CA2159483C - Method and apparatus for endometrial ablation - Google Patents

Method and apparatus for endometrial ablation Download PDF

Info

Publication number
CA2159483C
CA2159483C CA002159483A CA2159483A CA2159483C CA 2159483 C CA2159483 C CA 2159483C CA 002159483 A CA002159483 A CA 002159483A CA 2159483 A CA2159483 A CA 2159483A CA 2159483 C CA2159483 C CA 2159483C
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
electrode
expandable
temperature
endometrial
bladder
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Fee Related
Application number
CA002159483A
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
CA2159483A1 (en
Inventor
Roger A. Stern
Vincent N. Sullivan
Robert L. Marion
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Covidien AG
Original Assignee
Vesta Medical Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Vesta Medical Inc filed Critical Vesta Medical Inc
Publication of CA2159483A1 publication Critical patent/CA2159483A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of CA2159483C publication Critical patent/CA2159483C/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B18/00Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
    • A61B18/04Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by heating
    • A61B18/12Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by heating by passing a current through the tissue to be heated, e.g. high-frequency current
    • A61B18/14Probes or electrodes therefor
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B18/00Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
    • A61B18/04Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by heating
    • A61B18/12Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by heating by passing a current through the tissue to be heated, e.g. high-frequency current
    • A61B18/14Probes or electrodes therefor
    • A61B18/1442Probes having pivoting end effectors, e.g. forceps
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B18/00Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
    • A61B18/04Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by heating
    • A61B18/12Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by heating by passing a current through the tissue to be heated, e.g. high-frequency current
    • A61B18/14Probes or electrodes therefor
    • A61B18/1485Probes or electrodes therefor having a short rigid shaft for accessing the inner body through natural openings
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61NELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
    • A61N1/00Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor
    • A61N1/02Details
    • A61N1/04Electrodes
    • A61N1/06Electrodes for high-frequency therapy
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61NELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
    • A61N1/00Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor
    • A61N1/40Applying electric fields by inductive or capacitive coupling ; Applying radio-frequency signals
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61NELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
    • A61N1/00Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor
    • A61N1/40Applying electric fields by inductive or capacitive coupling ; Applying radio-frequency signals
    • A61N1/403Applying electric fields by inductive or capacitive coupling ; Applying radio-frequency signals for thermotherapy, e.g. hyperthermia
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B17/00Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
    • A61B2017/00017Electrical control of surgical instruments
    • A61B2017/00022Sensing or detecting at the treatment site
    • A61B2017/00084Temperature
    • A61B2017/00092Temperature using thermocouples
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B17/00Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
    • A61B2017/00017Electrical control of surgical instruments
    • A61B2017/00022Sensing or detecting at the treatment site
    • A61B2017/00084Temperature
    • A61B2017/00101Temperature using an array of thermosensors
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B17/00Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
    • A61B17/00234Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets for minimally invasive surgery
    • A61B2017/00292Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets for minimally invasive surgery mounted on or guided by flexible, e.g. catheter-like, means
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B17/00Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
    • A61B17/42Gynaecological or obstetrical instruments or methods
    • A61B2017/4216Operations on uterus, e.g. endometrium
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B18/00Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
    • A61B2018/00053Mechanical features of the instrument of device
    • A61B2018/00059Material properties
    • A61B2018/00065Material properties porous
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B18/00Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
    • A61B2018/00053Mechanical features of the instrument of device
    • A61B2018/00059Material properties
    • A61B2018/00071Electrical conductivity
    • A61B2018/00083Electrical conductivity low, i.e. electrically insulating
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B18/00Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
    • A61B2018/00053Mechanical features of the instrument of device
    • A61B2018/00107Coatings on the energy applicator
    • A61B2018/00113Coatings on the energy applicator with foam
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B18/00Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
    • A61B2018/00053Mechanical features of the instrument of device
    • A61B2018/0016Energy applicators arranged in a two- or three dimensional array
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B18/00Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
    • A61B2018/00053Mechanical features of the instrument of device
    • A61B2018/00214Expandable means emitting energy, e.g. by elements carried thereon
    • A61B2018/0022Balloons
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B18/00Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
    • A61B2018/00315Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body for treatment of particular body parts
    • A61B2018/00559Female reproductive organs
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B18/00Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
    • A61B2018/00571Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body for achieving a particular surgical effect
    • A61B2018/00577Ablation
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B18/00Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
    • A61B2018/00636Sensing and controlling the application of energy
    • A61B2018/00642Sensing and controlling the application of energy with feedback, i.e. closed loop control
    • A61B2018/00654Sensing and controlling the application of energy with feedback, i.e. closed loop control with individual control of each of a plurality of energy emitting elements
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B18/00Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
    • A61B2018/00636Sensing and controlling the application of energy
    • A61B2018/00696Controlled or regulated parameters
    • A61B2018/00702Power or energy
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B18/00Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
    • A61B2018/00636Sensing and controlling the application of energy
    • A61B2018/00773Sensed parameters
    • A61B2018/00791Temperature
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B18/00Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
    • A61B2018/00636Sensing and controlling the application of energy
    • A61B2018/00773Sensed parameters
    • A61B2018/00791Temperature
    • A61B2018/00797Temperature measured by multiple temperature sensors
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B18/00Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
    • A61B2018/00636Sensing and controlling the application of energy
    • A61B2018/00773Sensed parameters
    • A61B2018/00791Temperature
    • A61B2018/00815Temperature measured by a thermistor
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B18/00Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
    • A61B18/04Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by heating
    • A61B18/12Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by heating by passing a current through the tissue to be heated, e.g. high-frequency current
    • A61B18/1206Generators therefor
    • A61B2018/124Generators therefor switching the output to different electrodes, e.g. sequentially
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B18/00Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
    • A61B18/04Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by heating
    • A61B18/12Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by heating by passing a current through the tissue to be heated, e.g. high-frequency current
    • A61B18/1206Generators therefor
    • A61B2018/1246Generators therefor characterised by the output polarity
    • A61B2018/1253Generators therefor characterised by the output polarity monopolar
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B18/00Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
    • A61B18/04Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by heating
    • A61B18/12Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by heating by passing a current through the tissue to be heated, e.g. high-frequency current
    • A61B18/14Probes or electrodes therefor
    • A61B2018/1465Deformable electrodes
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B18/00Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
    • A61B18/04Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by heating
    • A61B18/12Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by heating by passing a current through the tissue to be heated, e.g. high-frequency current
    • A61B18/14Probes or electrodes therefor
    • A61B2018/1467Probes or electrodes therefor using more than two electrodes on a single probe
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B18/00Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
    • A61B18/04Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by heating
    • A61B18/12Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by heating by passing a current through the tissue to be heated, e.g. high-frequency current
    • A61B18/14Probes or electrodes therefor
    • A61B18/16Indifferent or passive electrodes for grounding
    • A61B2018/162Indifferent or passive electrodes for grounding located on the probe body

Abstract

An endometrial ablation apparatus and method wherein an RF current having a frequency of between 250 kHz and 100 MHz is passed through the entire surface of an endometrium in order to provide heating of the endometrium. An electroconductive expandable member such as a balloon (14) is used as the medium for passing the current and causing the heating of the endometrium.
The temperature of the endometrium is raised to a temperature between 45 degrees Celsius and 90 degrees Celsius and preferably not above 70 degrees Celsius for a time sufficient to destroy the cells of the lining while maintaining the average temperature of the myo-metrium at a temperature below approximately 42 degrees Celsius.
The expandable balloon (14) is connected to a power source (197) which provides the radio frequency power having the desired characteristics to selectively heat the endometrial lining to the desired temperature.

Description

Description Method and Apparatus for Endometrial Ablation Technical Field The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for in situ destruction of the inner lining of body organs, and more particularly the providing of a selective destruction of the endometrium as an alternative to hysterectomy for treatment of uterine bleeding.
Backaround Art Prior techniques for removing or destroying the inner lining of body organs have been explored in order to provide for an alternative to surgical removal of the body organs for treatment of diseases and other abnormal conditions. Prior techniques involved the destructive treatment of the inner linings with chemicals and with various forms of thermal energy such as radio frequency, microwave heating, cryotherapy, laser surgery and electrosurgery. Radio frequency and microwave energies have also been applied directly to the linings to generate heat in situ.
One type of thermal destruction is described in U.S. Patent 4,979,949 wherein thermal ablation of the mucosal layer of a gall bladder is accomplished by resistive heating with an RF balloon electrode. Electric current is delivered from the balloon by a conductive expansion liquid filling the balloon. This device has WO 94/23794 ~ PCTIUS94/03695 ~' power loss which occurs in the conductive fluid and it cannot be adapted for anything but a single electrode arrangement and it lacks a complete individual power control and/or temperature sensor.
In another example of prior art treatment, balloon catheters have been supplied with a heated fluid for thermal ablation of hollow body organs as described in U.S.
Patent No. 5,045,056. Furthermore, application of microwave and high frequency RF energy to body areas to destroy body tissue, using single electrodes enclosed in expanded balloons have been described in U.S. Patent No.
4,662,383 and U.S. Patent No. 4,676,258.
The disadvantage of the procedures occurring in the prior art such as described above include a lack of uniform large area treatment because these procedures involve a lack of uniform control or temperature sensing ability to ensure complete ablation.
Other procedures developed to date involve manual applications of small treatment tools to successive areas of the lining which is an expensive operating room procedure and which, similar to the other previous heat balloon treatments, involve limited assurance of uniform results.
Disclosure of the Invention Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to provide a novel method and apparatus for performing safe and rapid endometrial ablation without the need for visual contact during the ablation of the lining.
It is a further object to provide an apparatus and a ~159~8~
method for endometrial ablation which can be carried out on an out-patient basis without requiring the use of an operating room.
The objects of the invention are carried out by a method which utilizes an expandable member conforming to the inner surface of the endometrium. The expandable member is filled with an electrically non-conductive medium and a RF current is passed through substantially the entire surface of the endometrium. The current is sufficient to resistively heat the endometrium in a single operation to a temperature within a range of between 45°C to 90°C for a time sufficient to destroy the cells of the lining while maintaining the average temperature of the myometrium at a temperature of substantially 42°C or less. The RF current has a frequency of at least 250 kHz and less than 100 MHz.
The method according to the present invention involves the insertion of a conductive, expandable member in its unexpanded state into the uterine cavity through the cervical opening and subsequently expanding the member to establish surface contact with the endometrial surface and applying the RF current to the member in its expanded condition.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide that the electroconductive expandable member includes a thin bladder having an array of separate electrodes on one surface and further having a temperature sensor associated with each separate electrode in order to provide a feedback temperature sensor for each electrode.
The plurality of separate electrodes are independently and sequentially energized with thermistor temperature feedback to bring the endometrial temperature to a desired level.

_ 2 I 5 9 4 8 3 PCT~S94/03695 It is further an object of the present invention to provide electrodes having a specific configuration so that the heating is not concentrated at the edges of the electrode and so that uniform heating is achieved over the entire electrode surface by providing a plurality of throughholes throughout the electrode or by forming the electrode in a pattern of lines, thereby creating a uniform density of edges and equalizing the current density across the surface area of the electrode.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an electronic control means capable of controlling the output of a conventional electrosurgical power source and delivering power from the power source sequentially, and in a controlled manner, to the electrodes of the balloon.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a disposable handheld applicator and electrode assembly combination to deliver the ablation device to the uterus and to retract the device upon completion of the ablation.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an array of separate electrodes and associated separate thermistors on an expandable member with a series of power leads with each power lead delivering power to a single electrode and to its associated thermistor to provide a temperature feedback for temperature regulation of the endometrial ablation.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an inner lumen having the ability to contain a fiber optic image conduit which serves as a visual aid when placing the device.
__ __.._ I

WO 94/23794 -- ~ ~ PCT/US94/03695 Brief Descriution of the Drawing's A more complete appreciation of the invention and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Figure 1 is a cross-sectional representation of an electroconductive balloon as an expandable member in an expanded format in place in a uterus;
Figure 2 is a representation of the apparatus of Figure 1 in an unexpanded condition;
Figure 3 is an enlarged cross-section illustrating the relationship between a small segment of the uterine endometrium and the expanded member;
Figure 4a-b is a representation of an embodiment of an expandable member which uses a plurality of surface segments with each surface segment having a separate conductive surface and a temperature sensor;
Figure 5 is a schematic representation of the power control system for the multi-segment element shown in Figure 4;
Figure 6 illustrates an embodiment of the multi-segment element having perforated electrodes with illustrated power traces on the outside surface of the expandable member;
Figure 7 illustrates thermistor traces and circular wiring jumper mounting pads on the interior of the WO 94/23794 ~ PCTIUS94/03695 expandable member;
Figures 8a and 8b illustrates the double-sided electrode/thermistor traces on the respective inside and outside portions of the expandable member of Figures 6 and 7;
Figure 9 illustrates an embodiment utilizing flat metallized stock material to be adhesively bonded to the expandable member with the material being arranged in a serpentine configuration;
Figures l0a-b show the bladder device for delivering the expandable member to the uterus;
Figures ila-c show the bladder device of Figure 10 in a retracted position and illustration of the deflated expandable member;
Figure 12 schematically represents the connection of the bladder device to the power generation source and testing structure;
Figure 13 is a schematic of an embodiment of the temperature measurement circuitry of Figure 5; and Figure 14 is an equivalent of Figure 13 showing effective tissue shunting.
Best Mode for Carryinq Out the Invention Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views, and more particularly to Figure 1 thereof, a cross-sectional representation of the r _._._. ~~__..~._..._.__~ _ .. T__ _._ _ _...._.

