Abstract:
An ablation probe comprises a probe shaft and a unibody electrode element comprising a common electrode base located at the distal end of the shaft and a plurality of electrode tines distally extending from the base. The electrode element may be created by forming divisions (such as slits or slots) from a first end of an electrically conductive elongate member towards an opposing second end of the elongate member. Alternatively, the divisions can be formed from a first end of an electrically conductive sheet towards an opposing second end of the sheet, and then bent or rolled to form the elongate member. The common electrode base can either be separately mounted to a probe shaft, or the probe shaft can be formed from the elongate member.
Abstract:
Efficient ablation with multiple prong electrodes is obtained by electrically isolating the prongs from each other and rapidly switching electric power between the prongs, between a prong and a ground pad, or both. In this way, power distribution to a tumor can be controlled efficiently without the need to change probe geometry.
Abstract:
Method and apparatus for ablating target tissue adjacent pulmonary veins of a patient. A clamping ablation tool can include an upper arm (12) having an upper neck (24), a link assembly (25), and an upper actuator (18). The link assembly can include a distal electrode and a proximal electrode. The clamping ablation tool includes a lower arm (14) that mates with the upper arm (12). The lower arm (21) can include a lower neck (42), a distal jaw (44), and a lower actuator (46). The distal jaw can include a jaw electrode (48), and the lower actuator (46) can control movement of the distal jaw (44).
Abstract:
A tissue ablation device comprises first and second electrodes of opposite polarities, the first electrode being mounted to a first elongated member for movement relative to the second electrode for separation therefrom by a desired distance. A method of ablating a tissue comprises inserting first and second electrodes to desired initial positions relative to a tissue mass to be ablated and applying electrical energy to the first and second electrodes to ablate a first portion of tissue between the first and second elelctrodes in combination with the step of applying electrical energy to desired second positions separated from the desired initial positions by a distance selected to transfer electrical energy around the first portion of tissue throught a second portion of tissue to be ablated, the second portion of tissue surrounding the first portion of tissue.
Abstract:
A medical probe assembly includes an elongated shaft and an electrode array mechanically coupled to the distal end of the shaft. The electrode array is configured to assume an outwardly curved shape, when exposed to a first temperature, and assume a pointed tip when exposed to a second temperature less than the first temperature. The first temperature is preferably greater than body temperature, e.g., equal to the tissue ablation temperature, and the second temperature is preferably less than a tissue ablation temperature, e.g., body temperature. In this manner, the pointed tip assumed by the electrode array facilitates introduction of the probe assembly through the tissue prior to the ablation process, while the outwardly curved shape assumed by the electrode array facilitates deployment of the electrode array within the tissue during the ablation process. The electrodes can be composed of a temprature sensitive material, such as Nitinol or a bimetallic metal.
Abstract:
Stapler and ablation clamping heads can be interchangeably coupled to a hand-operated actuation mechanism using a quick connect/quick release coupling. In the actuation mechanism, a first user-operable lever controls clamping of the jaws of either head, while a second user-operable lever controls the firing of staples in the stapler head. A removable staple holder may be used with the stapler head to allow easy reloading of staples as well as the use of different sizes and type of staples. A corresponding removable anvil may be used as well. A removable electrode holder may be used with the ablation head to allow the use of different electrode configurations. Moreover, a removable electrode holder may be used over the jaws of a stapler head as an overlay.
Abstract:
A medical probe assembly comprises an elongated member and electrode elements mechanically coupled to the distal end of the elongated member. The electrode elements are configurable as two bipolar electrode pairs with a common electrode element. At least one of the electrode elements comprises a plurality of electrodes (such as, e.g., needle electrodes) radially extendable from the elongated member. A radio frequency source can be connected to the probe assembly in order to convey ablation energy to the electrode pairs, either simultaneously or sequentially.
Abstract:
Apparatus and methods are provided for partitioning a gastro-intestinal lumen by intraluminally reducing a local cross-sectional area thereof. The apparatus comprises a plurality of anchors adapted for intraluminal penetration into a wall of the gastrointestinal lumen to prevent migration or dislodgement of the apparatus, and a partition, which may include a drawstring or a toroidal balloon, coupled to the plurality of anchors to provide a local reduction in the cross-sectional area of the gastro-intestinal lumen.
Abstract:
A grasper (10) is provided having a handle (18) with an elongated shaft (20) secured thereto. First and second jaw members (22, 24) with opposed clamping surfaces are secured to the shaft (20), with one jaw member being slidably secured with respect to the other jaw member. The jaw members (212, 24) are relatively movable by an actuator (26) between an open position and a closed position. A resilient member (46) is associated with at least one of the first or second jaw members (22, 24) or the actuator (26) limits the force exerted on tissue held between the clamping surfaces of the jaws (22, 24) when the jaws (22, 24) are in the closed position. The jaws (22, 24) are preferably, but not necessarily, pivotal relative to the elongated shaft (20) by remote actuation.
Abstract:
A surgical system including a clamp with first and second clamp members and a device that removably mounts at least one electrode on at least one of the first and second clamp members.