Methods of deploying helical diagnostic and therapeutic element supporting structures within the body
First Claim
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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.
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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.
481 Citations
17 Claims
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1. A method of treating a pulmonary vein with a helical structure including at least one operative element, the method comprising the steps of:
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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. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
inserting a tubular member into the pulmonary vein; and
passing the helical structure through the tubular member in the uncoiled state.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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:
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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. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
inserting a tubular member through the orifice into the bodily structure; and
passing the helical structure through the tubular member in the uncoiled state.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Specification