WO 94/23794 _ 215 9 ~ 8 ~ PCTIUS94/03695 invention utilizes an electroconductive balloon as the expandable member with Figure 2 representing the same apparatus as Figure 1 prior to inflation of the balloon element. The uterus 2 consists of myometrial tissue 4 surrounding the uterine cavity. The normal uterine cavity or envelope is a flat cavity having approximately the shape of an inverted triangle with the two upper corners communicating with the ovaries by way of the fallopian tubes 6 in the bottom corner opening into the cervical canal 8. The entire surface of the envelope includes the entrance of the fallopian tubes 6 and the cervical canal 8 which is covered with a thin layer of tissue known as uterine endometrium. The selective destruction of the endometrial cells is the goal of the improved method and apparatus disclosed in this present invention.
The monopolar electrode system developed in conjunction with Figure 1 expands to conform to the endometrial surface to be treated and this in turn dilates and stretches the endometrium to reduce surface folds.
Radio frequency electric current passes through the dilated endometrial surface for a time sufficient to destroy the endometrial cells by elevating the temperature of the endometrium to between 45°C and 90°C, and preferably within seconds. The temperature is maintained until the endometrial tissue is destroyed which is optimally accomplished by a temperature between 55°C to 65°C for up to 10 minutes.
The electric current passes through or along the surface of the expandable member and the interior of the expandable member is filled with an electrically non-conductive substance such as a fluid or gas. The expandable member can be any material or article which can be compressed or otherwise prepared in a small diameter WO 94123794 ~ PCT/US94/03695 _g_ configuration for insertion through the cervix and expanded or inflated after insertion to provide the dilation. This expandable member establishes direct electrical connection or capacitive coupling with the endometrium. A second electrical contact can occur by way of grounding plates or patches which contact a large area of the patient's skin in order to complete the electrical circuit.
Electric current flowing through the tissue causes resistive heating. The power density diminishes with distance from the electrode as the reciprocal of the fourth power of the distance. Thus, any heat generated is focused in the endometrium and the immediately surrounding muscular tissue which in the particular case of the present invention is the portion of the myometrium in contact with the lining. Because the myometrium 4 is highly vascularized, heat removal occurs rapidly. As a result, the temperature of the endometrium 12 can be heated to a destructive temperature faster than the myometrium 4 and the rest of the uterus. Therefore, because of this temperature relationship, endometrial ablation can be safely accomplished as a simple medical procedure using local anesthesia. Furthermore, it can be a service made available at a fraction of the cost of prior art systems with less hazard than other endometrial ablations.
The inflatable balloon or bladder is inserted into the uterine cavity 15 as shown in Figure 2 and subsequently the inflation of the balloon occurs with a gas or a non-conductive liquid so that it extends and fills the uterine cavity conforming to the expanded surface as shown in Figure 1. Portions of the balloon 14 extend into the entrance to the fallopian tubes 6 and extend along the entire endometrial surface 12 to the cervix 8. The balloon is attached to and forms a fluid-tight seal with the tube r._. _.__»~~ _....~._______. ___.__. __ WO 94123794 ~ ~ PCT/US94/03695 -g-16 which encloses a smaller fluid delivery tube 18 as well as an electrical cable 20 containing leads for the conductor as well as additional leads for the sensors. A
plurality of temperature sensors 24 are shown attached to the inner surface of the balloon. Alternatively, this lead configuration can be replaced by lead pairs 22 for each sensor. The temperature sensors 24 are conventional thermistors or thermocouples and are positioned on zones of the balloon which will contact areas of the endometrial surface which are most sensitive to overheating. The temperature sensors can also be fiber optic temperature sensors. The fluid delivery tube 18 is connected to a source of gas or liquid through a conventional fluid control system which will be later illustrated in conjunction with Figure 13.
The Figure 3 is an enlarged cross-section illustrating the relationship between a small segment of uterine endometrium and the expandable balloon element of the Figure 1. The endometrial lining 12, supported on the myometrium 4, is typically an irregular surface even after it is extended by the inflated balloon element 14.
Electrical contact between the conductive surface 35 on the outer surface of the balloon 14 and the endometrium 12 can be improved by covering the outer surface of the balloon with a conventional electroconductive solution, paste or gel 37 which is physiologically non-toxic and non-irritating. Suitable electroconductive media including the known types of gels and pastes used as surface coatings for defibrillators may be used. Examples of suitable conductive gels are carboxymethylcellulose gels made from aqueous electrolyte solutions such as physiological saline solutions and the like. The electroconductive solution, paste or gel enhances electrical contact between the balloon and the endometrium by filling the pores of the WO 94/23794 _ ~, ~, PCT/US94/03695 balloon surface and the irregularities in the endometrial surface.
The expandable balloon or bladder can be an elastomeric polymer such as a natural or synthetic rubber made conductive by mixing the polymer with electroconductive particles such as carbon or conductive metal particles. Alternately, it may be made conductive by a surface coating of electroconductive material such as an electroconductive gel, or a conductive metal coating on the outer or inner surface of the balloon or bladder wall.
Electroconductive coating can be applied to organic polymer surfaces by conventional vapor deposition, electrical depositions, sputtering and the like.
A preferred balloon comprises a thin, non-extensible polymer film such as a polyester or other flexible thermoplastic or thermosetting polymer film, for example, having a conductive metal coating on the outer or inner surface thereof. The films form a non-extensible bladder having a shape and size, in its fully expanded form, which will extend the organ and effect contact with the endometrial lining to be destroyed. The inner surface of the non-extensible bladder can be coated with electroconductive material which will capacitively couple to the endometrium provided that the bladder wall thickness is less than approximately 0.25 mm.
The surface of the expandable member can be an open-cell, porous material such as a foam or similar caged network of material which can hold a quantity of the electroconductive solution, paste or gel required to secure satisfactory electrical contact with the opposed endometrial surface. The surface can be coated with or impregnated with the electroconductive substance.
__..__ __ __~ __.___. ....~
__ WO 94/23794 215 9 4 8 ~ ~'I'~S94/03695 Figure 4 illustrates an embodiment using a balloon with a plurality of surface segments as the expandable bladder member 39. Each of the surface segments has a conductive surface and a temperature sensor. In this particular embodiment, the balloon has a segmented electrode coating of electroconductive metal on either the inner or the outer surface to permit controlled delivery of power to each segment. Each segment 40 is electrically connected through conventional leads to a power source (not shown in Figure 4). Each conductive segment 40 also has a thermistor 42 which is connected through conventional leads to a switch matrix. Figure 4B illustrates a top view of the bladder electrode 39 and particularly features a lumen 44 extending through the center of the bladder electrode.
The lumen allows for light guides to be inserted through the center of the electrode. In other words, there is an inner lumen tube 44 attached to the center of the flat film.
Figure 5 is a schematic representation of the power source controller and the switch matrix for the multi-segment balloon discussed above in conjunction with, for example, Figure 4. The electrical leads connect to the electro-thermistor pairs of the bladder of Figure 4 by way of connectors 138 as shown in Figure 5. The thermistor leads are connected to the matrix switch bank 134 and the electrode leads are connected to the switch bank 136. Each thermistor (Fig. 4a) 42 is sampled by means of the temperature measurement circuitry 128 and the isolation amplifier 126 before being converted in the converter 116 and fed to the computer 114. The temperature measurement circuitry compares the measured temperature with a thermistor reference voltage 132. The electrode switch 136 is controlled in response to the output of the computer 114 by means of the opto-isolators 132. Input power from the WO 94/23794 215 9 4 8 3 PCT~S94/03695 RF input passes through the overvoltage and overcurrent protector 110 and is filtered by the bandpass filter 122 before being subjected to overvoltage suppression by the suppression unit 124. The voltage is isolated by means of the transformers 138, 140 and 142 with the transformer voltages V~ and V~ from the transformers 142 and 144 being converted by the RMS-DC converters 118 into an RMS voltage to be fed to the converters 116. Prior to conversion, the signals V~ and V~ are also fed to a high-speed analog multiplier 120 RF control from computer 114 is provided through interface 112.
A variation of the electrode structure of Figure 4 is shown in Figure 6 wherein there are perforated electrodes 150 illustrated with their power traces 152. This particular electrode bladder of Figure 6 is shown with the perforated electrode 150 on the exterior of the bladder.
Figure 7 illustrates thermistor common-side traces 154 on the interior of the bladder with circular wiring jumping pads 156 with mounting sites 157 serving as the base for the thermistors. The common-side traces provide power for both the electrodes and the associated thermistor. The Figure 7 illustrates both interior sides of the bladder.
Figures 8a-b illustrates both the outside and the inside of a double-sided electrode with thermistor traces having perforated electrodes 160 on the outside and thermistor wiring pads 162 and electrode power leads 164 as well as thermistor mounting sites 166 on the inside. The connection between the inside and outside of the bladder is shown by the continuity labeled Via in the Figures 8a and 8b. Figure 8b specifically shows a cross-sectional view of the bladder with the electrode 160 on the top or outside surface and the power traces 164 and thermistor wiring pad f _.___.. ___... T. ~.~___. _ _.... ___T____._~._._..~ _..~.. __ _.1 WO 94/23794 215 9 4 8 3 ~T~S94/03695 and mounting site 166 on the lower or inside surface.
Figure 8b illustrates the mounting of the thermistor 163 on the mounting site 166 with a connection between the power trace and the thermistor being made by the thermistor lead 169. Figure 8b clearly illustrates that all except one of the holes in the perforated electrode 160 have a depth which reaches to the substrate or bladder 174. The one hole labelled Via extends through the entirety of the bladder as an electrical connection between the perforated electrode 160 and the power trace 164 on the bottom or inside surface. The Figure 8a embodiments corresponds to a combination of the inside illustration of the power traces and the bonding surfaces from Figure 7 along with the perforated electrode of Figure 6 with the exception that Figure 8a has the power traces on the inside surface whereas the embodiment of Figure 6 has the power traces for the perforated electrodes on the outside surface.
Each of the views of Figures 6, 7 and 8, whether on the inside or the outside must be understood to represent only two surfaces of a bladder which must necessarily have four surfaces. The bladder, prior to inflation, can be envisioned as triangular with two outside triangular surfaces (top and bottom) and two inside triangular surfaces prior to inflation.
A further variation of the electrode structure is shown in Figure 9 which illustrates a flat metallized stock material adhesively bonded as electrodes 170 and 172 to the outside of both the top and the bottom of the bladder. The electrodes, which are metallized and adhesively bonded, form a serpentine electrode pattern in order to promote uniform heating of the area.
Figures l0A and B illustrate the bladder application device which is used to insert the bladder electrode constructed in accordance with any one of the embodiments discussed above. Figure 108 is a side view of the application device illustrating a sheath applicator with a main tube and a shrink wrap covering the wiring leads. A
fiber bundle is located in the center of the applicator which would be connected through the lumen illustrated in Figure 3, for example. The applicator device 175 has an inflation inlet 176 and an electrode wiring insertion port 177 as well as the optical viewing fiber inlet 178 through a lumen. Movement of the bladder electrode 180 is controlled by the alignment guide and the sheath retraction knob 181 acting in conjunction with a thumb detent 182.
The applicator of Figure l0A shows the bladder electrode in an extended but unexpanded position.
The Figures lla-c illustrate the bladder device of Figure 10 in a retracted position with Figures iib and llc being taken at the cross sections titled A-A' and B-B' respectively. Figure ilc illustrates the position of the deflated bladder with respect to the main tube in the retracted position at line B-B'. The remaining features of the applicator 175 remain as indicated with respect to Figure l0.
An illustration of the connection of the application device 175 and the electrode balloon 190 in accordance with any one of the embodiments of the Figures 6-9 is illustrated in Figure 12. An inflation pump 193 provides the medium for the expansion of the balloon 190 while the electrode belt 195 provides the reference electrode for connection to the control system 100. RF generator 197 serves as the RF input power for the control system schematic of Figure 5 by means of electrosurgical interface cables 199. Control modules 203 and interface control 204 _. r _._._.__~~?._____ __ ___ _ T _ __...____._.... _ _ _._T _ WO 94/23794 2 I 5 9 4 8 3 ~~594/03695 connect with computer 114.
Once the electrode system and the control system of Figure 12 and Figure 5 are connected, the RF electrodes are separately, independently and sequentially energized with thermistor temperature feedback to bring the endometrial temperature up to a desired level. The system accomplishes this in an automated manner based upon the output from a conventional electrosurgical power supply 197. As discussed previously, the electrodes may have a variety of specific configurations and heating is concentrated in the endometrium at the surfaces of the electrodes due to the various illustrated electrode configurations in order to provide uniform heating. An example of the concentration of the heat over the entire surface of the electrode is available from the embodiment wherein holes are provided through the electrode as shown in Figures 6 and 8. Uniform heating is also obtained by extending the electrodes in a pattern of lines such as the serpentine pattern structure of Figure 9.
As a result of these kinds of constructions, the treatment method of the present invention as well as the electrode elements provide an increased current density as a function of the "electrode edge length" available for heating. Furthermore, as discussed previously, the electrodes can be on the outer surface of the bladder while the power traces, thermistors, and thermistor leads can be on the other surface of the bladder.
In the embodiments of Figures 6-9, the various electrode pattern feature common power traces for both the electrodes and the associated thermistors. That is, one power lead provides the power for an individual electrode as well as its associated thermistor thereby saving in the construction of the bladder electrodes by reducing the number of required thermistor leads by one-half. In such embodiments, each electrode has a corresponding thermistor lead in common with the RF power lead. The second leads from all thermistors are then connected together to form a thermistor common as shown for example in the Figures 7 and 8a. This arrangement provides the advantage that it only requires N+1 leads to drive an ablation balloon with N
electrodes and N thermistors. Because of this construction, however, the temperature measurement circuitry 128 of Figure 5 has additional requirements beyond the construction with a separate power lead for each thermistor and for each individual electrode. The construction with separate power leads for the electrodes and the thermistor are well known and any one of a variety of temperature measurements schemes for individual electrodes could be utilized.
The specialized requirements brought about by using a common power lead for each electrode and each thermistor are met by the embodiment shown in the Figure 13. In Figure 13, RF power is selectively applied through switch matrix 210 so that it can be applied to selected electrodes. The electrode/thermistor circuitry is represented on the right hand side of the Figure generally as 220 with a particular example being given by three electrodes and three thermistors represented by resistors 222, 224 and 226. A reference voltage Vref is buffered by an operational amplifier follower 232 and passes through resistor 233 before entering the measurement switch matrix 240. The output of resistor 233 is buffered by operational amplifier 234. Outputs of the measurement switch matrix 240 are fed through the filters 244, 246 and 248 which represent low pass filters which block high frequency RF
but pass DC and very low frequency voltages.
.... ,. ..._._.____.T~__ _.__ ............_..__ .__...~..__.___.__-~._......__..

WO 94/23794 4 g 3 PCT/US94/03695 The balloon thermistor common lead 227 passes through the filter 249 to ground.
During operation, RF power is applied to a particular desired electrode or electrodes by operations of the RF
power switch matrix 210. Measurement of thermistor resistance 222, 224 or 226 is independent of the particular electrodes connected to the RF power. In order to provide a measurement of RTl (222), measurement switch matrix 240 is set up to connect lead 1 to the right hand side of resistor 233 while all other leads are set to be connected to the output of the follower 234. This particular set up and arrangement forces the voltage VT to be equal to vREF~
RT1/(Rb+RT1). Therefore this allows the measurement of RT1 due to the known value of Rb and VReF~ Because the other leads 2, 3 from the circuitry 220 are held at the same voltage by the follower 234, there are no voltage differences between any of these leads and therefore no current will flow between them.
This lack of a current between leads is extremely important because the tissue which contacts the electrodes cause an effective shunt current path that would otherwise affect the measured voltage VT, without the circuitry of Figure 13.
This effective shunting by the tissue is illustrated by the equivalent circuit of Figure 14 which shows effective tissues resistances 253 and 254 connected between electrodes 261, 262 and 263.
The bladder electrodes are constructed in accordance with a method wherein a double-sided thin flat film is plated on one side to increase the electrode thickness and a deposit mask is provided for an electrode pattern on the thick side using lithographic techniques. Then a mask is deposited for the conductors which lead to the temperature sensing elements on a second side. Subsequently, non-masked conductors are etched away leaving the desired pattern.
The thermistors (Fig. 4a) 42 are provided using surface mounting techniques and the attached inner lumen is provided at the center of the flat film. The balloon is then folded and sealed to the main tube at the proximal end with the inner and outer concentric tubes sliding with respect to each other as illustrated in the Figure 10.
Subsequently, conductors are brought to the outside of the main tube to the end of the device near the handle of the applicator. The outer tube is placed over the conductor and heat-shrunk as shown in Figure lOb. Finally, the handle of the applicator of Figure 10 or Figure 11 is assembled.
Other forms of providing an electrode balloon may be used such as utilizing a blow molded preform or the formation of the balloon with copper on kapton conductive elements on the surface of a compliant balloon.
Furthermore, this balloon may be formed as a "sock" to fit over the inner latex balloon with the sock being a compliant device. Other anticipated forms of an electrode balloon structure include the use of the plated or etched wiring all the way from the balloon itself down to the handle.
Utilizing the present invention allows for the use of low accuracy thermistors wherein calibrations can be stored in memory chips in the handles of the device. The attachment of the electrodes to the bladder can be accomplished by conductive adhesive or by soldering.
_.____.T_____~.T_..._ _ ~.

The applicator of Figures 10 and il can be deployed by pulling the front end of the balloon back inside and collapsing the balloon around it. In order to expedite the deployment, the pattern can be formed with particular kinds of spines for the sheath in order to aid in the folding of the patterned electrode within the applicator.
Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.

