Method and device for removing concretions within human ducts
US5254121A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 22, 1992 |
| Grant date | Oct 19, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 22, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2017/22008
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and device is described for removing concretions such as calculus stones within human ducts such as the ureter or kidney. The device includes a flexible probe insertable through the human duct so that a tip thereof is juxtaposed against the concretion. The probe includes a positive electrode extending coaxially within the conduit and embedded in a solid electrically insulative material. A negative electrode is coextensive with and outwardly encircles the positive electrode. The solid electrically insulative material stops short by a distance R from the end of the probe, thereby leaving a recess without solid insulation between negative and positive electrodes at the tip end of the probe. The recess achieves a more efficient fragmentation of target calculi at lower energy, with less human tissue damage and increase in useful probe life.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.