Patent · US Expired

Apparatus and method for treating venous reflux

US7294126B2 · kind B2 · utility

137Cited by
34References
11Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJan 5, 2004
Grant dateNov 13, 2007
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 12, 2025

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61B2218/007
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

Disclosed is an ablation method and apparatus used to close veins for treatment of venous insufficiency disease. The apparatus includes a catheter proportioned for insertion into a vein, a pair of inflatable balloons spaced apart on the catheter body, and an ablation electrode array disposed between the balloons. According to the disclosed method, the catheter is introduced into the vein to be treated and the balloons are distended. Blood is flushed and aspirated from the site between the balloons. RF power is applied to the electrode array, causing scarring of the vessel walls and eventual sealing of the vein.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.