Claims (19)

Claims
1. An endometrial ablation apparatus for selectively destroying the endometrial lining of a body organ, said apparatus comprising:
an electroconductive, expandable electrode means for effecting electrical contact with said endometrial lining to be destroyed, said expandable electrode means containing an electrically non-conductive expansion medium for extending said electrode means to provide said effected electrical contact with said organ;
a radio frequency power means connected to said expandable electrode means at a frequency greater than 250 kHz for selectively providing current to said electrode means to heat said endometrial lining to a uniform temperature of between 45°C to 90°C.
2. An endometrial ablation apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said frequency is in a range between 250 kHz and 100 MHz.
3. An endometrial ablation apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said expandable electrode means include an electroconductive balloon connected to an expansion fluid inlet means and wherein said balloon is filled with said electrically non-conductive expansion medium.
4. An endometrial ablation apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said balloon is an electroconductive elastomer.
5. An endometrial ablation apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said expandable electrode means is a non-extensible bladder coated with electroconductive material.
6. An endometrial ablation apparatus according to claim 5 wherein an inner surface of said non-extensible bladder is coated with electroconductive material and the bladder wall thickness is less than 0.25 mm.
7. An endometrial ablation apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said expandable electrode means is a non-extensible bladder provided with a plurality of separate electrode areas.
8. The apparatus according to claim 7 wherein each of said electrode areas includes a thermistor.
9. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said expandable electrode means includes at least one temperature sensing means.
10. The apparatus according to claim 1 further including a control means for controlling the output of said power source to said expandable electrode means.
11. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said expandable electrode means includes a flat metallized electrode on the outside of an expandable member and wherein said metallized material is arranged in a serpentine manner to form a patterned electrode.
12. The apparatus according to claim 8 further including a control means responsive to an output of each of said thermistors for controlling the output of the said power source to said expandable electrode means.
13. The apparatus according to claim 10 wherein said control means includes at least one thermistor for measuring the temperature of said expandable electrode means and wherein said control means includes a means for comparing the output of said at least one thermistor with a reference value and wherein said control means provides an output in response to said means for comparison in order to control the output of said power source.
14. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said radio frequency power means provides current to said electrode means to heat said endometrial lining to a uniform temperature of between 45°C to 90°C for a period of ten minutes or less.
15. An electrically conductive expandable electrode assembly for providing electrical contact with an endometrial lining of the uterus for the purpose of destroying said endometrial lining, said assembly comprising:
an expandable bladder having an inner surface and an outer surface, one of said inner and said outer surface being provided with a plurality of separate electrode areas and the other of said inner and outer surface being provided with a plurality of thermistors corresponding to each of said plurality of electrodes;
each of said plurality of electrodes further comprising a plurality of holes with one of said plurality of holes extending through said bladder from said outside surface to said inside surface and said one extended hole providing electrical continuity between each said electrode and said other surface;

said other surface further including a power lead for each one of said electrodes said leads each extending from one extremity of said bladder to a respective one of said extended holes, each said power lead also extending to respective one of said thermistors;
whereby the relationship between the plurality of holes in each of said electrodes and said power leads provides for uniform heating on a surface of each of the respective electrodes.
16. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said expandable electrode means is provided with a plurality of separate electrode areas and a thermistor associated with each of said plurality of separate electrode areas and further including a plurality of electrode power leads each one of said leads being electrically connected to a respective one of said plurality of separate electrode areas and a respective one of said thermistors.
17. The expendable electrode assembly according to claim 15 wherein each of said thermistors is further connected to a common ground lead on said other surface.
18. The apparatus according to claim 16 further including a temperature measurement means including a first switch matrix for selectively applying said RF power to at least one of said plurality of electrode power leads, a first reference voltage, a second reference voltage and a second switch matrix means for connecting a selected one of said at least one electrode lead to said first reference voltage while simultaneously connecting all other ones of said electrodes to said second reference voltage.
19. An endometrial ablation method for selectively destroying the endometrial lining of a body organ, said method comprising the steps of:
passing a radio frequency current having a frequency of at least 250 kHz from an expandable member conforming to the inner surface of the endometrium and filled with an electrically non-conductive medium wherein said current is passed through substantially the entire surface of the endometrium to resistively heat said endometrium in a single operation to a temperature within a range from 45°C to 90°C for a time sufficient to destroy the cells of the lining while maintaining the average temperature of the myometrium at a temperature below approximately 42°C:
monitoring the temperature of the surface of the said endometrium and reducing said current when said monitored temperature exceeds a predetermined value.
CA002159483A 1993-04-14 1994-04-11 Method and apparatus for endometrial ablation Expired - Fee Related CA2159483C (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US046,683 1993-04-14
US08/046,683 US5443470A (en) 1992-05-01 1993-04-14 Method and apparatus for endometrial ablation
PCT/US1994/003695 WO1994023794A1 (en) 1993-04-14 1994-04-11 Method and apparatus for endometrial ablation

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA2159483A1 CA2159483A1 (en) 1994-10-27
CA2159483C true CA2159483C (en) 2000-02-22

Family

ID=21944814

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA002159483A Expired - Fee Related CA2159483C (en) 1993-04-14 1994-04-11 Method and apparatus for endometrial ablation

Country Status (11)

