Abstract:
The device and method of the present invention is a medical probe device which has an elongated guide having a longitudinal axis, and a handle and probe end, the guide defining a port at its probe end. The device also has a flexible, resilient tape stylet, movably mounted relative to said longitudinal guide for movement along the longitudinal axis, having two opposed side portions, a proximal end, a piercing end and a sharpened tip on said piercing end, and a deflector, housed within said longitudinal guide, which deflects said flexible resilient tape stylet through said port. A method of moving a stylet through an elongated guide to an outlet port is also disclosed. A method of manufacturing a flexible resilient tape stylet of the present invention is also disclosed.
Abstract:
According to the present invention, an anastomosis catheter with internally mounted cam pieces holding a plurality of curved needles adjacent apertures in the side of the catheter is provided. The curved needles are attached to lengths of suture material which are installed to run along the outer surface of the central cam pieces to their distal end, where they reverse back along the inner core of the catheter. When the central cam pieces are withdrawn, and moved proximally, the cam surface forces the curved needles out the associated apertures. As the catheter is deployed in a hollow organ, such as a human urethra, the curved needles, as they are deployed, grasp the end of the urethra, which then can be held in position for suturing to the bladder. The other end of the suture materials could have straight needles attached to them to facilitate attaching the urethra to the bladder.
Abstract:
An RF treatment apparatus provides multi-modality treatment for tumors and other desired tissue masses, and includes an RF indifferent electrode and an RF active electrode. The RF indifferent electrode has a compacted, non-deployed state, and an expanded deployed state. In the deployed state, the RF indifferent electrode forms a helical structure with four or less coils that surround an exterior of the tumor. The indifferent electrode becomes a microwave antenna when it is coupled to a microwave source. RF ablation energy is delivered to the tumor by the RF active electrode after it has been introduced into the tumor. Both electrodes are coupled to an RF energy source. The indifferent electrode is coupled to a microwave source. Either or both of the electrodes is hollow and include fluid distribution ports for the purpose of providing a chemotherapeutic agent to the tumor site. Ablation energy is supplied to the tumor by the active electrode. The RF indifferent electrode then is switched and becomes a microwave antenna, providing hyperthermia to the tumor and surrounding area. Thereafter, a chemotherapeutic agent is supplied to the tumor site.
Abstract:
A method of this invention for treating body tissues containing cancerous cells or non-malignant tumors with RF ablation, alone or in combination with systemic or localized chemotherapy comprising introducing a stylet comprising an electrode surface and a sleeve longitudinally moveable thereon into the vicinity of the body tissues, retracting the sleeve from a portion of the electrode surface, and supplying RF power to the electrode surface sufficient to heat the tissue to a temperature of above about 45.degree. C. for a time to cause reduction of tissue mass in the vicinity of the electrode. The RF power supplied to the electrode surface is sufficient to effect a desiccated fluid diffusion barrier capsule surrounding the body tissue being treated. The stylet can include a hollow tube having fluid distribution ports therein, and the method can include the step of passing fluid through one or more distribution ports into the body tissue being treated. The fluid can be saline or a chemotherapeutic fluid such as liquid or gas containing a cytotoxic agent, for example. The fluid can be administered in a variety of procedures. The fluid can be passed through a distribution port into the body tissue before, during and/or after the RF power is supplied to the electrode surface, for example. Preferably, the fluid is introduced after a barrier capsule has been formed. The devices comprises electrodes having a hollow core and a closed sharpened distal tip. The electrode has a plurality of fluid distribution ports therein for distribution of fluid treatment agents into the tissue.
Abstract:
An ablation electrode carries a temperature sensing element for measuring the temperature of the tissue being ablated. A thermal insulating element associated with the sensing element blocks the transfer of heat energy from between the temperature sensing element and the body. The temperature sensing element therefore measures temperature without being affected by the surrounding thermal mass of the electrode.
Abstract:
A medical ablation method for reducing snoring wherein a flexible RF electrode wire surrounded by an insulating sleeve axially moveable thereon is inserted into an uvula; the sleeve is retracted to expose a predetermined portion of the electrode; and RF energy is applied to the uvula tissue through the electrode to cause internal lesions in the uvula and reduce snoring.
Abstract:
Systems for ablating tissue control radiofrequency power to an ablation electrode by relying upon actual phase sensitive power measurements, unaffected by phase shifts between radiofrequency voltage and current. The systems also detect these phase differences, if they develop, and integrate this factor in making their control decisions.
Abstract:
A catheter has an electrode tip assembly that is bendable at the selection of the user in two different directions. The electrode tip assembly assumes a different predetermined curve configuration when bent in the two direction.
Abstract:
A device for treating a tissue region at or near a sphincter including a proximal support, a distal support and an expandable basket having a plurality of spines. The spines have a proximal portion, a distal portion and an intermediate portion therebetween, wherein the spines are movable from a first non-expanded position to a second expanded position wherein in the expanded position the intermediate portion of the spines extends outwardly radially beyond the proximal and distal portions of the spines. A plurality of electrodes are carried by the spines and movable outwardly to an outward position to penetrate tissue for application of energy to the tissue region.