Photodynamic-Based Cardiac Ablation Device and Method Via the Esophagus

• US 20090171337A1
• Filed: 12/31/2007
• Published: 07/02/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 12/31/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: St. Jude Medical (Abbott Laboratories Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: St. Jude Medical (Abbott Laboratories Incorporated)
• Inventors: Paul, Saurav, Byrd, Israel A.
• Granted Patent: US 9,198,726 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 606/33
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/24 with a catheter A61B18/26, A61B18/28 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/2272 with reflective or refractive surfaces for deflecting the beam A61B2018/2261, A61B2018/2266 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 5/0601 Apparatus for use inside the body
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 5/062 Photodynamic therapy, i.e. excitation of an agent

Abstract

A method and system for ablation of cardiac tissue in a living being via the esophagus is provided. The method includes the step of introducing a photodynamic substance to the cardiac tissue. A deformable, elongated body defining a proximal end and a distal end is inserted into an esophagus of the living being. The distal end of the elongated body is located proximate the cardiac tissue. A first set of electromagnetic radiation is then directed from the distal end of the elongated body towards the cardiac tissue. Reflective and opaque surfaces at the distal end of the elongated body may be used to direct the electromagnetic radiation and an expandable membrane at the distal end may be used to urge the distal end of the elongated body to a predetermined position within the esophagus.

Claims

1. A method for ablation of cardiac tissue in a living being, comprising the following steps:

introducing a photodynamic substance to said cardiac tissue;

inserting a deformable, elongated body defining a proximal end and a distal end into an esophagus of said living being;

locating said distal end of said elongated body proximate said cardiac tissue; and

directing a first set of electromagnetic radiation from said distal end of said elongated body towards said cardiac tissue.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said locating step includes the substep of expanding a space defined between an exterior surface of said elongated body and an interior surface of a membrane coupled to said elongated body proximate said distal end of said elongated body.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein said expanding substep includes the substep of providing fluid to said space through a lumen in said elongated body and a port in a wall of said elongated body.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein said first set of electromagnetic radiation is generated from an electromagnetic radiation source located at said distal end of said elongated body.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein said first set of electromagnetic radiation is generated from an electromagnetic radiation source located proximate said proximal end of said elongated body and travels through an optic fiber disposed within said elongated body.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein, said first set of electromagnetic radiation exits said distal end of said elongated body through a lateral wall in said elongated body.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein said distal end of said elongated body includes a reflective surface configured to direct said first set of electromagnetic radiation towards said cardiac tissue.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein said reflective surface comprises a mirror.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein said distal end of said elongated body includes an opaque surface that inhibits passage of said first set of electromagnetic radiation in a first direction.

10. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of collecting, on a side of said cardiac tissue opposite from said distal end of said elongated body, a second set of electromagnetic radiation originating from said cardiac tissue in response to said first set of electromagnetic radiation.

11. A system for ablation of cardiac tissue in a living being, the system comprising the following:

a deformable, elongated body defining a proximal end and a distal end, said elongated body configured to be received within an esophagus of said living being;

a deformable membrane coupled to said elongated body proximate said distal end, said membrane covering a port in a wall of said elongated body and defining an expandable space between an interior surface of said membrane and an exterior surface of said elongated body;

a first electromagnetic radiation source; and

an electronic control unit configured to selectively activate said first electromagnetic radiation source to direct a first set of electromagnetic radiation from said distal end of said elongated body to said cardiac tissue, said tissue containing a photodynamic substance,

12. The system of claim 11, wherein said distal end of said elongated body includes an opening in a lateral wall of said elongated body, said first set of electromagnetic radiation exiting through said opening.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein said membrane is diametrically opposite said opening.

14. The system of claim 11, wherein said electromagnetic radiation source is located at said distal end of said elongated body.

15. The system of claim 11, further comprising an optic fiber disposed within said elongated body, said electromagnetic radiation source located proximate said proximal end of said elongated body and configured to direct said first set of electromagnetic radiation through said optic fiber.

16. A system for ablation of cardiac tissue in a living being, the system comprising the following:

a deformable, elongated body defining a proximal end and a distal end, said elongated body configured to be received within an esophagus of said living being;

a first electromagnetic radiation source; and

an electronic control unit configured to selectively activate said first electromagnetic radiation source to direct a first set of electromagnetic radiation from said distal end of said elongated body to said cardiac tissue, said tissue containing a photodynamic substance,

wherein said distal end of said elongated body includes a reflective surface configured to direct said first set of electromagnetic radiation.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein said reflective surface comprises a mirror.

18. The system of claim 16, wherein said distal end of said elongated body further includes an opaque surface that inhibits passage of said first set of electromagnetic radiation in a first direction.

19. The system of claim 16, wherein said electromagnetic radiation source is located at said distal end of said elongated body.

20. The system of claim 16, further comprising an optic fiber disposed within said elongated body, said electromagnetic radiation source located proximate said proximal end of said elongated body and configured to direct said first set of electromagnetic radiation through said optic fiber.