Method and apparatus for thermally destroying a layer of an organ
US4979948A · kind A · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 13, 1989 |
| Grant date | Dec 25, 1990 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 13, 2009 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M2205/0266
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Method and apparatus are disclosed for thermally destroying a layer of an organ such as the mucosal layer of the gallbladder. The apparatus includes a catheter having an elongated member having a plurality of lumens therein. At the distal end of the elongated member is an electrode for emitting radiofrequency current to the mucosal layer. Also at the distal end is a capacitive balloon electrode surrounding the current-emitting electrode for containing an electrolyte solution and for distributing the radiofrequency current to the mucosal layer. The balloon electrode is expanded with the electrolyte solution to conform and make contact with the mucosal layer. The electrolyte solution has a resistivity significantly less than the resistivity of the gallbladder wall, as well as the gallbladder bile, to cause a concentrated power deposition in the mucosal layer. The distal end of the catheter is endoscopically inserted into the body of the gallbladder by a retrograde route through the duodenum, common bile duct and cystic duct. While the balloon electrode is being expanded, the bile present in the gallbladder is drained through one of the lumens in the elongated member. The apparatus al…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.