Electrical ablation devices

• US 8,529,563 B2
• Filed: 08/25/2008
• Issued: 09/10/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 08/25/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. (Johnson & Johnson)
• Original Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. (Johnson & Johnson)
• Inventors: Long, Gary L., Plescia, David N.
• Primary Examiner(s): STIGELL, THEODORE J
• Application Number:
  US12/197,749
• Publication Number:
  US 20100049190A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,842 Days
• Field of Search: 606 32- 34, 606/108, 606/41, 604/174, 604/175
• US Class Current: 606/41
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/14 Probes or electrodes therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/1477 Needle-like probes
• 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 2017/22038 with a guide wire
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00214 Expandable means emitting energy, e.g. by elements carried thereon
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/0022 Balloons
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00559 Female reproductive organs
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00577 Ablation
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/1425 Needle
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/1435 Spiral
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/1472 for use with liquid electrolyte, e.g. virtual electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/057 Anchoring means; Means for fixing the head inside the heart
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0573 chacterised by means penetrating the heart tissue, e.g. helix needle or hook

Abstract

A connector configured to receive electrical energy from an energy source. A fastener is coupled to the connector. The fastener is configured for attachment through a tissue wall. A first electrode includes at least one electrically conductive portion and is coupled to the connector by a first electrically conductive wire.

Claims

1. An electrical ablation apparatus, comprising:

a connector configured to receive electrical energy from an energy source, the connector selectively connectable to a wire extending from the energy source;

a fastener coupled to the connector, the fastener configured for attachment through a tissue wall; and

a first electrode comprising at least one electrically conductive portion coupled to the connector by a first electrically conductive wire.

2. The electrical ablation apparatus of claim 1, wherein the connector comprises:

a body comprising at least one recess for receiving at least one corresponding tab;

at least one terminal;

a first flange comprising at least one opening for receiving a suture or tag for attaching the connector to the tissue wall;

a second flange comprising at least one opening for receiving a suture or tag for attaching the connector to the tissue wall; and

a hollow shaft connecting the first and second flanges, the hollow shaft defining a longitudinal opening for receiving the at least one electrically conductive wire therethrough, wherein a first end of the at least one electrically conductive wire is connected to the at least one terminal.

3. The electrical ablation apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first electrode comprises a tapered body.

4. The electrical ablation apparatus of claim 3, wherein the tapered body comprises ridges formed on an outer surface to penetrate and attach the at least one electrode proximal to tissue to be ablated.

5. The electrical ablation apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first electrode comprises a helical body to penetrate and attach the first electrode proximal to tissue to be ablated.

6. The electrical ablation apparatus of claim 1, comprising:

a second electrode comprising at least one electrically conductive portion coupled to the connector by a second electrically conductive wire.