Method for thermal ablation of hollow body organs
US5222938A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 31, 1992 |
| Grant date | Jun 29, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 31, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M3/0279
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Hollow body organs, such as the gallbladder, may be ablated by introducing a substantially unheated thermally conductive medium to the interior of the organ. The thermally conductive medium is then heated to a temperature sufficient to necrose the endothelial lining or mucous membrane of the organ. After the lining or membrane has necrosed, the interior of the organ will fibrose over time and the organ will eventually be resorbed by the body. A catheter useful in performing the ablation method comprises an elongate member having a heating element at its distal tip. The catheter will include at least one lumen for delivering the thermally conductive medium to the interior of the hollow body organ, and the heating means is used to raise the temperature of the thermally conductive medium after it has been delivered. Optionally, the catheter may include one or more inflatable balloons which facilitate sealing of the hollow body organ to inhibit leakage of the thermally conductive medium during the treatment process. The heating element may comprise a single point heat source or a heat source distributed over a fixed length. Distributed heat sources may further be adapted to provide for…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.