Helical needle apparatus for creating a virtual electrode used for the ablation of tissue
US6537248B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 6, 1999 |
| Grant date | Mar 25, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 6, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2218/002
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A surgical apparatus for delivering a conductive fluid to a target site for subsequent formation of a virtual electrode to ablate bodily tissue at the target site by applying a current to the delivered conductive fluid. The surgical apparatus includes an elongated device forming a helical needle. The helical needle is configured to engage bodily tissue and is hollow for delivering conductive fluid from a fluid source. Finally, the helical needle terminates in a needle tip. In one preferred embodiment, an electrode is associated with the helical needle for applying a current to conductive fluid delivered from the helical needle. During use, following delivery of conductive fluid, the electrode applies a current to the delivered conductive fluid for creating a virtual electrode. The virtual electrode ablates bodily tissue contacted by the conductive fluid.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.