Country Link
US (3) US5443470A (en)
EP (1) EP0693955B1 (en)
JP (1) JP3566722B2 (en)
AT (1) ATE230284T1 (en)
AU (1) AU6625594A (en)
CA (1) CA2159483C (en)
DE (1) DE69431950T2 (en)
ES (1) ES2189801T3 (en)
IL (1) IL109296A0 (en)
TW (1) TW295539B (en)
WO (1) WO1994023794A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (599)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5779698A (en) * 1989-01-18 1998-07-14 Applied Medical Resources Corporation Angioplasty catheter system and method for making same
GB9211085D0 (en) * 1992-05-23 1992-07-08 Tippey Keith E Electrical stimulation
US6161543A (en) 1993-02-22 2000-12-19 Epicor, Inc. Methods of epicardial ablation for creating a lesion around the pulmonary veins
US6405732B1 (en) 1994-06-24 2002-06-18 Curon Medical, Inc. Method to treat gastric reflux via the detection and ablation of gastro-esophageal nerves and receptors
US5823197A (en) * 1994-06-24 1998-10-20 Somnus Medical Technologies, Inc. Method for internal ablation of turbinates
US6315776B1 (en) * 1994-06-24 2001-11-13 Vidacare, Inc. Thin layer ablation apparatus
US6056744A (en) * 1994-06-24 2000-05-02 Conway Stuart Medical, Inc. Sphincter treatment apparatus
US5843077A (en) * 1994-06-24 1998-12-01 Somnus Medical Technologies, Inc. Minimally invasive apparatus for internal ablation of turbinates with surface cooling
US6009877A (en) 1994-06-24 2000-01-04 Edwards; Stuart D. Method for treating a sphincter
US6733495B1 (en) 1999-09-08 2004-05-11 Curon Medical, Inc. Systems and methods for monitoring and controlling use of medical devices
US5810802A (en) * 1994-08-08 1998-09-22 E.P. Technologies, Inc. Systems and methods for controlling tissue ablation using multiple temperature sensing elements
US6032673A (en) * 1994-10-13 2000-03-07 Femrx, Inc. Methods and devices for tissue removal
US6409722B1 (en) 1998-07-07 2002-06-25 Medtronic, Inc. Apparatus and method for creating, maintaining, and controlling a virtual electrode used for the ablation of tissue
US5897553A (en) 1995-11-02 1999-04-27 Medtronic, Inc. Ball point fluid-assisted electrocautery device
US5800493A (en) * 1995-04-26 1998-09-01 Gynecare, Inc. Intrauterine ablation system
US6780180B1 (en) 1995-06-23 2004-08-24 Gyrus Medical Limited Electrosurgical instrument
US6015406A (en) 1996-01-09 2000-01-18 Gyrus Medical Limited Electrosurgical instrument
CA2224975A1 (en) 1995-06-23 1997-01-09 Gyrus Medical Limited An electrosurgical instrument
US6293942B1 (en) 1995-06-23 2001-09-25 Gyrus Medical Limited Electrosurgical generator method
DE69634014T2 (en) 1995-06-23 2006-03-02 Gyrus Medical Ltd. Electrosurgical device
US5865801A (en) * 1995-07-18 1999-02-02 Houser; Russell A. Multiple compartmented balloon catheter with external pressure sensing
US5837001A (en) * 1995-12-08 1998-11-17 C. R. Bard Radio frequency energy delivery system for multipolar electrode catheters
US6013076A (en) 1996-01-09 2000-01-11 Gyrus Medical Limited Electrosurgical instrument
US6090106A (en) 1996-01-09 2000-07-18 Gyrus Medical Limited Electrosurgical instrument
US6032077A (en) * 1996-03-06 2000-02-29 Cardiac Pathways Corporation Ablation catheter with electrical coupling via foam drenched with a conductive fluid
US5895417A (en) * 1996-03-06 1999-04-20 Cardiac Pathways Corporation Deflectable loop design for a linear lesion ablation apparatus
US6015407A (en) * 1996-03-06 2000-01-18 Cardiac Pathways Corporation Combination linear ablation and cooled tip RF catheters
US5800482A (en) * 1996-03-06 1998-09-01 Cardiac Pathways Corporation Apparatus and method for linear lesion ablation
US5665103A (en) * 1996-03-07 1997-09-09 Scimed Life Systems, Inc. Stent locating device
US6813520B2 (en) 1996-04-12 2004-11-02 Novacept Method for ablating and/or coagulating tissue using moisture transport
US7604633B2 (en) 1996-04-12 2009-10-20 Cytyc Corporation Moisture transport system for contact electrocoagulation
US5769880A (en) * 1996-04-12 1998-06-23 Novacept Moisture transport system for contact electrocoagulation
AUPN957296A0 (en) 1996-04-30 1996-05-23 Cardiac Crc Nominees Pty Limited A system for simultaneous unipolar multi-electrode ablation
AU711612B2 (en) * 1996-04-30 1999-10-14 Cathrx Ltd A system for simultaneous unipolar multi-electrode ablation
NL1003024C2 (en) * 1996-05-03 1997-11-06 Tjong Hauw Sie Stimulus conduction blocking instrument.
EP0837716A1 (en) * 1996-05-06 1998-04-29 Thermal Therapeutics, Inc. Transcervical intrauterine applicator for intrauterine hyperthermia
AU3204097A (en) * 1996-05-22 1997-12-09 Somnus Medical Technologies, Inc. Method and apparatus for ablating turbinates
GB2314274A (en) 1996-06-20 1997-12-24 Gyrus Medical Ltd Electrode construction for an electrosurgical instrument
GB9612993D0 (en) 1996-06-20 1996-08-21 Gyrus Medical Ltd Electrosurgical instrument
US6565561B1 (en) 1996-06-20 2003-05-20 Cyrus Medical Limited Electrosurgical instrument
US20020077564A1 (en) * 1996-07-29 2002-06-20 Farallon Medsystems, Inc. Thermography catheter
US5957920A (en) * 1997-08-28 1999-09-28 Isothermix, Inc. Medical instruments and techniques for treatment of urinary incontinence
US8353908B2 (en) 1996-09-20 2013-01-15 Novasys Medical, Inc. Treatment of tissue in sphincters, sinuses, and orifices
US6464697B1 (en) * 1998-02-19 2002-10-15 Curon Medical, Inc. Stomach and adjoining tissue regions in the esophagus
US6805128B1 (en) 1996-10-22 2004-10-19 Epicor Medical, Inc. Apparatus and method for ablating tissue
US7052493B2 (en) 1996-10-22 2006-05-30 Epicor Medical, Inc. Methods and devices for ablation
US6719755B2 (en) 1996-10-22 2004-04-13 Epicor Medical, Inc. Methods and devices for ablation
US6840936B2 (en) 1996-10-22 2005-01-11 Epicor Medical, Inc. Methods and devices for ablation
US6311692B1 (en) 1996-10-22 2001-11-06 Epicor, Inc. Apparatus and method for diagnosis and therapy of electrophysiological disease
US6073052A (en) * 1996-11-15 2000-06-06 Zelickson; Brian D. Device and method for treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease
US5954714A (en) * 1996-11-20 1999-09-21 Gynecare, Inc. Heated balloon having rotary fluid impeller
GB9626512D0 (en) 1996-12-20 1997-02-05 Gyrus Medical Ltd An improved electrosurgical generator and system
US5827269A (en) * 1996-12-31 1998-10-27 Gynecare, Inc. Heated balloon having a reciprocating fluid agitator
US7220257B1 (en) * 2000-07-25 2007-05-22 Scimed Life Systems, Inc. Cryotreatment device and method
US5868735A (en) * 1997-03-06 1999-02-09 Scimed Life Systems, Inc. Cryoplasty device and method
US6083255A (en) * 1997-04-07 2000-07-04 Broncus Technologies, Inc. Bronchial stenter
US6634363B1 (en) 1997-04-07 2003-10-21 Broncus Technologies, Inc. Methods of treating lungs having reversible obstructive pulmonary disease
US6283988B1 (en) 1997-04-07 2001-09-04 Broncus Technologies, Inc. Bronchial stenter having expandable electrodes
US5972026A (en) 1997-04-07 1999-10-26 Broncus Technologies, Inc. Bronchial stenter having diametrically adjustable electrodes
US7425212B1 (en) 1998-06-10 2008-09-16 Asthmatx, Inc. Devices for modification of airways by transfer of energy
US6200333B1 (en) 1997-04-07 2001-03-13 Broncus Technologies, Inc. Bronchial stenter
US7992572B2 (en) 1998-06-10 2011-08-09 Asthmatx, Inc. Methods of evaluating individuals having reversible obstructive pulmonary disease
US6411852B1 (en) 1997-04-07 2002-06-25 Broncus Technologies, Inc. Modification of airways by application of energy
US7027869B2 (en) 1998-01-07 2006-04-11 Asthmatx, Inc. Method for treating an asthma attack
US6488673B1 (en) 1997-04-07 2002-12-03 Broncus Technologies, Inc. Method of increasing gas exchange of a lung
US6273907B1 (en) 1997-04-07 2001-08-14 Broncus Technologies, Inc. Bronchial stenter
US6033399A (en) * 1997-04-09 2000-03-07 Valleylab, Inc. Electrosurgical generator with adaptive power control
US6241666B1 (en) 1997-07-03 2001-06-05 Cardiac Pathways Corp. Ablation catheter tip with a buffer layer covering the electrode
US5997532A (en) * 1997-07-03 1999-12-07 Cardiac Pathways Corporation Ablation catheter tip with a buffer layer covering the electrode
US6096037A (en) * 1997-07-29 2000-08-01 Medtronic, Inc. Tissue sealing electrosurgery device and methods of sealing tissue
US6010500A (en) * 1997-07-21 2000-01-04 Cardiac Pathways Corporation Telescoping apparatus and method for linear lesion ablation
US9023031B2 (en) 1997-08-13 2015-05-05 Verathon Inc. Noninvasive devices, methods, and systems for modifying tissues
US8709007B2 (en) 1997-10-15 2014-04-29 St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc. Devices and methods for ablating cardiac tissue
US7921855B2 (en) 1998-01-07 2011-04-12 Asthmatx, Inc. Method for treating an asthma attack
AU2114299A (en) * 1998-01-14 1999-08-02 Conway-Stuart Medical, Inc. Electrosurgical device for sphincter treatment
US6440128B1 (en) 1998-01-14 2002-08-27 Curon Medical, Inc. Actively cooled electrode assemblies for forming lesions to treat dysfunction in sphincters and adjoining tissue regions
CA2318315A1 (en) 1998-01-14 1999-07-22 Conway-Stuart Medical, Inc. Electrosurgical apparatus for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (gerd) and method
WO1999035987A1 (en) * 1998-01-14 1999-07-22 Conway-Stuart Medical, Inc. Gerd treatment apparatus and method
US6091993A (en) * 1998-02-19 2000-07-18 American Medical Systems, Inc. Methods and apparatus for an electrode balloon
US6273886B1 (en) 1998-02-19 2001-08-14 Curon Medical, Inc. Integrated tissue heating and cooling apparatus
DE69923291T2 (en) 1998-02-19 2005-06-09 Curon Medical Inc., Sunnyvale ELECTRO-SURGERY DEVICE FOR THE TREATMENT OF CLOSURE MUSCLES
US6258087B1 (en) 1998-02-19 2001-07-10 Curon Medical, Inc. Expandable electrode assemblies for forming lesions to treat dysfunction in sphincters and adjoining tissue regions
US6423058B1 (en) 1998-02-19 2002-07-23 Curon Medical, Inc. Assemblies to visualize and treat sphincters and adjoining tissue regions
US6790207B2 (en) 1998-06-04 2004-09-14 Curon Medical, Inc. Systems and methods for applying a selected treatment agent into contact with tissue to treat disorders of the gastrointestinal tract
US6355031B1 (en) 1998-02-19 2002-03-12 Curon Medical, Inc. Control systems for multiple electrode arrays to create lesions in tissue regions at or near a sphincter
US6358245B1 (en) 1998-02-19 2002-03-19 Curon Medical, Inc. Graphical user interface for association with an electrode structure deployed in contact with a tissue region
US6325798B1 (en) 1998-02-19 2001-12-04 Curon Medical, Inc. Vacuum-assisted systems and methods for treating sphincters and adjoining tissue regions
US8906010B2 (en) 1998-02-19 2014-12-09 Mederi Therapeutics, Inc. Graphical user interface for association with an electrode structure deployed in contact with a tissue region
US6402744B2 (en) 1998-02-19 2002-06-11 Curon Medical, Inc. Systems and methods for forming composite lesions to treat dysfunction in sphincters and adjoining tissue regions
US7165551B2 (en) 1998-02-19 2007-01-23 Curon Medical, Inc. Apparatus to detect and treat aberrant myoelectric activity
JP2002504390A (en) 1998-02-27 2002-02-12 キューロン メディカル,インコーポレイテッド Apparatus for electrosurgically treating esophageal sphincter
US20030135206A1 (en) 1998-02-27 2003-07-17 Curon Medical, Inc. Method for treating a sphincter
GB9807303D0 (en) 1998-04-03 1998-06-03 Gyrus Medical Ltd An electrode assembly for an electrosurgical instrument
AU3672299A (en) 1998-04-30 1999-11-16 Stuart D Edwards Electrosurgical sphincter treatment apparatus
US6312425B1 (en) * 1998-05-05 2001-11-06 Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc. RF ablation catheter tip electrode with multiple thermal sensors
US6042580A (en) 1998-05-05 2000-03-28 Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc. Electrode having composition-matched, common-lead thermocouple wire for providing multiple temperature-sensitive junctions
US6508815B1 (en) * 1998-05-08 2003-01-21 Novacept Radio-frequency generator for powering an ablation device
US8551082B2 (en) 1998-05-08 2013-10-08 Cytyc Surgical Products Radio-frequency generator for powering an ablation device
US6740082B2 (en) 1998-12-29 2004-05-25 John H. Shadduck Surgical instruments for treating gastro-esophageal reflux
US6837885B2 (en) * 1998-05-22 2005-01-04 Scimed Life Systems, Inc. Surgical probe for supporting inflatable therapeutic devices in contact with tissue in or around body orifices and within tumors
US6802841B2 (en) 1998-06-04 2004-10-12 Curon Medical, Inc. Systems and methods for applying a selected treatment agent into contact with tissue to treat sphincter dysfunction
US8181656B2 (en) 1998-06-10 2012-05-22 Asthmatx, Inc. Methods for treating airways
US7198635B2 (en) 2000-10-17 2007-04-03 Asthmatx, Inc. Modification of airways by application of energy
US20050255039A1 (en) * 1998-06-26 2005-11-17 Pro Surg, Inc., A California Corporation Gel injection treatment of breast, fibroids & endometrial ablation
US6537248B2 (en) 1998-07-07 2003-03-25 Medtronic, Inc. Helical needle apparatus for creating a virtual electrode used for the ablation of tissue
US6706039B2 (en) 1998-07-07 2004-03-16 Medtronic, Inc. Method and apparatus for creating a bi-polar virtual electrode used for the ablation of tissue
US6156060A (en) * 1998-07-31 2000-12-05 Surx, Inc. Static devices and methods to shrink tissues for incontinence
US6572639B1 (en) * 1998-07-31 2003-06-03 Surx, Inc. Interspersed heating/cooling to shrink tissues for incontinence
US8308719B2 (en) 1998-09-21 2012-11-13 St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc. Apparatus and method for ablating tissue
WO2000019926A1 (en) * 1998-10-05 2000-04-13 Scimed Life Systems, Inc. Large area thermal ablation
US7901400B2 (en) 1998-10-23 2011-03-08 Covidien Ag Method and system for controlling output of RF medical generator
US7137980B2 (en) 1998-10-23 2006-11-21 Sherwood Services Ag Method and system for controlling output of RF medical generator
US7364577B2 (en) 2002-02-11 2008-04-29 Sherwood Services Ag Vessel sealing system
US6254601B1 (en) 1998-12-08 2001-07-03 Hysterx, Inc. Methods for occlusion of the uterine arteries
JP4310049B2 (en) 1999-02-19 2009-08-05 ボストン サイエンティフィック リミテッド Laser lithotripsy device using suction
US6293923B1 (en) 1999-03-15 2001-09-25 Innoventions, Inc. Intravesicular balloon
US6425877B1 (en) * 1999-04-02 2002-07-30 Novasys Medical, Inc. Treatment of tissue in the digestive circulatory respiratory urinary and reproductive systems
US6939346B2 (en) 1999-04-21 2005-09-06 Oratec Interventions, Inc. Method and apparatus for controlling a temperature-controlled probe
AU4696100A (en) 1999-05-04 2000-11-17 Curon Medical, Inc. Electrodes for creating lesions in tissue regions at or near a sphincter
CA2377583A1 (en) * 1999-07-19 2001-01-25 Epicor, Inc. Apparatus and method for ablating tissue
US20070282324A1 (en) * 1999-07-19 2007-12-06 Matthias Vaska Apparatus and method for diagnosis and therapy of electrophysiological disease
EP1218801A4 (en) 1999-09-08 2009-07-01 Mederi Therapeutics Inc Systems and methods for monitoring and controlling use of medical devices
EP1210024A1 (en) 1999-09-08 2002-06-05 Curon Medical, Inc. System for controlling a family of treatment devices
US6551310B1 (en) * 1999-11-16 2003-04-22 Robert A. Ganz System and method of treating abnormal tissue in the human esophagus
US20040215235A1 (en) 1999-11-16 2004-10-28 Barrx, Inc. Methods and systems for determining physiologic characteristics for treatment of the esophagus
US20060095032A1 (en) 1999-11-16 2006-05-04 Jerome Jackson Methods and systems for determining physiologic characteristics for treatment of the esophagus
US6547776B1 (en) 2000-01-03 2003-04-15 Curon Medical, Inc. Systems and methods for treating tissue in the crura
US6595934B1 (en) * 2000-01-19 2003-07-22 Medtronic Xomed, Inc. Methods of skin rejuvenation using high intensity focused ultrasound to form an ablated tissue area containing a plurality of lesions
US6692450B1 (en) * 2000-01-19 2004-02-17 Medtronic Xomed, Inc. Focused ultrasound ablation devices having selectively actuatable ultrasound emitting elements and methods of using the same
US7706882B2 (en) 2000-01-19 2010-04-27 Medtronic, Inc. Methods of using high intensity focused ultrasound to form an ablated tissue area
US8221402B2 (en) 2000-01-19 2012-07-17 Medtronic, Inc. Method for guiding a medical device
US8048070B2 (en) 2000-03-06 2011-11-01 Salient Surgical Technologies, Inc. Fluid-assisted medical devices, systems and methods
AU2001249308A1 (en) * 2000-03-24 2001-10-15 Johns Hopkins University Peritoneal cavity device and method
US8251070B2 (en) 2000-03-27 2012-08-28 Asthmatx, Inc. Methods for treating airways
US6550482B1 (en) * 2000-04-21 2003-04-22 Vascular Control Systems, Inc. Methods for non-permanent occlusion of a uterine artery
US20030120306A1 (en) * 2000-04-21 2003-06-26 Vascular Control System Method and apparatus for the detection and occlusion of blood vessels
US7223279B2 (en) 2000-04-21 2007-05-29 Vascular Control Systems, Inc. Methods for minimally-invasive, non-permanent occlusion of a uterine artery
WO2001082811A1 (en) * 2000-04-27 2001-11-08 Medtronic, Inc. System and method for assessing transmurality of ablation lesions
AU2001253654A1 (en) 2000-04-27 2001-11-12 Medtronic, Inc. Vibration sensitive ablation apparatus and method
US6488680B1 (en) * 2000-04-27 2002-12-03 Medtronic, Inc. Variable length electrodes for delivery of irrigated ablation
US6514250B1 (en) * 2000-04-27 2003-02-04 Medtronic, Inc. Suction stabilized epicardial ablation devices
US6395012B1 (en) * 2000-05-04 2002-05-28 Inbae Yoon Apparatus and method for delivering and deploying an expandable body member in a uterine cavity
US8845632B2 (en) 2000-05-18 2014-09-30 Mederi Therapeutics, Inc. Graphical user interface for monitoring and controlling use of medical devices
US6398718B1 (en) 2000-06-15 2002-06-04 Innoventions, Inc. Intravesicular device
US6638277B2 (en) 2000-07-06 2003-10-28 Scimed Life Systems, Inc. Tumor ablation needle with independently activated and independently traversing tines
US6942661B2 (en) 2000-08-30 2005-09-13 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Fluid cooled apparatus for supporting diagnostic and therapeutic elements in contact with tissue
US7306591B2 (en) 2000-10-02 2007-12-11 Novasys Medical, Inc. Apparatus and methods for treating female urinary incontinence
