Abstract:
An apparatus to treat a sphincter has a support member. A sphincter electropotential mapping device includes a mapping electrode. The sphincter electropotential mapping device is coupled to the support member and configured to detect aberrant myoelectric activity of the sphincter.
Abstract:
A sphincter treatment apparatus includes an elongated member having at least one lumen including an inflation lumen and a basket assembly with first and second arms. The basket assembly is coupled to the elongated member and has deployed and non-deployed configurations. An inflatable member is coupled to the elongated member and positioned in an interior of the basket assembly. The inflatable member has deployed and non-deployed states and is coupled to the inflation lumen. In the deployed state, the inflatable member expands the basket assembly to its deployed configuration. A first energy delivery device is positionable in the first arm and advanceable from the first arm to a selected treatment site. A second energy delivery device is positionable in the second arm and advanceable from the second arm to a selected treatment site.
Abstract:
A method of regulating temperature at a tissue site comprising measuring sphincter tissue temperature at or near a tissue site, comparing the measured sphincter tissue temperature to a desired temperature, increasing an existing flow rate of a cooling solution to the tissue site if the measured tissue temperature exceeds the desired temperature, and maintaining the existing flow rate of the cooling solution to the tissue site if the measured temperature does not exceed the desired temperature.
Abstract:
A sphincter treatment apparatus includes an energy delivery device introduction member including a proximal end with a first radius of curvature and a distal end with a second radius of curvature. The introduction member is configured to be introduced into the sphincter in a non-deployed state and to be expanded to a deployed state to at least partially expand the sphincter or an adjoining structure. An energy delivery device is coupled to the introduction member. A retainer member is coupled to the energy delivery device introduction member and configured to controllably position the introduction member in an orifice of the sphincter.
Abstract:
A method of forming a composite lesion pattern in a tissue region at or near a sphincter comprising providing a catheter having a plurality of energy delivery devices coupled to the catheter. The catheter is introduced at least partially into the sphincter. Energy is delivered from the energy delivery devices to produce the composite lesion pattern. The composite lesion pattern comprises a radial distribution of lesions about the tissue region and a longitudinal distribution of lesions along the tissue region.
Abstract:
An apparatus to treat a sphincter has a support member. A sphincter electropotential mapping device includes a mapping electrode. The sphincter electropotential mapping device is coupled to the support member and configured to detect aberrant myoelectric activity of the sphincter.
Abstract:
A method of forming a composite lesion pattern in a tissue region at or near a sphincter comprising providing a catheter having a plurality of energy delivery devices coupled to the catheter. The catheter is introduced at least partially into the sphincter. Energy is delivered from the energy delivery devices to produce the composite lesion pattern. The composite lesion pattern comprises a radial distribution of lesions about the tissue region and a longitudinal distribution of lesions along the tissue region.
Abstract:
A method of treating a sphincter that provides an expandable basket structure with a first energy delivery device. The basket structure is introduced in a sphincter. The first energy delivery device is advanced from the basket structure into an interior of the sphincter. Sufficient energy is delivered from the first energy delivery device to create a desired tissue effect in the sphincter. Thereafter, the basket structure is removed from the sphincter.
Abstract:
A sphincter treatment apparatus includes an energy delivery device introduction member including a proximal end with a first radius of curvature and a distal end with a second radius of curvature. The introduction member is configured to be introduced into the sphincter in a non-deployed state and to be expanded to a deployed state to at least partially expand the sphincter or an adjoining structure. An energy delivery device is coupled to the introduction member. A retainer member is coupled to the energy delivery device introduction member and configured to controllably position the introduction member in an orifice of the sphincter.
Abstract:
An ablation apparatus has an expandable member that is inserted into an organ of a body and ablates all or a selected portion of the inner layer of the organ. Electrolytic solution fills the expandable member, and the expandable member includes a plurality of apertures from which electrolytic solution flows from the expandable member. First and second fluid conduits, which can be first and second conforming members, are in a surrounding relationship to the expandable member. The second conforming member, including a conductive surface, is made of a material that provides substantial conformity between the conductive surface and a shape of the inner layer of the organ. A plurality of electrodes is positioned between the two conforming members. The expandable member serves as an insulator to RF energy. Each electrode includes an insulator formed on a surface of the electrode positioned adjacent to the second conforming member. The combination of sandwiching the electrodes between the two conforming members, and the use of two insulators, one on the electrode and the other on the expandable member, provides selectable ablation of the inner layer of the organ. A feedback device is included and is responsive to a detected characteristic of the inner layer. The feedback device provides a controlled delivery of RF energy to the electrodes.