Tissue heating and ablation systems and methods using porous electrode structures with specified electrical resistivities
US6071278A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 12, 1996 |
| Grant date | Jun 6, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 12, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2018/00214
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Systems and methods for heating or ablating tissue use a porous electrode. The porous electrode comprises a wall having an interior area that contains an electrically conductive element. At least a portion of the wall comprises a porous material sized to block passage of blood cells while passing ions. The systems and methods position the porous electrode in contact with tissue. The systems and methods couple the electrically conductive element to a source of electrical energy. The systems and methods convey a fluid medium containing ions into the interior area to enable ionic transfer of electrical energy from the electrical conducting element through the fluid medium and porous material to ablate tissue. The systems and methods also specify differing electrical resistivities for the porous material based, at least in part, upon achieving differing desired tissue heating or ablation effects.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.