US6926669B1 (en) * 2000-10-10 2005-08-09 Medtronic, Inc. Heart wall ablation/mapping catheter and method
US7104987B2 (en) 2000-10-17 2006-09-12 Asthmatx, Inc. Control system and process for application of energy to airway walls and other mediums
US6638286B1 (en) 2000-11-16 2003-10-28 Vascular Control Systems, Inc. Doppler directed suture ligation device and method
US6635065B2 (en) 2000-11-16 2003-10-21 Vascular Control Systems, Inc. Doppler directed suture ligation device and method
US20040087936A1 (en) * 2000-11-16 2004-05-06 Barrx, Inc. System and method for treating abnormal tissue in an organ having a layered tissue structure
US20040122327A1 (en) * 2000-12-15 2004-06-24 Amir Belson Intrauterine imaging system
US20040138621A1 (en) 2003-01-14 2004-07-15 Jahns Scott E. Devices and methods for interstitial injection of biologic agents into tissue
US7740623B2 (en) 2001-01-13 2010-06-22 Medtronic, Inc. Devices and methods for interstitial injection of biologic agents into tissue
US7628780B2 (en) * 2001-01-13 2009-12-08 Medtronic, Inc. Devices and methods for interstitial injection of biologic agents into tissue
US6743237B2 (en) * 2001-01-17 2004-06-01 Innon Holdings, Llc Endoscopic stone extraction device with improved basket
WO2002078549A2 (en) 2001-03-28 2002-10-10 Vascular Control Systems, Inc. Method and apparatus for the detection and ligation of uterine arteries
US7354444B2 (en) * 2001-03-28 2008-04-08 Vascular Control Systems, Inc. Occlusion device with deployable paddles for detection and occlusion of blood vessels
US20030120286A1 (en) * 2001-03-28 2003-06-26 Vascular Control System Luminal clip applicator with sensor
US6666858B2 (en) * 2001-04-12 2003-12-23 Scimed Life Systems, Inc. Cryo balloon for atrial ablation
US6807968B2 (en) 2001-04-26 2004-10-26 Medtronic, Inc. Method and system for treatment of atrial tachyarrhythmias
US6648883B2 (en) 2001-04-26 2003-11-18 Medtronic, Inc. Ablation system and method of use
US6663627B2 (en) 2001-04-26 2003-12-16 Medtronic, Inc. Ablation system and method of use
US7959626B2 (en) 2001-04-26 2011-06-14 Medtronic, Inc. Transmural ablation systems and methods
US6699240B2 (en) 2001-04-26 2004-03-02 Medtronic, Inc. Method and apparatus for tissue ablation
US7250048B2 (en) 2001-04-26 2007-07-31 Medtronic, Inc. Ablation system and method of use
US6771996B2 (en) 2001-05-24 2004-08-03 Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc. Ablation and high-resolution mapping catheter system for pulmonary vein foci elimination
US20030092988A1 (en) 2001-05-29 2003-05-15 Makin Inder Raj S. Staging medical treatment using ultrasound
US7846096B2 (en) 2001-05-29 2010-12-07 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. Method for monitoring of medical treatment using pulse-echo ultrasound
US6953469B2 (en) * 2001-08-30 2005-10-11 Ethicon, Inc, Device and method for treating intraluminal tissue
JP4341907B2 (en) 2001-09-05 2009-10-14 セイリアント・サージカル・テクノロジーズ・インコーポレーテッド Fluid-assisted medical device, system and method
US6939350B2 (en) 2001-10-22 2005-09-06 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Apparatus for supporting diagnostic and therapeutic elements in contact with tissue including electrode cooling device
US6656175B2 (en) 2001-12-11 2003-12-02 Medtronic, Inc. Method and system for treatment of atrial tachyarrhythmias
US6709431B2 (en) 2001-12-18 2004-03-23 Scimed Life Systems, Inc. Cryo-temperature monitoring
US6827715B2 (en) * 2002-01-25 2004-12-07 Medtronic, Inc. System and method of performing an electrosurgical procedure
US7967816B2 (en) 2002-01-25 2011-06-28 Medtronic, Inc. Fluid-assisted electrosurgical instrument with shapeable electrode
US20080275439A1 (en) * 2002-01-25 2008-11-06 David Francischelli Cardiac ablation and electrical interface system and instrument
US7207996B2 (en) * 2002-04-04 2007-04-24 Vascular Control Systems, Inc. Doppler directed suturing and compression device and method
US8347891B2 (en) 2002-04-08 2013-01-08 Medtronic Ardian Luxembourg S.A.R.L. Methods and apparatus for performing a non-continuous circumferential treatment of a body lumen
US7653438B2 (en) 2002-04-08 2010-01-26 Ardian, Inc. Methods and apparatus for renal neuromodulation
US8150519B2 (en) 2002-04-08 2012-04-03 Ardian, Inc. Methods and apparatus for bilateral renal neuromodulation
US7756583B2 (en) 2002-04-08 2010-07-13 Ardian, Inc. Methods and apparatus for intravascularly-induced neuromodulation
US6989009B2 (en) 2002-04-19 2006-01-24 Scimed Life Systems, Inc. Cryo balloon
US7118566B2 (en) 2002-05-16 2006-10-10 Medtronic, Inc. Device and method for needle-less interstitial injection of fluid for ablation of cardiac tissue
US7294143B2 (en) 2002-05-16 2007-11-13 Medtronic, Inc. Device and method for ablation of cardiac tissue
US7083620B2 (en) 2002-10-30 2006-08-01 Medtronic, Inc. Electrosurgical hemostat
US7172603B2 (en) * 2002-11-19 2007-02-06 Vascular Control Systems, Inc. Deployable constrictor for uterine artery occlusion
US20040097961A1 (en) 2002-11-19 2004-05-20 Vascular Control System Tenaculum for use with occlusion devices
US7044948B2 (en) 2002-12-10 2006-05-16 Sherwood Services Ag Circuit for controlling arc energy from an electrosurgical generator
US7404821B2 (en) * 2003-01-30 2008-07-29 Vascular Control Systems, Inc. Treatment for post partum hemorrhage
US7651511B2 (en) * 2003-02-05 2010-01-26 Vascular Control Systems, Inc. Vascular clamp for caesarian section
US20040186467A1 (en) * 2003-03-21 2004-09-23 Swanson David K. Apparatus for maintaining contact between diagnostic and therapeutic elements and tissue and systems including the same
US7333844B2 (en) 2003-03-28 2008-02-19 Vascular Control Systems, Inc. Uterine tissue monitoring device and method
US20040202694A1 (en) * 2003-04-11 2004-10-14 Vascular Control Systems, Inc. Embolic occlusion of uterine arteries
US7497857B2 (en) * 2003-04-29 2009-03-03 Medtronic, Inc. Endocardial dispersive electrode for use with a monopolar RF ablation pen
US7722601B2 (en) 2003-05-01 2010-05-25 Covidien Ag Method and system for programming and controlling an electrosurgical generator system
US20040226556A1 (en) 2003-05-13 2004-11-18 Deem Mark E. Apparatus for treating asthma using neurotoxin
JP2007504910A (en) * 2003-09-12 2007-03-08 ミノウ・メディカル・エルエルシイ Selectable biased reshaping and / or excision of atherosclerotic material
US8579892B2 (en) 2003-10-07 2013-11-12 Tsunami Medtech, Llc Medical system and method of use
WO2005050151A1 (en) 2003-10-23 2005-06-02 Sherwood Services Ag Thermocouple measurement circuit
US7396336B2 (en) 2003-10-30 2008-07-08 Sherwood Services Ag Switched resonant ultrasonic power amplifier system
US7325546B2 (en) * 2003-11-20 2008-02-05 Vascular Control Systems, Inc. Uterine artery occlusion device with cervical receptacle
US7131860B2 (en) * 2003-11-20 2006-11-07 Sherwood Services Ag Connector systems for electrosurgical generator
US7686817B2 (en) * 2003-11-25 2010-03-30 Vascular Control Systems, Inc. Occlusion device for asymmetrical uterine artery anatomy
US8052676B2 (en) 2003-12-02 2011-11-08 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Surgical methods and apparatus for stimulating tissue
US7608072B2 (en) 2003-12-02 2009-10-27 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Surgical methods and apparatus for maintaining contact between tissue and electrophysiology elements and confirming whether a therapeutic lesion has been formed
US7613523B2 (en) * 2003-12-11 2009-11-03 Apsara Medical Corporation Aesthetic thermal sculpting of skin
US7150745B2 (en) 2004-01-09 2006-12-19 Barrx Medical, Inc. Devices and methods for treatment of luminal tissue
US7371231B2 (en) * 2004-02-02 2008-05-13 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. System and method for performing ablation using a balloon
US20050182397A1 (en) * 2004-02-04 2005-08-18 Thomas Ryan Device and method for ablation of body cavities
US7371233B2 (en) * 2004-02-19 2008-05-13 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Cooled probes and apparatus for maintaining contact between cooled probes and tissue
US7157213B2 (en) * 2004-03-01 2007-01-02 Think Laboratory Co., Ltd. Developer agent for positive type photosensitive compound
US7727228B2 (en) 2004-03-23 2010-06-01 Medtronic Cryocath Lp Method and apparatus for inflating and deflating balloon catheters
US9555223B2 (en) 2004-03-23 2017-01-31 Medtronic Cryocath Lp Method and apparatus for inflating and deflating balloon catheters
US8491636B2 (en) 2004-03-23 2013-07-23 Medtronic Cryopath LP Method and apparatus for inflating and deflating balloon catheters
US20050240124A1 (en) * 2004-04-15 2005-10-27 Mast T D Ultrasound medical treatment system and method
US20050251196A1 (en) * 2004-05-06 2005-11-10 Endius Incorporated Surgical tool for use in expanding a tubular structure
US8333764B2 (en) 2004-05-12 2012-12-18 Medtronic, Inc. Device and method for determining tissue thickness and creating cardiac ablation lesions
WO2005112812A1 (en) 2004-05-14 2005-12-01 Medtronic, Inc. Method and devices for treating atrial fibrillation by mass ablation
US7883468B2 (en) * 2004-05-18 2011-02-08 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. Medical system having an ultrasound source and an acoustic coupling medium
US7951095B2 (en) * 2004-05-20 2011-05-31 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. Ultrasound medical system
US20050261588A1 (en) * 2004-05-21 2005-11-24 Makin Inder Raj S Ultrasound medical system
US7473250B2 (en) * 2004-05-21 2009-01-06 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. Ultrasound medical system and method
WO2005120374A1 (en) 2004-06-02 2005-12-22 Medtronic, Inc. Compound bipolar ablation device and method
EP1750608B1 (en) 2004-06-02 2012-10-03 Medtronic, Inc. Ablation device with jaws
US20100145331A1 (en) * 2004-06-02 2010-06-10 Chrisitian Steven C Loop Ablation Apparatus and Method
ATE516762T1 (en) 2004-06-02 2011-08-15 Medtronic Inc ABLATION AND STAPLE INSTRUMENT
WO2005120375A2 (en) 2004-06-02 2005-12-22 Medtronic, Inc. Loop ablation apparatus and method
US7806839B2 (en) 2004-06-14 2010-10-05 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. System and method for ultrasound therapy using grating lobes
US20050288660A1 (en) * 2004-06-17 2005-12-29 Ryan Thomas P Method and apparatus for vaginal protection from hot fluids during endometrial ablation treatment
US8926635B2 (en) * 2004-06-18 2015-01-06 Medtronic, Inc. Methods and devices for occlusion of an atrial appendage
WO2006009729A2 (en) * 2004-06-18 2006-01-26 Medtronic, Inc. Methods and devices for occlusion of an atrial appendage
US8409219B2 (en) 2004-06-18 2013-04-02 Medtronic, Inc. Method and system for placement of electrical lead inside heart
US8663245B2 (en) 2004-06-18 2014-03-04 Medtronic, Inc. Device for occlusion of a left atrial appendage
US7481808B2 (en) * 2004-06-30 2009-01-27 Ethicon, Inc. Flexible electrode device and surgical apparatus equipped with same
US20060015144A1 (en) * 2004-07-19 2006-01-19 Vascular Control Systems, Inc. Uterine artery occlusion staple
US9713730B2 (en) 2004-09-10 2017-07-25 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Apparatus and method for treatment of in-stent restenosis
US8396548B2 (en) 2008-11-14 2013-03-12 Vessix Vascular, Inc. Selective drug delivery in a lumen
US20070016272A1 (en) 2004-09-27 2007-01-18 Thompson Russell B Systems and methods for treating a hollow anatomical structure
US7534202B2 (en) 2004-10-04 2009-05-19 Board Of Regents, The University Of Texas System System and method for high dose rate radiation intracavitary brachytherapy
US7628786B2 (en) 2004-10-13 2009-12-08 Covidien Ag Universal foot switch contact port
US20060089658A1 (en) * 2004-10-21 2006-04-27 Harrington Douglas C Method and apparatus for treating abnormal uterine bleeding
US7875036B2 (en) * 2004-10-27 2011-01-25 Vascular Control Systems, Inc. Short term treatment for uterine disorder
WO2006052940A2 (en) 2004-11-05 2006-05-18 Asthmatx, Inc. Medical device with procedure improvement features
US7949407B2 (en) 2004-11-05 2011-05-24 Asthmatx, Inc. Energy delivery devices and methods
US20070093802A1 (en) 2005-10-21 2007-04-26 Danek Christopher J Energy delivery devices and methods
US7731712B2 (en) 2004-12-20 2010-06-08 Cytyc Corporation Method and system for transcervical tubal occlusion
US7536225B2 (en) 2005-01-21 2009-05-19 Ams Research Corporation Endo-pelvic fascia penetrating heating systems and methods for incontinence treatment
EP2438877B1 (en) 2005-03-28 2016-02-17 Vessix Vascular, Inc. Intraluminal electrical tissue characterization and tuned RF energy for selective treatment of atheroma and other target tissues
US9474564B2 (en) * 2005-03-31 2016-10-25 Covidien Ag Method and system for compensating for external impedance of an energy carrying component when controlling an electrosurgical generator
US7674260B2 (en) 2005-04-28 2010-03-09 Cytyc Corporation Emergency hemostasis device utilizing energy
US7942874B2 (en) * 2005-05-12 2011-05-17 Aragon Surgical, Inc. Apparatus for tissue cauterization
US8696662B2 (en) 2005-05-12 2014-04-15 Aesculap Ag Electrocautery method and apparatus
US8728072B2 (en) * 2005-05-12 2014-05-20 Aesculap Ag Electrocautery method and apparatus
US7803156B2 (en) 2006-03-08 2010-09-28 Aragon Surgical, Inc. Method and apparatus for surgical electrocautery
US9339323B2 (en) 2005-05-12 2016-05-17 Aesculap Ag Electrocautery method and apparatus
US20060270900A1 (en) * 2005-05-26 2006-11-30 Chin Albert K Apparatus and methods for performing ablation
US8932208B2 (en) * 2005-05-26 2015-01-13 Maquet Cardiovascular Llc Apparatus and methods for performing minimally-invasive surgical procedures
US8016822B2 (en) 2005-05-28 2011-09-13 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Fluid injecting devices and methods and apparatus for maintaining contact between fluid injecting devices and tissue
US7655003B2 (en) 2005-06-22 2010-02-02 Smith & Nephew, Inc. Electrosurgical power control
US20070055226A1 (en) * 2005-07-14 2007-03-08 Garito Jon C Electrosurgical electrode with silver
US20070016184A1 (en) * 2005-07-14 2007-01-18 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. Medical-treatment electrode assembly and method for medical treatment
CN102225024B (en) 2005-07-21 2013-05-01 泰科医疗集团有限合伙公司 Systems and methods for treating a hollow anatomical structure
US20070021743A1 (en) * 2005-07-22 2007-01-25 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Compressible/expandable hydrophilic ablation electrode
US20070049973A1 (en) * 2005-08-29 2007-03-01 Vascular Control Systems, Inc. Method and device for treating adenomyosis and endometriosis
US20070083192A1 (en) * 2005-10-07 2007-04-12 Eric Welch Apparatus and method for ablation of targeted tissue
US8734438B2 (en) 2005-10-21 2014-05-27 Covidien Ag Circuit and method for reducing stored energy in an electrosurgical generator
US7959627B2 (en) 2005-11-23 2011-06-14 Barrx Medical, Inc. Precision ablating device
US7997278B2 (en) 2005-11-23 2011-08-16 Barrx Medical, Inc. Precision ablating method
US8702694B2 (en) 2005-11-23 2014-04-22 Covidien Lp Auto-aligning ablating device and method of use
US7947039B2 (en) * 2005-12-12 2011-05-24 Covidien Ag Laparoscopic apparatus for performing electrosurgical procedures
US7972328B2 (en) * 2006-01-24 2011-07-05 Covidien Ag System and method for tissue sealing
CA2574935A1 (en) 2006-01-24 2007-07-24 Sherwood Services Ag A method and system for controlling an output of a radio-frequency medical generator having an impedance based control algorithm
US7513896B2 (en) 2006-01-24 2009-04-07 Covidien Ag Dual synchro-resonant electrosurgical apparatus with bi-directional magnetic coupling
CA2574934C (en) 2006-01-24 2015-12-29 Sherwood Services Ag System and method for closed loop monitoring of monopolar electrosurgical apparatus
US9186200B2 (en) 2006-01-24 2015-11-17 Covidien Ag System and method for tissue sealing
US8147485B2 (en) 2006-01-24 2012-04-03 Covidien Ag System and method for tissue sealing
US8216223B2 (en) 2006-01-24 2012-07-10 Covidien Ag System and method for tissue sealing
US8685016B2 (en) 2006-01-24 2014-04-01 Covidien Ag System and method for tissue sealing
US20070185479A1 (en) * 2006-02-06 2007-08-09 Liming Lau Methods and devices for performing ablation and assessing efficacy thereof
WO2007092610A2 (en) 2006-02-07 2007-08-16 Tivamed, Inc. Vaginal remodeling device and methods
US7651493B2 (en) 2006-03-03 2010-01-26 Covidien Ag System and method for controlling electrosurgical snares
US20070225697A1 (en) * 2006-03-23 2007-09-27 Ketan Shroff Apparatus and methods for cardiac ablation
US7651492B2 (en) 2006-04-24 2010-01-26 Covidien Ag Arc based adaptive control system for an electrosurgical unit
US20070255270A1 (en) * 2006-04-27 2007-11-01 Medtronic Vascular, Inc. Intraluminal guidance system using bioelectric impedance
US8574229B2 (en) 2006-05-02 2013-11-05 Aesculap Ag Surgical tool
US8019435B2 (en) 2006-05-02 2011-09-13 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Control of arterial smooth muscle tone
US8753334B2 (en) * 2006-05-10 2014-06-17 Covidien Ag System and method for reducing leakage current in an electrosurgical generator
US20080039746A1 (en) 2006-05-25 2008-02-14 Medtronic, Inc. Methods of using high intensity focused ultrasound to form an ablated tissue area containing a plurality of lesions
US9414883B2 (en) * 2006-06-09 2016-08-16 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Co-access foam/electrode introducer
WO2007146215A2 (en) * 2006-06-12 2007-12-21 Pankaj Patel Endoscopically introducible expandable cautery device
US10028783B2 (en) 2006-06-28 2018-07-24 Kardium Inc. Apparatus and method for intra-cardiac mapping and ablation
US9119633B2 (en) 2006-06-28 2015-09-01 Kardium Inc. Apparatus and method for intra-cardiac mapping and ablation
US11389232B2 (en) 2006-06-28 2022-07-19 Kardium Inc. Apparatus and method for intra-cardiac mapping and ablation
US8920411B2 (en) 2006-06-28 2014-12-30 Kardium Inc. Apparatus and method for intra-cardiac mapping and ablation
US20080039879A1 (en) * 2006-08-09 2008-02-14 Chin Albert K Devices and methods for atrial appendage exclusion
US20080058797A1 (en) * 2006-08-31 2008-03-06 Rioux Robert F Uterine foam insert for ablation
US8486060B2 (en) 2006-09-18 2013-07-16 Cytyc Corporation Power ramping during RF ablation
