Abstract:
A tissue ablation apparatus includes a delivery catheter with distal and proximal ends. A handle is attached to the proximal end of the delivery catheter. At least partially positioned in the delivery catheter is an electrode deployment device. The electrode deployment device includes a plurality of retractable electrodes. Each electrode has a non-deployed state when it is positioned in the delivery catheter. Additionally, each electrode has a distended deployed state when it is advanced out of the delivery catheter distal end. The deployed electrodes define an ablation volume. Each deployed electrode has a first section with a first radius of curvature. The first section is located near the distal end of the delivery catheter. A second section of the deployed electrode extends beyond the first section, and has a second radius of curvature, or a substantially linear geometry.
Abstract:
A medical probe device for treatment of the prostate of a human male having a bladder with a base with a urethra formed by a urethral wall extending into the base of the bladder with the prostate having tissue surrounding the urethra near the base of the bladder with a catheter having a control end and a probe end and a passageway extending from the control end to the probe end along a longitudinal axis. A flexible stylet assembly is slidably mounted in the passageway in the catheter and has a distal extremity. The stylet assembly includes a conductive electrode and a sleeve of insulating material surrounding the conductive electrode and permitting a predetermined portion of the conductive electrode to be exposed. A control device is secured to the stylet assembly and to the control end of the catheter for causing movement of the distal extremity of the stylet assembly between a retracted position disposed within the passageway and an extended position disposed outwardly from the probe end whereby the stylet assembly can extend through the urethral wall into the tissue of the prostate with the conductive electrode being disposed in the tissue of the prostate and the sleeve being disposed in the urethral wall. A radio frequency generator is coupled to the conductive electrode for supplying radio frequency energy to the conductive electrode for causing ablation of tissue in the prostate while the urethral wall is protected from the radio frequency energy supplied to the electrode.
Abstract:
A medical probe apparatus comprising a catheter having a stylet guide housing with at least one stylet port in a side thereof and a stylet guide for directing a flexible stylet outward through at least one stylet port and through intervening tissue to targeted tissues. The stylet guide has a biopsy sample device or other tissue manifesting device at the distal end thereof to gather tissue or perform other operations at the point of the desired tissue such as emitting electromagnetic energy as ablative power to target tissues;.One embodiment of the biopsy sample stylet includes a hollow core sampler including a biopsy needle apparatus for gathering sample tissue. The hollow core sampler has a sharpened end for facilitating the penetration into and gathering of the sample tissue. A second embodiment of the biopsy sample stylet includes a harpoon-like sample stylet when the sharp tip thereof allows for easy entry into the target tissue. The sharpened barbed side opening allows for certain desired tissue to be sampled to be drawn into the side opening for individual cell gathering or complete sample excise or gathering of the desired tissue. The third embodiment is a clam shell or alligator type biopsy jaw device whereby the sharpened biopsy tip thereof allows a tissue sample to be clipped or cut upon activation of the stylet jaws. Still another embodiment comprises a biopsy knife device in conjunction with an electromagnetic emitter for selective tissue sampling or electromagnetic heat ablation, or both, of selected tissue.
Abstract:
A method and an apparatus is disclosed for delivering controlled heat to perform ablation to treat the benign prosthetic hypertrophy or hyperplasia (BPH). According to the method and the apparatus, the energy is transferred directly into the tissue mass which is to be treated in such a manner as to provide tissue ablation without damage to surrounding tissues. Automatic shut-off occurs when any one of a number of surrounding areas to include the urethra or surrounding mass or the adjacent organs exceed predetermined safe temperature limits. The constant application of the radio frequency energy over a maintained determined time provides a safe procedure which avoids electrosurgical and other invasive operations while providing fast relief to BPH with a short recovery time. The procedure may be accomplished in a doctor's office without the need for hospitalization or surgery.
