Method and apparatus for treating venous insufficiency using directionally applied energy

US6033398A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• VNUS Medical Technologies, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Brian E. Farley · Los Altos, US
• Michael D. Laufer · Menlo Park, US
• Dawn A. Henderson · Palo Alto, US
• Douglas M. Petty · Chesterfield, US
• Mark P. Parker · San Jose, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 4, 1997
• Grant date: Mar 7, 2000
• Expiry date: Mar 4, 2017

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B2018/1497
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A catheter introduces electrodes in a vein for a minimally invasive treatment of venous insufficiency by the application of energy to cause selective heating of the vein. The catheter is positioned within the vein to be treated, and the electrodes on the catheter are moved toward one side of the vein. RF energy is applied in a directional manner from the electrodes at the working end of the catheter to cause localized heating and corresponding shrinkage of the adjacent venous tissue, which may include commissures, leaflets and ostia. Fluoroscopy or ultrasound may be used to detect shrinkage of the vein. After treating one section of the vein, the catheter can be repositioned to place the electrodes to treat different sections of the vein until all desired venous valves are repaired and rendered functionally competent.