Bipolar electrosurgical instrument including a plurality of balloon electrodes
US6238392A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 29, 1999 |
| Grant date | May 29, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 29, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2018/00982
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A bipolar electrosurgical instrument is described which may be used for heating the inner lining of a lumen or cavity within a patient. In particular, the present invention is directed to an electrosurgical instrument including a flexible elongated tube having a proximal and a distal end, a first balloon electrode attached to the distal end of the flexible elongated tube. The first balloon electrode includes a first expandable sleeve formed from an electrically insulating material and a first electrically conductive fluid in the expandable sleeve. A first electrode is positioned in electrical contact with the first electrically conductive fluid. A return balloon electrode is spaced proximally from the first balloon electrode, wherein the return balloon electrode includes a second expandable formed from an electrically insulating material and a second electrically conductive fluid disposed within the second expandable sleeve. A return electrode is positioned in electrical contact with the second electrically conductive fluid.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.