US20080071269A1 (en) * 2006-09-18 2008-03-20 Cytyc Corporation Curved Endoscopic Medical Device
US7794457B2 (en) 2006-09-28 2010-09-14 Covidien Ag Transformer for RF voltage sensing
WO2008049082A2 (en) 2006-10-18 2008-04-24 Minnow Medical, Inc. Inducing desirable temperature effects on body tissue
EP2954868A1 (en) 2006-10-18 2015-12-16 Vessix Vascular, Inc. Tuned rf energy and electrical tissue characterization for selective treatment of target tissues
AU2007310991B2 (en) 2006-10-18 2013-06-20 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. System for inducing desirable temperature effects on body tissue
US8647349B2 (en) 2006-10-18 2014-02-11 Hologic, Inc. Systems for performing gynecological procedures with mechanical distension
US7931647B2 (en) 2006-10-20 2011-04-26 Asthmatx, Inc. Method of delivering energy to a lung airway using markers
US8025656B2 (en) 2006-11-07 2011-09-27 Hologic, Inc. Methods, systems and devices for performing gynecological procedures
US9392935B2 (en) 2006-11-07 2016-07-19 Hologic, Inc. Methods for performing a medical procedure
US20080125765A1 (en) * 2006-11-24 2008-05-29 Berenshteyn A Microwave apparatus for ablation
US7846160B2 (en) 2006-12-21 2010-12-07 Cytyc Corporation Method and apparatus for sterilization
EP2134283B1 (en) 2007-04-06 2014-06-11 Hologic, Inc. System and device for tissue removal
US9259233B2 (en) 2007-04-06 2016-02-16 Hologic, Inc. Method and device for distending a gynecological cavity
US9095366B2 (en) 2007-04-06 2015-08-04 Hologic, Inc. Tissue cutter with differential hardness
US20090270898A1 (en) 2007-04-06 2009-10-29 Interlace Medical, Inc. Tissue removal device with high reciprocation rate
US8496653B2 (en) * 2007-04-23 2013-07-30 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Thrombus removal
WO2008137757A1 (en) 2007-05-04 2008-11-13 Barrx Medical, Inc. Method and apparatus for gastrointestinal tract ablation for treatment of obesity
US8777941B2 (en) 2007-05-10 2014-07-15 Covidien Lp Adjustable impedance electrosurgical electrodes
US20080281317A1 (en) * 2007-05-10 2008-11-13 Fred Gobel Endometrial Ablation catheter
US8784338B2 (en) 2007-06-22 2014-07-22 Covidien Lp Electrical means to normalize ablational energy transmission to a luminal tissue surface of varying size
US8251992B2 (en) 2007-07-06 2012-08-28 Tyco Healthcare Group Lp Method and apparatus for gastrointestinal tract ablation to achieve loss of persistent and/or recurrent excess body weight following a weight-loss operation
CA2692669A1 (en) 2007-07-06 2009-01-15 Barrx Medical, Inc. Ablation in the gastrointestinal tract to achieve hemostasis and eradicate lesions with a propensity for bleeding
US20090012518A1 (en) * 2007-07-06 2009-01-08 Utley David S Method and Apparatus for Ablation of Benign, Pre-Cancerous and Early Cancerous Lesions That Originate Within the Epithelium and are Limited to the Mucosal Layer of the Gastrointestinal Tract
US20090125010A1 (en) 2007-07-06 2009-05-14 Sharkey Hugh R Uterine Therapy Device and Method
US8235983B2 (en) 2007-07-12 2012-08-07 Asthmatx, Inc. Systems and methods for delivering energy to passageways in a patient
US7834484B2 (en) * 2007-07-16 2010-11-16 Tyco Healthcare Group Lp Connection cable and method for activating a voltage-controlled generator
US8200308B2 (en) * 2007-07-18 2012-06-12 Siemens Medical Solutions Usa, Inc. Continuous measurement and mapping of physiological data
US8646460B2 (en) 2007-07-30 2014-02-11 Covidien Lp Cleaning device and methods
US8273012B2 (en) 2007-07-30 2012-09-25 Tyco Healthcare Group, Lp Cleaning device and methods
ATE556667T1 (en) 2007-08-23 2012-05-15 Aegea Medical Inc UTERUS THERAPY DEVICE
US8216220B2 (en) 2007-09-07 2012-07-10 Tyco Healthcare Group Lp System and method for transmission of combined data stream
US20090076411A1 (en) * 2007-09-17 2009-03-19 Syed Rizvi Endometrial anesthesia delivery device and methods of use thereof
US8512332B2 (en) 2007-09-21 2013-08-20 Covidien Lp Real-time arc control in electrosurgical generators
EP2209517A4 (en) * 2007-10-05 2011-03-30 Maquet Cardiovascular Llc Devices and methods for minimally-invasive surgical procedures
US8535306B2 (en) 2007-11-05 2013-09-17 Angiodynamics, Inc. Ablation devices and methods of using the same
US8906011B2 (en) 2007-11-16 2014-12-09 Kardium Inc. Medical device for use in bodily lumens, for example an atrium
US8106829B2 (en) * 2007-12-12 2012-01-31 Broadcom Corporation Method and system for an integrated antenna and antenna management
JP5443386B2 (en) 2007-12-28 2014-03-19 サリエント・サージカル・テクノロジーズ・インコーポレーテッド Fluid-assisted electrosurgical device, method and system
US8521302B2 (en) * 2008-01-10 2013-08-27 Expanedoheat, L.L.C. Thermal treatment apparatus
US8870867B2 (en) 2008-02-06 2014-10-28 Aesculap Ag Articulable electrosurgical instrument with a stabilizable articulation actuator
US8343144B2 (en) * 2008-02-11 2013-01-01 Expandoheat, Llc Apparatus and method for vessel sealing and tissue coagulation
US20090209986A1 (en) * 2008-02-15 2009-08-20 Stewart Michael C Devices, Tools and Methods for Atrial Appendage Exclusion
US8483831B1 (en) 2008-02-15 2013-07-09 Holaira, Inc. System and method for bronchial dilation
US20090264771A1 (en) * 2008-04-22 2009-10-22 Medtronic Vascular, Inc. Ultrasonic Based Characterization of Plaque in Chronic Total Occlusions
EP2662046B1 (en) 2008-05-09 2023-03-15 Nuvaira, Inc. Systems and assemblies for treating a bronchial tree
US8821488B2 (en) 2008-05-13 2014-09-02 Medtronic, Inc. Tissue lesion evaluation
US8226639B2 (en) 2008-06-10 2012-07-24 Tyco Healthcare Group Lp System and method for output control of electrosurgical generator
US20090318914A1 (en) * 2008-06-18 2009-12-24 Utley David S System and method for ablational treatment of uterine cervical neoplasia
CN102209497A (en) * 2008-09-22 2011-10-05 明诺医学股份有限公司 Inducing desirable temperature effects on body tissue using alternate energy sources
US8364279B2 (en) * 2008-09-25 2013-01-29 Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation Electrical stimulation leads having RF compatibility and methods of use and manufacture
US9561068B2 (en) 2008-10-06 2017-02-07 Virender K. Sharma Method and apparatus for tissue ablation
EP2341859B1 (en) 2008-10-06 2017-04-05 Virender K. Sharma Apparatus for tissue ablation
US9561066B2 (en) 2008-10-06 2017-02-07 Virender K. Sharma Method and apparatus for tissue ablation
US10064697B2 (en) 2008-10-06 2018-09-04 Santa Anna Tech Llc Vapor based ablation system for treating various indications
US10695126B2 (en) 2008-10-06 2020-06-30 Santa Anna Tech Llc Catheter with a double balloon structure to generate and apply a heated ablative zone to tissue
US8197476B2 (en) 2008-10-21 2012-06-12 Hermes Innovations Llc Tissue ablation systems
US8382753B2 (en) 2008-10-21 2013-02-26 Hermes Innovations, LLC Tissue ablation methods
US9662163B2 (en) 2008-10-21 2017-05-30 Hermes Innovations Llc Endometrial ablation devices and systems
US8540708B2 (en) * 2008-10-21 2013-09-24 Hermes Innovations Llc Endometrial ablation method
US8821486B2 (en) 2009-11-13 2014-09-02 Hermes Innovations, LLC Tissue ablation systems and methods
US8197477B2 (en) 2008-10-21 2012-06-12 Hermes Innovations Llc Tissue ablation methods
US8500732B2 (en) 2008-10-21 2013-08-06 Hermes Innovations Llc Endometrial ablation devices and systems
US9795442B2 (en) 2008-11-11 2017-10-24 Shifamed Holdings, Llc Ablation catheters
JP5726084B2 (en) * 2008-11-11 2015-05-27 シファメド・ホールディングス・エルエルシー Thin electrode assembly
CN102271603A (en) 2008-11-17 2011-12-07 明诺医学股份有限公司 Selective accumulation of energy with or without knowledge of tissue topography
US8725249B2 (en) 2008-12-09 2014-05-13 Nephera Ltd. Stimulation of the urinary system
US8923970B2 (en) 2008-12-09 2014-12-30 Nephera Ltd. Stimulation of the urinary system
US8262652B2 (en) 2009-01-12 2012-09-11 Tyco Healthcare Group Lp Imaginary impedance process monitoring and intelligent shut-off
US9254168B2 (en) 2009-02-02 2016-02-09 Medtronic Advanced Energy Llc Electro-thermotherapy of tissue using penetrating microelectrode array
US11284931B2 (en) 2009-02-03 2022-03-29 Tsunami Medtech, Llc Medical systems and methods for ablating and absorbing tissue
WO2010096809A1 (en) 2009-02-23 2010-08-26 Salient Surgical Technologies, Inc. Fluid-assisted electrosurgical device and methods of use thereof
US8915908B2 (en) * 2009-03-20 2014-12-23 Atricure, Inc. Cryogenic probe
US11903602B2 (en) 2009-04-29 2024-02-20 Hologic, Inc. Uterine fibroid tissue removal device
US8551096B2 (en) 2009-05-13 2013-10-08 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Directional delivery of energy and bioactives
EP2445568B1 (en) 2009-06-24 2020-09-23 Kalila Medical, Inc. Steerable medical delivery devices
CN102497832B (en) 2009-09-08 2015-09-09 显著外科技术公司 For case assembly and the using method thereof of electro-surgical device, electrosurgical unit
CN102971047B (en) 2009-09-18 2016-04-06 女康乐公司 Repair the instruments and methods of vagina tissue
US10386990B2 (en) 2009-09-22 2019-08-20 Mederi Rf, Llc Systems and methods for treating tissue with radiofrequency energy
EP2480152B1 (en) 2009-09-22 2018-08-29 Mederi Therapeutics Inc. Systems for controlling use and operation of a family of different treatment devices
US9750563B2 (en) 2009-09-22 2017-09-05 Mederi Therapeutics, Inc. Systems and methods for treating tissue with radiofrequency energy
US9474565B2 (en) 2009-09-22 2016-10-25 Mederi Therapeutics, Inc. Systems and methods for treating tissue with radiofrequency energy
US9775664B2 (en) 2009-09-22 2017-10-03 Mederi Therapeutics, Inc. Systems and methods for treating tissue with radiofrequency energy
CA2778274C (en) 2009-10-26 2017-10-24 Hermes Innovations Llc Endometrial ablation devices and system
CN102639077B (en) 2009-10-27 2015-05-13 赫莱拉公司 Delivery devices with coolable energy emitting assemblies
JP5836964B2 (en) 2009-11-05 2015-12-24 ニンバス・コンセプツ・エルエルシー Method and system for spinal radiofrequency nerve cutting
US8911439B2 (en) 2009-11-11 2014-12-16 Holaira, Inc. Non-invasive and minimally invasive denervation methods and systems for performing the same
US8394037B2 (en) * 2009-11-11 2013-03-12 Minerva Surgical, Inc. Systems and devices for evaluating the integrity of a uterine cavity
US8715278B2 (en) 2009-11-11 2014-05-06 Minerva Surgical, Inc. System for endometrial ablation utilizing radio frequency
EP4111995A1 (en) 2009-11-11 2023-01-04 Nuvaira, Inc. Device for treating tissue and controlling stenosis
US11896282B2 (en) 2009-11-13 2024-02-13 Hermes Innovations Llc Tissue ablation systems and method
US8529562B2 (en) * 2009-11-13 2013-09-10 Minerva Surgical, Inc Systems and methods for endometrial ablation
US9289257B2 (en) 2009-11-13 2016-03-22 Minerva Surgical, Inc. Methods and systems for endometrial ablation utilizing radio frequency
US8882759B2 (en) * 2009-12-18 2014-11-11 Covidien Lp Microwave ablation system with dielectric temperature probe
KR20120139661A (en) 2010-02-04 2012-12-27 아에스쿨랍 아게 Laparoscopic radiofrequency surgical device
US8568404B2 (en) 2010-02-19 2013-10-29 Covidien Lp Bipolar electrode probe for ablation monitoring
US8926629B2 (en) 2010-02-24 2015-01-06 Minerva Surgical, Inc. Systems and methods for endometrial ablation
US9421059B2 (en) 2010-04-27 2016-08-23 Minerva Surgical, Inc. Device for endometrial ablation having an expandable seal for a cervical canal
US20110208180A1 (en) * 2010-02-25 2011-08-25 Vivant Medical, Inc. System and Method for Monitoring Ablation Size
EP2544616B1 (en) 2010-03-11 2017-09-06 Medtronic Advanced Energy LLC Bipolar electrosurgical cutter with position insensitive return electrode contact
CA2793737A1 (en) 2010-03-24 2011-09-29 Shifamed Holdings, Llc Intravascular tissue disruption
US8827992B2 (en) 2010-03-26 2014-09-09 Aesculap Ag Impedance mediated control of power delivery for electrosurgery
US8419727B2 (en) 2010-03-26 2013-04-16 Aesculap Ag Impedance mediated power delivery for electrosurgery
EP2555699B1 (en) 2010-04-09 2019-04-03 Vessix Vascular, Inc. Power generating and control apparatus for the treatment of tissue
US9192790B2 (en) 2010-04-14 2015-11-24 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Focused ultrasonic renal denervation
US20120116378A1 (en) * 2010-04-26 2012-05-10 Minerva Surgical, Inc. Endometrial ablation with a device that conforms to symmetric or asymmetric uterine cavities
DE102010020664A1 (en) 2010-05-05 2011-11-10 Aesculap Ag Surgical system for connecting body tissue parts
US9655677B2 (en) 2010-05-12 2017-05-23 Shifamed Holdings, Llc Ablation catheters including a balloon and electrodes
WO2011143468A2 (en) 2010-05-12 2011-11-17 Shifamed, Llc Low profile electrode assembly
EP2571439B1 (en) 2010-05-21 2020-06-24 Stratus Medical, LLC Systems for tissue ablation
US20110295249A1 (en) * 2010-05-28 2011-12-01 Salient Surgical Technologies, Inc. Fluid-Assisted Electrosurgical Devices, and Methods of Manufacture Thereof
US8473067B2 (en) 2010-06-11 2013-06-25 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Renal denervation and stimulation employing wireless vascular energy transfer arrangement
US9138289B2 (en) 2010-06-28 2015-09-22 Medtronic Advanced Energy Llc Electrode sheath for electrosurgical device
US8906012B2 (en) 2010-06-30 2014-12-09 Medtronic Advanced Energy Llc Electrosurgical devices with wire electrode
US8920417B2 (en) 2010-06-30 2014-12-30 Medtronic Advanced Energy Llc Electrosurgical devices and methods of use thereof
US8956348B2 (en) 2010-07-21 2015-02-17 Minerva Surgical, Inc. Methods and systems for endometrial ablation
US9358365B2 (en) 2010-07-30 2016-06-07 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Precision electrode movement control for renal nerve ablation
US9463062B2 (en) 2010-07-30 2016-10-11 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Cooled conductive balloon RF catheter for renal nerve ablation
US9155589B2 (en) 2010-07-30 2015-10-13 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Sequential activation RF electrode set for renal nerve ablation
US9084609B2 (en) 2010-07-30 2015-07-21 Boston Scientific Scime, Inc. Spiral balloon catheter for renal nerve ablation
US9408661B2 (en) 2010-07-30 2016-08-09 Patrick A. Haverkost RF electrodes on multiple flexible wires for renal nerve ablation
US9943353B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2018-04-17 Tsunami Medtech, Llc Medical system and method of use
US9173698B2 (en) 2010-09-17 2015-11-03 Aesculap Ag Electrosurgical tissue sealing augmented with a seal-enhancing composition
US9186208B2 (en) 2010-10-19 2015-11-17 Minerva Surgical, Inc. Systems for endometrial ablation
US8974451B2 (en) 2010-10-25 2015-03-10 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Renal nerve ablation using conductive fluid jet and RF energy
US9023040B2 (en) 2010-10-26 2015-05-05 Medtronic Advanced Energy Llc Electrosurgical cutting devices
US9872983B2 (en) 2010-10-27 2018-01-23 Dignity Health Uterine electrical stimulation system and method
US8972028B2 (en) * 2010-10-27 2015-03-03 Dignity Health Uterine electrical stimulation system and method
US9220558B2 (en) 2010-10-27 2015-12-29 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. RF renal denervation catheter with multiple independent electrodes
US9510897B2 (en) 2010-11-05 2016-12-06 Hermes Innovations Llc RF-electrode surface and method of fabrication
ES2912362T3 (en) 2010-11-09 2022-05-25 Aegea Medical Inc Method of placement and apparatus for delivering steam to the uterus
US9259262B2 (en) 2010-11-09 2016-02-16 Minerva Surgical, Inc. Systems and methods for endometrial ablation
US9028485B2 (en) 2010-11-15 2015-05-12 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Self-expanding cooling electrode for renal nerve ablation
US9089350B2 (en) 2010-11-16 2015-07-28 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Renal denervation catheter with RF electrode and integral contrast dye injection arrangement
US9668811B2 (en) 2010-11-16 2017-06-06 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Minimally invasive access for renal nerve ablation
US9326751B2 (en) 2010-11-17 2016-05-03 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Catheter guidance of external energy for renal denervation
US9060761B2 (en) 2010-11-18 2015-06-23 Boston Scientific Scime, Inc. Catheter-focused magnetic field induced renal nerve ablation
US9192435B2 (en) 2010-11-22 2015-11-24 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Renal denervation catheter with cooled RF electrode
US9023034B2 (en) 2010-11-22 2015-05-05 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Renal ablation electrode with force-activatable conduction apparatus
JP5631716B2 (en) * 2010-12-14 2014-11-26 オリンパス株式会社 Therapeutic treatment device
US20120157993A1 (en) 2010-12-15 2012-06-21 Jenson Mark L Bipolar Off-Wall Electrode Device for Renal Nerve Ablation
US9220561B2 (en) 2011-01-19 2015-12-29 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Guide-compatible large-electrode catheter for renal nerve ablation with reduced arterial injury
US11259867B2 (en) 2011-01-21 2022-03-01 Kardium Inc. High-density electrode-based medical device system
US9486273B2 (en) 2011-01-21 2016-11-08 Kardium Inc. High-density electrode-based medical device system
US9452016B2 (en) 2011-01-21 2016-09-27 Kardium Inc. Catheter system
CA2764494A1 (en) 2011-01-21 2012-07-21 Kardium Inc. Enhanced medical device for use in bodily cavities, for example an atrium
US9655557B2 (en) 2011-02-04 2017-05-23 Minerva Surgical, Inc. Methods and systems for evaluating the integrity of a uterine cavity
US8939971B2 (en) 2011-03-11 2015-01-27 Minerva Surgical, Inc. System and method for endometrial ablation
US9427281B2 (en) 2011-03-11 2016-08-30 Medtronic Advanced Energy Llc Bronchoscope-compatible catheter provided with electrosurgical device
US20120239034A1 (en) * 2011-03-17 2012-09-20 Tyco Healthcare Group Lp Method of Manufacturing Tissue Seal Plates
US10278774B2 (en) 2011-03-18 2019-05-07 Covidien Lp Selectively expandable operative element support structure and methods of use
US9050102B2 (en) 2011-03-23 2015-06-09 Minerva Surgical Inc. System and method for endometrial ablation
US9050103B2 (en) 2011-03-25 2015-06-09 Minerva Surgical Inc. System and method for endometrial ablation
WO2012161875A1 (en) 2011-04-08 2012-11-29 Tyco Healthcare Group Lp Iontophoresis drug delivery system and method for denervation of the renal sympathetic nerve and iontophoretic drug delivery
