RF ablation probes with tine valves

US7896874B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Kimbolt Young · Newton, US
• Gerald Hubbs · Louisville, US
• Steve Pickett · Boonville, US
• Gene McCallister · Boonville, US
• John Hewitt
• Jeffrey W. Zerfas · Bloomington, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 29, 2005
• Grant date: Mar 1, 2011
• Expiry date: Oct 15, 2029

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B2218/002
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A tissue ablation probe is provided. The tissue ablation probe comprises an elongated shaft, at least one electrode tine carried by the elongated shaft, at least one tine exit from which the electrode tine(s) can be deployed from the elongated shaft and retracted within the elongated shaft, and a sheath covering the electrode tine exit(s). The sheath may, e.g., line an exterior surface of the elongated shaft or an interior surface of the elongated shaft. The sheath has at least one tine valve (e.g., a slit) positioned over the electrode tine exit(s) and configured to open when the electrode tine is deployed and to close when the electrode tine(s) is retracted. In one embodiment, the tine valve(s) is configured to open in response to pressure exerted during deployment of the electrode tine(s). In another embodiment, the tine valve(s) is configured to hinder the entry of biological material within the elongated shaft. In one embodiment, the sheath is pliable, such that the tine valve(s) can more easily hinder the entry of the biological material.