Treatment catheters with thermally insulated regions
US6758857B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 13, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jul 6, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 13, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M2210/166
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Flexible treatment catheters are configured to be inserted into a body lumen or cavity to deliver heated fluid through at least one fluid lumen therein to thermally treat or ablate a targeted site in a biological subject. The flexible treatment catheters can include improved thermally insulated regions comprising a mixture formed of liquid elastomeric (such as a polyurethane) mixture (which transitions to a solid state) and miniaturized hollow plastic bodies positioned between the outer wall of the treatment catheter and the fluid lumen. The thermally insulated region is configured such that, measured ex vivo, the treatment catheter can present a maximum temperature of below about 45° C. on the external surface of the outer wall of the treatment catheter when the treatment catheter circulates fluid having an inlet temperature of above or between about 60°-62° C. Alternatively or additionally, the treatment catheter can include an elongated insert positioned in a catheter fluid lumen to inhibit the closure of the lumen after exposure to fluids in the treatment catheter at temperatures sufficient to thermal ablate targeted tissue over a thermal ablation treatment period. …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.