EP2701623B1 (en) 2011-04-25 2016-08-17 Medtronic Ardian Luxembourg S.à.r.l. Apparatus related to constrained deployment of cryogenic balloons for limited cryogenic ablation of vessel walls
WO2012151396A2 (en) 2011-05-03 2012-11-08 Shifamed Holdings, Llc Steerable delivery sheaths
US9788890B2 (en) 2011-05-06 2017-10-17 Minerva Surgical, Inc. Methods for evaluating the integrity of a uterine cavity
US9339327B2 (en) 2011-06-28 2016-05-17 Aesculap Ag Electrosurgical tissue dissecting device
AU2012283908B2 (en) 2011-07-20 2017-02-16 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Percutaneous devices and methods to visualize, target and ablate nerves
AU2012287189B2 (en) 2011-07-22 2016-10-06 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Nerve modulation system with a nerve modulation element positionable in a helical guide
EP2744386B1 (en) 2011-08-19 2018-12-19 Cook Medical Technologies LLC Cap for attachment to an endoscope
CN103732170B (en) 2011-08-19 2016-09-21 库克医学技术有限责任公司 Ablation cap
US9099863B2 (en) 2011-09-09 2015-08-04 Covidien Lp Surgical generator and related method for mitigating overcurrent conditions
US9750565B2 (en) 2011-09-30 2017-09-05 Medtronic Advanced Energy Llc Electrosurgical balloons
CN104135960B (en) 2011-10-07 2017-06-06 埃杰亚医疗公司 A kind of uterine therapy device
US9186210B2 (en) 2011-10-10 2015-11-17 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Medical devices including ablation electrodes
WO2013055815A1 (en) 2011-10-11 2013-04-18 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Off -wall electrode device for nerve modulation
US9420955B2 (en) 2011-10-11 2016-08-23 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Intravascular temperature monitoring system and method
US9364284B2 (en) 2011-10-12 2016-06-14 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Method of making an off-wall spacer cage
EP2768568B1 (en) 2011-10-18 2020-05-06 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Integrated crossing balloon catheter
EP2768563B1 (en) 2011-10-18 2016-11-09 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Deflectable medical devices
US8870864B2 (en) 2011-10-28 2014-10-28 Medtronic Advanced Energy Llc Single instrument electrosurgery apparatus and its method of use
CN104023662B (en) 2011-11-08 2018-02-09 波士顿科学西美德公司 Hole portion renal nerve melts
US9119600B2 (en) 2011-11-15 2015-09-01 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Device and methods for renal nerve modulation monitoring
US9119632B2 (en) 2011-11-21 2015-09-01 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Deflectable renal nerve ablation catheter
US9743978B2 (en) 2011-12-13 2017-08-29 Minerva Surgical, Inc. Systems and methods for endometrial ablation
US9131980B2 (en) 2011-12-19 2015-09-15 Medtronic Advanced Energy Llc Electrosurgical devices
US9265969B2 (en) 2011-12-21 2016-02-23 Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc. Methods for modulating cell function
EP3138521B1 (en) 2011-12-23 2019-05-29 Vessix Vascular, Inc. Apparatuses for remodeling tissue of or adjacent to a body passage
US9433760B2 (en) 2011-12-28 2016-09-06 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Device and methods for nerve modulation using a novel ablation catheter with polymeric ablative elements
US9050106B2 (en) 2011-12-29 2015-06-09 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Off-wall electrode device and methods for nerve modulation
USD777925S1 (en) 2012-01-20 2017-01-31 Kardium Inc. Intra-cardiac procedure device
USD777926S1 (en) 2012-01-20 2017-01-31 Kardium Inc. Intra-cardiac procedure device
US8403927B1 (en) 2012-04-05 2013-03-26 William Bruce Shingleton Vasectomy devices and methods
US8961550B2 (en) 2012-04-17 2015-02-24 Indian Wells Medical, Inc. Steerable endoluminal punch
WO2013169927A1 (en) 2012-05-08 2013-11-14 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Renal nerve modulation devices
US9198592B2 (en) 2012-05-21 2015-12-01 Kardium Inc. Systems and methods for activating transducers
US10827977B2 (en) 2012-05-21 2020-11-10 Kardium Inc. Systems and methods for activating transducers
US9011423B2 (en) 2012-05-21 2015-04-21 Kardium, Inc. Systems and methods for selecting, activating, or selecting and activating transducers
EP2854682B1 (en) 2012-06-04 2021-06-23 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Systems for treating tissue of a passageway within a body
US9226792B2 (en) 2012-06-12 2016-01-05 Medtronic Advanced Energy Llc Debridement device and method
WO2014018153A1 (en) 2012-07-24 2014-01-30 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Electrodes for tissue treatment
EP2879576A4 (en) 2012-07-30 2016-07-13 Univ Northwestern Radiofrequency probe for circumferential ablation of a hollow cavity
WO2014032016A1 (en) 2012-08-24 2014-02-27 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Intravascular catheter with a balloon comprising separate microporous regions
CN104780859B (en) 2012-09-17 2017-07-25 波士顿科学西美德公司 Self-positioning electrode system and method for renal regulation
WO2014047454A2 (en) 2012-09-21 2014-03-27 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Self-cooling ultrasound ablation catheter
WO2014047411A1 (en) 2012-09-21 2014-03-27 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. System for nerve modulation and innocuous thermal gradient nerve block
KR102174907B1 (en) 2012-09-26 2020-11-05 아에스쿨랍 아게 Apparatus for tissue cutting and sealing
US9526570B2 (en) 2012-10-04 2016-12-27 Cook Medical Technologies Llc Tissue cutting cap
US11234760B2 (en) 2012-10-05 2022-02-01 Medtronic Advanced Energy Llc Electrosurgical device for cutting and removing tissue
US10835305B2 (en) 2012-10-10 2020-11-17 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Renal nerve modulation devices and methods
CN102940524B (en) * 2012-10-17 2015-09-16 上海安通医疗科技有限公司 A kind of balloon dilation-type multi-electrode radio-frequency ablation catheter
US9272132B2 (en) 2012-11-02 2016-03-01 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Medical device for treating airways and related methods of use
US9283374B2 (en) 2012-11-05 2016-03-15 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Devices and methods for delivering energy to body lumens
US9364277B2 (en) 2012-12-13 2016-06-14 Cook Medical Technologies Llc RF energy controller and method for electrosurgical medical devices
US9204921B2 (en) 2012-12-13 2015-12-08 Cook Medical Technologies Llc RF energy controller and method for electrosurgical medical devices
US9398933B2 (en) 2012-12-27 2016-07-26 Holaira, Inc. Methods for improving drug efficacy including a combination of drug administration and nerve modulation
US9161802B2 (en) 2013-01-03 2015-10-20 Solta Medical, Inc. Patterned electrodes for tissue treatment systems
EP3964151A3 (en) 2013-01-17 2022-03-30 Virender K. Sharma Apparatus for tissue ablation
WO2014163987A1 (en) 2013-03-11 2014-10-09 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Medical devices for modulating nerves
US9693821B2 (en) 2013-03-11 2017-07-04 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Medical devices for modulating nerves
US9808311B2 (en) 2013-03-13 2017-11-07 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Deflectable medical devices
AU2014237950B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2017-04-13 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Control unit for use with electrode pads and a method for estimating an electrical leakage
US9055950B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2015-06-16 Chemo S.A. France Method and system for delivering a tissue treatment using a balloon-catheter system
JP6220044B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2017-10-25 ボストン サイエンティフィック サイムド,インコーポレイテッドBoston Scientific Scimed,Inc. Medical device for renal nerve ablation
EP2967711B1 (en) 2013-03-15 2020-05-06 Cynosure, LLC Electrosurgical instruments with multimodes of operation
US10265122B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2019-04-23 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Nerve ablation devices and related methods of use
US9901394B2 (en) 2013-04-04 2018-02-27 Hermes Innovations Llc Medical ablation system and method of making
US10098694B2 (en) 2013-04-08 2018-10-16 Apama Medical, Inc. Tissue ablation and monitoring thereof
CN110141177B (en) 2013-04-08 2021-11-23 阿帕玛医疗公司 Ablation catheter
US10349824B2 (en) 2013-04-08 2019-07-16 Apama Medical, Inc. Tissue mapping and visualization systems
US9814618B2 (en) 2013-06-06 2017-11-14 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Devices for delivering energy and related methods of use
WO2014205399A1 (en) 2013-06-21 2014-12-24 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Medical devices for renal nerve ablation having rotatable shafts
WO2014205388A1 (en) 2013-06-21 2014-12-24 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Renal denervation balloon catheter with ride along electrode support
US9707036B2 (en) 2013-06-25 2017-07-18 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Devices and methods for nerve modulation using localized indifferent electrodes
EP3016605B1 (en) 2013-07-01 2019-06-05 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Medical devices for renal nerve ablation
US10660698B2 (en) 2013-07-11 2020-05-26 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Devices and methods for nerve modulation
CN105377170A (en) 2013-07-11 2016-03-02 波士顿科学国际有限公司 Medical device with stretchable electrode assemblies
CN105682594B (en) 2013-07-19 2018-06-22 波士顿科学国际有限公司 Helical bipolar electrodes renal denervation dominates air bag
WO2015013301A1 (en) 2013-07-22 2015-01-29 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Renal nerve ablation catheter having twist balloon
WO2015013205A1 (en) 2013-07-22 2015-01-29 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Medical devices for renal nerve ablation
US9872719B2 (en) 2013-07-24 2018-01-23 Covidien Lp Systems and methods for generating electrosurgical energy using a multistage power converter
US9636165B2 (en) 2013-07-29 2017-05-02 Covidien Lp Systems and methods for measuring tissue impedance through an electrosurgical cable
EP3708104A1 (en) 2013-08-09 2020-09-16 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Expandable catheter and related methods of manufacture and use
EP4049605A1 (en) 2013-08-22 2022-08-31 Boston Scientific Scimed Inc. Flexible circuit having improved adhesion to a renal nerve modulation balloon
CN105555218B (en) 2013-09-04 2019-01-15 波士顿科学国际有限公司 With radio frequency (RF) foley's tube rinsed with cooling capacity
CN105530885B (en) 2013-09-13 2020-09-22 波士顿科学国际有限公司 Ablation balloon with vapor deposited covering
US10631914B2 (en) 2013-09-30 2020-04-28 Covidien Lp Bipolar electrosurgical instrument with movable electrode and related systems and methods
US11246654B2 (en) 2013-10-14 2022-02-15 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Flexible renal nerve ablation devices and related methods of use and manufacture
US9687166B2 (en) 2013-10-14 2017-06-27 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. High resolution cardiac mapping electrode array catheter
US9770606B2 (en) 2013-10-15 2017-09-26 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Ultrasound ablation catheter with cooling infusion and centering basket
CN105636537B (en) 2013-10-15 2018-08-17 波士顿科学国际有限公司 Medical instrument sacculus
US9649125B2 (en) 2013-10-15 2017-05-16 Hermes Innovations Llc Laparoscopic device
EP3057521B1 (en) * 2013-10-18 2020-03-25 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Balloon catheters with flexible conducting wires
US10271898B2 (en) 2013-10-25 2019-04-30 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Embedded thermocouple in denervation flex circuit
US10314647B2 (en) 2013-12-23 2019-06-11 Medtronic Advanced Energy Llc Electrosurgical cutting instrument
CN105899157B (en) 2014-01-06 2019-08-09 波士顿科学国际有限公司 Tear-proof flexible circuit assembly
US11000679B2 (en) 2014-02-04 2021-05-11 Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. Balloon protection and rewrapping devices and related methods of use
CN106572881B (en) 2014-02-04 2019-07-26 波士顿科学国际有限公司 Substitution of the heat sensor on bipolar electrode is placed
US10813686B2 (en) 2014-02-26 2020-10-27 Medtronic Advanced Energy Llc Electrosurgical cutting instrument
JP2017512562A (en) 2014-03-15 2017-05-25 ロバート エフ. リウー, System and method for marginal tissue resection
US10709490B2 (en) 2014-05-07 2020-07-14 Medtronic Ardian Luxembourg S.A.R.L. Catheter assemblies comprising a direct heating element for renal neuromodulation and associated systems and methods
WO2015179666A1 (en) 2014-05-22 2015-11-26 Aegea Medical Inc. Systems and methods for performing endometrial ablation
US10179019B2 (en) 2014-05-22 2019-01-15 Aegea Medical Inc. Integrity testing method and apparatus for delivering vapor to the uterus
US20150366607A1 (en) * 2014-06-24 2015-12-24 Robin Bek Systems and methods for performing endometrial ablation
US9974599B2 (en) 2014-08-15 2018-05-22 Medtronic Ps Medical, Inc. Multipurpose electrosurgical device
US9956029B2 (en) 2014-10-31 2018-05-01 Medtronic Advanced Energy Llc Telescoping device with saline irrigation line
US10368936B2 (en) 2014-11-17 2019-08-06 Kardium Inc. Systems and methods for selecting, activating, or selecting and activating transducers
US10722184B2 (en) 2014-11-17 2020-07-28 Kardium Inc. Systems and methods for selecting, activating, or selecting and activating transducers
US10335189B2 (en) 2014-12-03 2019-07-02 PAVmed Inc. Systems and methods for percutaneous division of fibrous structures
US10492856B2 (en) 2015-01-26 2019-12-03 Hermes Innovations Llc Surgical fluid management system and method of use
US10376302B2 (en) 2015-02-18 2019-08-13 Medtronic Xomed, Inc. Rotating electrical connector for RF energy enabled tissue debridement device
WO2016134156A1 (en) 2015-02-18 2016-08-25 Medtronic Xomed, Inc. Rf energy enabled tissue debridement device
US10188456B2 (en) 2015-02-18 2019-01-29 Medtronic Xomed, Inc. Electrode assembly for RF energy enabled tissue debridement device
WO2016160694A1 (en) 2015-03-27 2016-10-06 Shifamed Holdings, Llc Steerable medical devices, systems, and methods of use
EP3285849A4 (en) 2015-04-24 2018-12-26 Shifamed Holdings, LLC Steerable medical devices, systems, and methods of use
CN107708591B (en) 2015-04-29 2020-09-29 席勒斯科技有限公司 Medical ablation device and method of use
EP3685782B1 (en) 2015-04-29 2021-11-03 Innoblative Designs, Inc. Cavitary tissue ablation
US11389227B2 (en) 2015-08-20 2022-07-19 Medtronic Advanced Energy Llc Electrosurgical device with multivariate control
US11051875B2 (en) 2015-08-24 2021-07-06 Medtronic Advanced Energy Llc Multipurpose electrosurgical device
EP3367945B1 (en) 2015-10-29 2020-02-26 Innoblative Designs, Inc. Screen sphere tissue ablation devices
WO2017083257A1 (en) 2015-11-09 2017-05-18 Shifamed Holdings, Llc Steering assemblies for medical devices, and methods of use
WO2017087549A1 (en) 2015-11-16 2017-05-26 Apama Medical, Inc. Energy delivery devices
US10716612B2 (en) 2015-12-18 2020-07-21 Medtronic Advanced Energy Llc Electrosurgical device with multiple monopolar electrode assembly
US10052149B2 (en) 2016-01-20 2018-08-21 RELIGN Corporation Arthroscopic devices and methods
JP6630836B2 (en) * 2016-02-02 2020-01-15 イノブレイティブ デザインズ, インコーポレイテッド Cavity tissue ablation system
CN114983553A (en) 2016-02-19 2022-09-02 埃杰亚医疗公司 Method and apparatus for determining the integrity of a body cavity
WO2017151431A1 (en) 2016-03-01 2017-09-08 Innoblative Designs, Inc. Resecting and coagulating tissue
EP3445258A4 (en) 2016-04-22 2019-12-04 Relign Corporation Arthroscopic devices and methods
US10507057B2 (en) 2016-05-02 2019-12-17 Affera, Inc. Catheter sensing and irrigating
US11331140B2 (en) 2016-05-19 2022-05-17 Aqua Heart, Inc. Heated vapor ablation systems and methods for treating cardiac conditions
US20180000534A1 (en) 2016-07-01 2018-01-04 RELIGN Corporation Arthroscopic devices and methods
JP2019536509A (en) 2016-10-17 2019-12-19 イノブレイティブ デザインズ, インコーポレイテッド Treatment device and method
WO2018144090A2 (en) 2016-11-08 2018-08-09 Innoblative Designs, Inc. Electrosurgical tissue and vessel sealing device
US10213151B2 (en) 2017-01-27 2019-02-26 Minerva Surgical, Inc. Systems and methods for evaluating the integrity of a uterine cavity
EP3573560A4 (en) 2017-01-27 2020-10-21 Minerva Surgical, Inc. Systems and methods for evaluating the integrity of a uterine cavity
US11020045B2 (en) 2017-03-17 2021-06-01 Minerva Surgical, Inc. Systems and methods for evaluating the integrity of a uterine cavity
US20180280080A1 (en) * 2017-03-31 2018-10-04 Biosense Webster (Israel) Ltd. Balloon catheter with large area electrodes
US11896823B2 (en) 2017-04-04 2024-02-13 Btl Healthcare Technologies A.S. Method and device for pelvic floor tissue treatment
US11109788B2 (en) 2017-07-17 2021-09-07 Biosense Webster (Israel) Ltd. Catheter with Fibonacci distributed electrodes
JP2020530785A (en) 2017-07-26 2020-10-29 イノブレイティブ デザインズ, インコーポレイテッド Minimally invasive joint motion assembly with ablation capability
US11103308B2 (en) 2017-12-11 2021-08-31 Covidien Lp Reusable transmission network for dividing energy and monitoring signals between surgical devices
CA3089137A1 (en) 2018-02-07 2019-08-15 Cynosure, Inc. Methods and apparatus for controlled rf treatments and rf generator system
US11246644B2 (en) 2018-04-05 2022-02-15 Covidien Lp Surface ablation using bipolar RF electrode
WO2019232432A1 (en) 2018-06-01 2019-12-05 Santa Anna Tech Llc Multi-stage vapor-based ablation treatment methods and vapor generation and delivery systems
AU2019204574A1 (en) 2018-06-27 2020-01-23 Viveve, Inc. Methods for treating urinary stress incontinence
CN109363764A (en) * 2018-09-25 2019-02-22 嘉兴市妇幼保健院 RF impedance prevents carcinoma of endometrium caused by Mammary cancer endocrinotherapy
US11554214B2 (en) 2019-06-26 2023-01-17 Meditrina, Inc. Fluid management system
USD1005484S1 (en) 2019-07-19 2023-11-21 Cynosure, Llc Handheld medical instrument and docking base
CN110890795B (en) * 2019-10-14 2021-08-27 宴晶科技(北京)有限公司 Tumor thermal ablation device based on non-contact power supply
USD1014762S1 (en) 2021-06-16 2024-02-13 Affera, Inc. Catheter tip with electrode panel(s)

