Method and apparatus for creating a virtual electrode used for the ablation of tissue
US6315777A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 6, 1999 |
| Grant date | Nov 13, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 6, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2018/1472
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and apparatus for creating a virtual electrode to ablate bodily tissue. The surgical apparatus includes an inner tube and an outer tube. The inner tube defines a proximal portion and a distal portion. The distal portion forms an orifice for distributing a conductive solution from the inner tube and further forms an electrode. The outer tube coaxially receives the inner tube such that the outer tube is slidable relative to the inner tube. With this configuration, the outer tube selectively blocks flow of conductive solution from the orifice. During use, conductive solution distributed from the orifice is subjected to a current from the electrode, thereby creating a virtual electrode.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.