Method and apparatus for reducing the size of a hollow anatomical structure
US6071277A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 1, 1997 |
| Grant date | Jun 6, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 1, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2018/1497
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A catheter delivers an electrode within a hollow anatomical structure for a minimally invasive treatment which reduces the size of the structure. The catheter is introduced and positioned within a section of the hollow anatomical structure to be treated. The electrode radiates high frequency energy, and the surrounding tissue of the hollow anatomical structure becomes heated and begins to shrink. The catheter includes a controllable member for limiting the amount of shrinkage. The temperature of the surrounding hollow anatomical structure can be monitored while the electrode radiates high frequency energy. After treating one section of the hollow anatomical structure, the catheter and electrodes can be repositioned intraluminally to treat different sections of the hollow anatomical structure.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.