Abstract:
A medical probe device comprises a catheter having a stylet guide housing with one or more stylet ports in a side wall thereof and guide means for directing a flexible stylet outward through the stylet port and through intervening tissue at a preselected, adjustable angle to a target tissue. The total catheter assembly includes a stylet guide lumen communicating with the stylet port and a stylet positioned in said stylet guide lumen for longitudinal movement from the port through intervening tissue to a target tissue. The style can be an electrical conductor enclosed within a non-conductive layer, the electrical conductor being a radiofrequency electrode. Preferably, the non-conductive layer is a sleeve which is axially moveable on the electrical conductor to expose a selected portion of the electrical conductor surface in the target tissue. The stylet can also be a microwave antenna. The stylet can also be a hollow tube for delivering treatment fluid to the target tissue. It can also include a fiber optic cable for laser treatment. The catheter can include one or more inflatable balloons located adjacent to the stylet port for anchoring the catheter or dilation. Ultrasound transducers and temperature sensors can be attached to the probe end and/or stylet.
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 infusion array ablation apparatus includes an elongated delivery device having a lumen and an infusion array positionable in the lumen. The infusion array includes an RF electrode and at least a first and a second infusion member. Each infusion member has a tissue piercing distal portion and an infusion lumen. At least one of the first or second infusion members is positionable in the elongated delivery device in a compacted state and deployable from the elongated delivery device with curvature in a deployed state. Also, at least one of the first or second infusion members exhibits a changing direction of travel when advanced from the elongated delivery device to a selected tissue site. At least one infusion port is coupled to one of the elongated delivery device, the infusion array, the first infusion member or the second infusion member.
Abstract:
A medical probe device comprises a catheter having a stylet guide housing with one or more stylet ports in a side wall thereof and a stylet guide for directing a flexible stylet outward through the stylet port and through intervening tissue at a preselected, adjustable angle to a target tissue. The total catheter assembly includes a stylet guide lumen communicating with the stylet port and a stylet positioned in said stylet guide lumen for longitudinal movement from the port through intervening tissue to a target tissue. The stylet can be an electrical conductor enclosed within a non-conductive layer, the electrical conductor being a radiofrequency electrode. Preferably, the non-conductive layer is a sleeve which is axially moveable on the electrical conductor to expose a selected portion of the electrical conductor surface in the target tissue. The stylet can also be a microwave antenna. The stylet can also be a hollow tube for delivering treatment fluid to the target tissue. It can also include a fiber optic cable for laser treatment. The catheter can include one or more inflatable balloons located adjacent to the stylet port for anchoring the catheter or dilation. Ultrasound transponders and temperature sensors can be attached to the probe end and/or stylet. The stylet guide can define a stylet path from an axial orientation in the catheter through a curved portion to a lateral orientation at the stylet port.
Abstract:
An RF treatment apparatus includes a catheter with a catheter lumen. A removable needle electrode is positioned in the catheter lumen in a fixed relationship to the catheter. The needle electrode includes a needle lumen and a needle electrode distal end. A removable introducer is slidably positioned in the needle lumen. The introducer includes an introducer distal end. A first sensor is positioned on a surface of the needle electrode or the insulator. An RF power source is coupled to the needle electrode and a return electrode. An insulator sleeve is slidably positioned around the electrode and includes a second sensor. Resources are associated with the electrodes, sensors as well as the RF power source for maintaining a selected power at the electrode independent of changes in current or voltage.
Abstract:
An apparatus and method are provided for control contraction of tissue that includes collagen fibers. The apparatus includes a handpiece, and an electrode with an electrode proximal end associated with the handpiece. A distal end of the electrode has a geometry that delivers a controlled amount of energy to the tissue for a desired contraction of the collagen fibers. This is achieved while dissociation and breakdown of the collagen fibers is minimized. The handpiece, with electrode, is adapted to be introduced through an operating cannula in percutaneous applications. Additionally, an operating cannula may be included in the apparatus and be attached to the handpiece. The apparatus and method provides for a desired level of contraction of collagen soft tissue without dissociation or breakdown of collagen fibers.