Heat transfer segment for a cryoablation catheter
US6955673B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 16, 2002 |
| Grant date | Oct 18, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 25, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2018/0262
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A heat transfer segment for a cryoablation catheter includes a member, at least a portion of which is made of a thermally conductive composite material. The composite material includes a polymeric matrix material such as a polyether block amide (PEBA) and a filler material which can include metals, metal alloys, ceramics, carbon and combinations thereof. One particular composition for the composite material includes approximately twenty weight percent of filler material, with the balance being polymeric matrix material. The composite has a thermal conductivity that is significantly increased relative to the polymeric matrix material and a flexibility that is not significantly reduced relative to the polymeric matrix material. In use, the heat transfer segment is disposed within a patient's body and positioned adjacent target tissue. A refrigerant is then introduced into the heat transfer segment causing heat to flow from the target tissue, through the member and into the refrigerant.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.