Abstract:
Systems and methods for treating a tissue region employ an expandable structure projecting beyond the distal end of a catheter tube. A distal tail projects beyond the far end of the basket assembly. The distal tail includes a guidewire lumen that accommodates passage of a guidewire without threading the guidewire through the catheter tube.
Abstract:
A sphincter tissue region is treated using a support structure sized for advancement into the anal canal. At least one electrode is carried by the structure. A mechanism is coupled to the electrode to move the electrode between a first position retracted in the support structure and a second position extended from the support structure through surface tissue to penetrate a subsurface tissue region at or near a sphincter in the anal canal. A cable is coupled to the electrode to conduct energy for application by the electrode to form a lesion in the subsurface tissue region.
Abstract:
An assembly for treating tissue at or near the sphincter includes a support structure for deployment in a tissue region, and a an electrode carried by the support structure. The support structure includes a spine with a lumen having an exit port, the electrode being deployable from the exit port. The spine also includes a cooling lumen and as aspiration lumen to provide and remove fluids, respectively.
Abstract:
Systems and methods deploy an electrode structure in contact with the tissue region. The electrode structure carries a sensor at a known location on the electrode structure to monitor an operating condition. The systems and methods provide an interface, which generate an idealized image of the electrode structure and an indicator image to represent the monitored operating condition in a spatial position on the idealized image corresponding to the location of the sensor on the electrode structure. The interface displays a view image comprising the idealized image and indicator image. The systems and methods cause the electrode structure to apply energy to heat the tissue region while the view image is displayed on the display screen.
Abstract:
Systems and methods are provided for positioning and stabilizing an external instrument during insertion of the instrument through the oral cavity (e.g., insertion of a catheter through the oral cavity and into the esophagus or cardia for treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)). The systems and methods provide a gripping tool for association with a bite block, capable of selectively moving between an open position in which the instrument may be inserted or instrument is held in a fixed position.
Abstract:
Methods of ablating mucosal tissue in an alimentary canal are provided. The methods can include the steps of (i) providing an ablation device comprising a tissue ablation source; (ii) positioning at least a portion of the ablation device at a mucosal tissue surface of the alimentary canal; (iii) delivering a sufficient amount of the source for tissue ablation to the mucosal tissue surface to create a lesion in the mucosal tissue. In one implementation the methods include a step of providing a radiofrequency (RF) energy delivery device.
Abstract:
Methods of accessing and ablating abnormal epithelium tissue in an alimentary canal are provided. The methods can include steps of (i) inserting a vacuum source comprising one or more suction ports into an alimentary canal; (ii) inserting an operative element comprising a conduit for a tissue ablation source into the alimentary canal; (iii) positioning the vacuum source and the operative element proximate a portion of the alimentary canal having a site of abnormal tissue to be ablated; (iv) applying a vacuum to at least one of each suction port to draw the tissue against the operative element; and (v) applying the tissue ablation source to the tissue through the conduit to effect tissue ablation.
Abstract:
Systems for treating a mucosal surface of an alimentary canal tissue region are provided. The systems can include an elongate support structure, an expandable member positionable at a distal portion of the support structure and one or more radio frequency (RF) ablation electrodes carried by the expandable member. The elongate support structure and the expandable member can be adapted to place the one or more electrodes in contact with a mucosal surface of an alimentary canal tissue region. The system can further include an RF energy source connected to the one or more electrodes.
Abstract:
Systems and methods treat a tissue region at or near a sphincter by deploying a carrier, which carries an electrode that can be advanced to penetrate tissue. Negative pressure is applied through a suction port on the carrier near the electrode, to draw tissue in the tissue region inward against the carrier. The systems and methods advance the electrode to penetrate tissue drawn against the carrier. The vacuum anchors the surrounding tissue and mediates against the “tenting” of tissue during electrode penetration. Without tenting, the electrode penetrates mucosal tissue fully, to obtain a desired depth of penetration.
Abstract:
A sphincter tissue region is treated using a support structure sized for advancement into the anal canal. At least one electrode is carried by the structure. A mechanism is coupled to the electrode to move the electrode between a first position retracted in the support structure and a second position extended from the support structure through surface tissue to penetrate a subsurface tissue region at or near a sphincter in the anal canal. A cable is coupled to the electrode to conduct energy for application by the electrode to form a lesion in the subsurface tissue region.