measured by a thermocouple
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/1407 Loop
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/1435 Spiral
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/1467 using more than two electrodes on a single probe

Abstract

A method of deploying a helical structure having at least one operative element within a bodily structure defining an orifice includes the steps of inserting at least a portion of the helical structure through the orifice in an uncoiled state and returning the helical structure to a coiled state while at least a portion of the helical structure is within the bodily structure such that the coiled helical structure engages the orifice.

Claims

1. A method of treating a pulmonary vein with a helical structure including at least one operative element, the method comprising the steps of:

inserting at least a portion of the helical structure into the pulmonary vein in an uncoiled state;

returning the helical structure to a coiled state while at least a portion of the helical structure is within the pulmonary vein such that the coiled helical structure engages a portion of the pulmonary vein; and

performing at least one of a diagnostic and a therapeutic procedure with the at least one operative element.

2. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the step of inserting at least a portion of the helical structure into the pulmonary vein comprises:

inserting a tubular member into the pulmonary vein; and

passing the helical structure through the tubular member in the uncoiled state.

3. A method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the step of inserting a tubular member into the pulmonary vein comprises inserting a sheath into the pulmonary vein.

4. A method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the step of returning the helical structure to a coiled state comprises pulling the tubular member proximally without substantially moving the helical structure.

5. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the step of returning the helical structure to a coiled state comprises moving a tubular member from a position covering the helical structure to a position which does not cover the helical structure.

6. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the step of returning the helical structure to a coiled state comprises applying a torsional force to the helical structure.

7. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the step of returning the helical structure to a coiled state comprises engaging the pulmonary vein ostium.

8. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the step of performing at least one of a diagnostic and a therapeutic procedure comprises forming a lesion.

9. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the step of performing at least one of a diagnostic and a therapeutic procedure comprises forming a lesion that extends around the pulmonary vein ostium.

10. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one operative element comprises a plurality of electrodes and the step of performing at least one of a diagnostic and a therapeutic procedure comprises transmitting energy with the plurality of electrodes.

11. A method of deploying a helical structure including at least one operative element within a bodily structure defining an orifice, the method comprising the steps of:

inserting at least a portion of the helical structure through the orifice and into the bodily structure in an uncoiled state; and

returning the helical structure to a coiled state while at least a portion of the helical structure is within the bodily structure such that the coiled helical structure engages the orifice.

12. A method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the step of inserting at least a portion of the helical structure into the bodily structure comprises:

inserting a tubular member through the orifice into the bodily structure; and

passing the helical structure through the tubular member in the uncoiled state.

13. A method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the step of inserting a tubular member through the orifice into the bodily structure comprises inserting a sheath into the bodily structure.

14. A method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the step of returning the helical structure to a coiled state comprises pulling the tubular member proximally without substantially moving the helical structure.

15. A method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the step of returning the helical structure to a coiled state comprises moving a tubular member from a position covering the helical structure to a position which does not cover the helical structure.

16. A method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the step of returning the helical structure to a coiled state comprises applying a torsional force to the helical structure.

17. A method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the step of inserting at least a portion of the helical structure through the orifice and into the bodily structure in an uncoiled state comprises inserting at least a portion of the helical structure through the a pulmonary vein ostium and into the pulmonary vein in an uncoiled state.