Apparatus and method for creating, maintaining, and controlling a virtual electrode used for the ablation of tissue
US6409722B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 6, 1999 |
| Grant date | Jun 25, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 6, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2218/007
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for producing a virtual electrode within or upon a tissue to be treated with radio frequency alternating electric current. An apparatus in accordance with the present invention includes a supply of a conductive or electrolytic fluid to be provided to the patient, an alternative current generator, and a processor for creating, maintaining and controlling the ablation process by the interstitial or surficial delivery of the fluid to a tissue and the delivery of electric power to the tissue via the virtual electrode. The method in accordance with the invention includes the steps of delivering a conductive fluid to a predetermined tissue ablation site for a predetermined time period, applying a predetermined power level of radio frequency current to the tissue, monitoring at least one of several parameters and adjusting either the applied power and/or the fluid flow in response to the measured parameters.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.