Ablation catheter with selectively deployable electrodes
US4976711A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 13, 1989 |
| Grant date | Dec 11, 1990 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 13, 2009 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M2025/1086
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A RF ablation catheter for removing athero-stenotic lesions or modifying the tissue characteristics of the interior walls of selected blood vessels is described. The catheter is characterized in having a tip member which during the initial placement of the catheter within the vascular system so that the distal tip member is disposed in a working relation with the lesion to be removed, means are provided for increasing the cross-sectional profile of the tip members to thereby cause it to move into engagement with the lesion to be excised. The application of an RF voltage across a pair of bipolar electrodes is used to create an electric arc for effecting the cutting action, or alternatively, just sufficient RF energy to sear or otherwise alter the tissue surfaces engaged by the distal tip member.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.