Tuned RF energy and electrical tissue characterization for selective treatment of target tissues

US8920414B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Vessix Vascular, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Corbett W. Stone · Newtown, US
• Michael Hoey · Shoreview, US
• Tom A. Steinke · San Diego, US
• Raphael Michel · Palo Alto, US
• Arthur G. Blanck · Ramona, US
• Marlene Kay Truesdale · Monument, US
• Bret Herscher · Cupertino, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 18, 2007
• Grant date: Dec 30, 2014
• Expiry date: Feb 26, 2033

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B2090/3735
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A catheter and catheter system can use energy tailored for remodeling and/or removal of target material along a body lumen, often of atherosclerotic material of a blood vessel of a patient. An elongate flexible catheter body with a radially expandable structure may have a plurality of electrodes or other electrosurgical energy delivery surfaces to radially engage atherosclerotic material when the structure expands. An atherosclerotic material detector system may measure and/or characterize the atherosclerotic material and its location, optionally using impedance monitoring.