Clamping ablation tool and method

US8172837B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Medtronic, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Paul Rothstein · Elk River, US
• David E. Francischelli · Anoka, US
• Terri Jean Cormack · Brooklyn Park, US
• Tom P. Daigle · Corcoran, US
• Alison Lutterman · Minneapolis, US
• Roderick E. Briscoe · Rogers, US
• Steven C. Christian · Windom, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 14, 2010
• Grant date: May 8, 2012
• Expiry date: Jun 14, 2030

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B2018/1432
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Method and apparatus for ablating target tissue adjacent pulmonary veins of a patient. A clamping ablation tool can include an upper arm having an upper neck, a link assembly, and an upper actuator. The link assembly can include a distal electrode and a proximal electrode. The clamping ablation tool can include a lower arm that mates with the upper arm. The lower arm can include a lower neck, a distal jaw, and a lower actuator. The distal jaw can include a jaw electrode, and the lower actuator can control movement of the distal jaw.