Family Cites Families (101)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1827306A (en) * 1925-09-14 1931-10-13 Fischer & Co H G Electrode
US3324847A (en) * 1964-06-01 1967-06-13 Elias G Zoumboulis Radioactive catheter
US3369549A (en) * 1965-10-05 1968-02-20 Thomas A. Armao Capsule probe having thermoelectric heat exchange means therein
US3750653A (en) * 1970-09-08 1973-08-07 School Of Medicine University Irradiators for treating the body
US3789829A (en) * 1971-06-01 1974-02-05 H Hasson Vaginal radium applicator
US3840016A (en) * 1972-03-10 1974-10-08 H Lindemann Electrocoagulation-bougie for the intrauterine tube sterilization
US3924628A (en) * 1972-12-01 1975-12-09 William Droegemueller Cyrogenic bladder for necrosing tissue cells
US3901224A (en) * 1973-08-27 1975-08-26 Investors In Ventures Inc Thermal control of body functions
FR2250520B1 (en) * 1973-11-09 1977-04-15 Cournut Rene
US4016270A (en) * 1975-10-31 1977-04-05 Alza Corporation Method for treating dysmenorrhea with a uterine therapeutic system
US4014988A (en) * 1975-10-31 1977-03-29 Alza Corporation Method for treating hypermenorrhea with uterine therapeutic system
US4102342A (en) * 1975-12-29 1978-07-25 Taichiro Akiyama Valved device
US4051855A (en) * 1976-02-06 1977-10-04 Ipco Hospital Supply Corporation, Whaledent International Division Electrosurgical unit
US4072147A (en) * 1976-03-04 1978-02-07 American Cystoscope Makers Inc. Radiation endoscope
GB1582135A (en) * 1976-07-14 1980-12-31 Ferranti Ltd Heaters
DE2646229A1 (en) * 1976-10-13 1978-04-20 Erbe Elektromedizin HIGH FREQUENCY SURGICAL EQUIPMENT
US4198981A (en) * 1978-03-27 1980-04-22 Manfred Sinnreich Intrauterine surgical device
SE418364B (en) * 1978-11-27 1981-05-25 Crafon Medical Ab ELECTRICAL STIMULATION BODY
US4311154A (en) * 1979-03-23 1982-01-19 Rca Corporation Nonsymmetrical bulb applicator for hyperthermic treatment of the body
US4292960A (en) * 1979-04-30 1981-10-06 Rca Corporation Apparatus and method for application of radioactive and microwave energy to the body
US4375220A (en) * 1980-05-09 1983-03-01 Matvias Fredrick M Microwave applicator with cooling mechanism for intracavitary treatment of cancer
JPS5725863A (en) * 1980-07-23 1982-02-10 Olympus Optical Co Endoscope with microwave heater
US4349033A (en) * 1980-11-06 1982-09-14 Eden Robert D Intrauterine catheter
US4377168A (en) * 1981-02-27 1983-03-22 Wallach Surgical Instruments, Inc. Cryosurgical instrument
US4622972A (en) * 1981-10-05 1986-11-18 Varian Associates, Inc. Ultrasound hyperthermia applicator with variable coherence by multi-spiral focusing
US4469103A (en) * 1982-03-03 1984-09-04 Barrett Harold F Method of treating conditions such as tumors in living bodies
JPS58173541A (en) * 1982-04-03 1983-10-12 銭谷 利男 Operation by microwave
US4491131A (en) * 1982-04-23 1985-01-01 Xanar, Inc. Laser device for gynecology
JPS5957650A (en) * 1982-09-27 1984-04-03 呉羽化学工業株式会社 Probe for heating body cavity
US4773899A (en) * 1982-11-23 1988-09-27 The Beth Israel Hospital Association Method of treatment of artherosclerosis and balloon catheter the same
CA1244889A (en) * 1983-01-24 1988-11-15 Kureha Chemical Ind Co Ltd Device for hyperthermia
US4522127A (en) * 1983-03-07 1985-06-11 Southern Railway Company Railway tie plug driving apparatus
US4552127A (en) * 1983-04-01 1985-11-12 Peter Schiff Percutaneous intra-aortic balloon having an EKG electrode and a twisting stylet for coupling the EKG electrode to monitoring and/or pacing instrumentation external to the body
FR2546409B1 (en) * 1983-05-26 1988-05-13 Cgr Mev HYPERTHERMIA APPARATUS
US4674481A (en) * 1983-10-31 1987-06-23 Board Of Regents, The University Of Texas System RF electromagnetic field generation apparatus for regionally-focused hyperthermia
US4549533A (en) * 1984-01-30 1985-10-29 University Of Illinois Apparatus and method for generating and directing ultrasound
US4638436A (en) * 1984-09-24 1987-01-20 Labthermics Technologies, Inc. Temperature control and analysis system for hyperthermia treatment
FR2573301B3 (en) * 1984-11-16 1987-04-30 Lamidey Gilles SURGICAL PLIERS AND ITS CONTROL AND CONTROL APPARATUS
DE3516830A1 (en) * 1985-05-10 1986-11-13 Max Dr. 8520 Erlangen Hubmann CATHETER
EP0208417A3 (en) * 1985-06-12 1989-09-06 SPOFA Spojené Podniky Pro Zdravotnickou Vyrobu Use of 1-(8-alpha-ergolinyl)-3,3-diethyl urea derivatives in the treatment of endometritis
US4658836A (en) * 1985-06-28 1987-04-21 Bsd Medical Corporation Body passage insertable applicator apparatus for electromagnetic
US4655216A (en) * 1985-07-23 1987-04-07 Alfred Tischer Combination instrument for laparoscopical tube sterilization
US4750902A (en) * 1985-08-28 1988-06-14 Sonomed Technology, Inc. Endoscopic ultrasonic aspirators
DE8527331U1 (en) * 1985-09-25 1987-12-10 Celltek Gmbh & Co Kg, 3000 Hannover, De
GB8524276D0 (en) * 1985-10-02 1985-11-06 Efamol Ltd Pharmaceutical & dietary compositions
AT385894B (en) * 1985-10-04 1988-05-25 Basem Dr Nashef TUBULAR PROBE
US4700701A (en) * 1985-10-23 1987-10-20 Montaldi David H Sterilization method and apparatus
DE3544443C2 (en) * 1985-12-16 1994-02-17 Siemens Ag HF surgery device
DE3604823C2 (en) * 1986-02-15 1995-06-01 Lindenmeier Heinz High frequency generator with automatic power control for high frequency surgery
IL78755A0 (en) * 1986-05-12 1986-08-31 Biodan Medical Systems Ltd Applicator for insertion into a body opening for medical purposes
US4709698A (en) * 1986-05-14 1987-12-01 Thomas J. Fogarty Heatable dilation catheter
US4754752A (en) * 1986-07-28 1988-07-05 Robert Ginsburg Vascular catheter
DE3636489C1 (en) * 1986-10-27 1988-05-11 Josef Dr Reinhardt Oesophageal probe
US4771778A (en) * 1987-01-06 1988-09-20 Advanced Cardiovascular Systems, Inc. Steerable low profile balloon dilatation catheter
JPH0511882Y2 (en) * 1987-01-06 1993-03-25
SU1643007A1 (en) * 1987-01-08 1991-04-23 Научно-производственное объединение "Мединструмент" Aspirational gynecological tip
JPS63216579A (en) * 1987-03-05 1988-09-08 大工園 則雄 Laser beam irradiation apparatus for hyperthermia
US5003991A (en) * 1987-03-31 1991-04-02 Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. Hyperthermia apparatus
US4852579A (en) * 1987-04-20 1989-08-01 Karl Storz Endoscopy Gmbh And Company Photocharacterization and treatment of normal abnormal and ectopic endometrium
US4927413A (en) * 1987-08-24 1990-05-22 Progressive Angioplasty Systems, Inc. Catheter for balloon angioplasty
JPS6446056U (en) * 1987-09-17 1989-03-22
JPH0636834Y2 (en) * 1987-10-28 1994-09-28 オリンパス光学工業株式会社 High frequency dielectric heating electrode
US5041089A (en) * 1987-12-11 1991-08-20 Devices For Vascular Intervention, Inc. Vascular dilation catheter construction
US4860752A (en) * 1988-02-18 1989-08-29 Bsd Medical Corporation Invasive microwave array with destructive and coherent phase
JP2590358B2 (en) * 1988-03-01 1997-03-12 正雄 五十嵐 In utero or vaginal administration preparation for endometriosis treatment
EP0415997A4 (en) * 1988-05-18 1992-04-08 Kasevich Associates, Inc. Microwave balloon angioplasty
US4938217A (en) * 1988-06-21 1990-07-03 Massachusetts Institute Of Technology Electronically-controlled variable focus ultrasound hyperthermia system
US4960109A (en) * 1988-06-21 1990-10-02 Massachusetts Institute Of Technology Multi-purpose temperature sensing probe for hyperthermia therapy
US4865047A (en) * 1988-06-30 1989-09-12 City Of Hope Hyperthermia applicator
US4836189A (en) * 1988-07-27 1989-06-06 Welch Allyn, Inc. Video hysteroscope
US4967765A (en) * 1988-07-28 1990-11-06 Bsd Medical Corporation Urethral inserted applicator for prostate hyperthermia
US4998930A (en) * 1988-08-03 1991-03-12 Phototherapeutic Systems Intracavity laser phototherapy method
US4949718B1 (en) * 1988-09-09 1998-11-10 Gynelab Products Intrauterine cauterizing apparatus
DE3831967C1 (en) * 1988-09-21 1990-02-08 Michael Dr. 7400 Tuebingen De Menton
US4946440A (en) * 1988-10-05 1990-08-07 Hall John E Evertible membrane catheter and method of use
US4955377A (en) * 1988-10-28 1990-09-11 Lennox Charles D Device and method for heating tissue in a patient's body
US5026959A (en) * 1988-11-16 1991-06-25 Tokyo Keiki Co. Ltd. Microwave radiator for warming therapy
US4974587A (en) * 1988-12-22 1990-12-04 Bsd Medical Corporation Applicator array and positioning system for hyperthermia
AU4945490A (en) * 1989-01-06 1990-08-01 Angioplasty Systems Inc. Electrosurgical catheter for resolving atherosclerotic plaque
DE3909843A1 (en) * 1989-03-25 1990-09-27 Strahlen Umweltforsch Gmbh METHOD AND DEVICE FOR IRRADIATING CAVITIES
US4979948A (en) * 1989-04-13 1990-12-25 Purdue Research Foundation Method and apparatus for thermally destroying a layer of an organ
US5035694A (en) * 1989-05-15 1991-07-30 Advanced Cardiovascular Systems, Inc. Dilatation catheter assembly with heated balloon
US5006119A (en) * 1989-05-25 1991-04-09 Engineering & Research Associates, Inc. Hollow core coaxial catheter
EP0407057B1 (en) * 1989-06-20 1995-08-23 Rocket of London Limited Apparatus for applying electromagnetic energy to a portion of the body of a patient
US5084044A (en) * 1989-07-14 1992-01-28 Ciron Corporation Apparatus for endometrial ablation and method of using same
US5100388A (en) * 1989-09-15 1992-03-31 Interventional Thermodynamics, Inc. Method and device for thermal ablation of hollow body organs
US5045056A (en) * 1989-09-15 1991-09-03 Behl Robert S Method and device for thermal ablation of hollow body organs
US5117828A (en) * 1989-09-25 1992-06-02 Arzco Medical Electronics, Inc. Expandable esophageal catheter
US4985027A (en) * 1990-02-26 1991-01-15 Dressel Thomas D Soft tissue aspiration device and method
US5098429A (en) * 1990-04-17 1992-03-24 Mmtc, Inc. Angioplastic technique employing an inductively-heated ferrite material
US5122137A (en) * 1990-04-27 1992-06-16 Boston Scientific Corporation Temperature controlled rf coagulation
US5092841A (en) * 1990-05-17 1992-03-03 Wayne State University Method for treating an arterial wall injured during angioplasty
JPH04126163A (en) * 1990-06-13 1992-04-27 Omron Corp Thermotherapeutic device
US5190541A (en) * 1990-10-17 1993-03-02 Boston Scientific Corporation Surgical instrument and method
JPH06501410A (en) * 1990-11-05 1994-02-17 ビーエスディ・メディカル・コーポレイション Electromagnetic capacitive coupling applicator device for prostatic hyperplasia treatment
US5429582A (en) * 1991-06-14 1995-07-04 Williams; Jeffery A. Tumor treatment
FR2679456A1 (en) * 1991-07-26 1993-01-29 Technomed Int Sa Apparatus for in situ thermotherapy treatment of the mucous membrane of the uterine cavity
US5277201A (en) * 1992-05-01 1994-01-11 Vesta Medical, Inc. Endometrial ablation apparatus and method
US5248312A (en) * 1992-06-01 1993-09-28 Sensor Electronics, Inc. Liquid metal-filled balloon
US5313943A (en) * 1992-09-25 1994-05-24 Ep Technologies, Inc. Catheters and methods for performing cardiac diagnosis and treatment
US5693563A (en) * 1996-07-15 1997-12-02 Chartered Semiconductor Manufacturing Pte Ltd. Etch stop for copper damascene process

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US5713942A (en) 1998-02-03
WO1994023794A1 (en) 1994-10-27
US5443470A (en) 1995-08-22
AU6625594A (en) 1994-11-08
CA2159483A1 (en) 1994-10-27
JPH08508912A (en) 1996-09-24
TW295539B (en) 1997-01-11
ES2189801T3 (en) 2003-07-16
EP0693955B1 (en) 2003-01-02
DE69431950T2 (en) 2003-11-13
DE69431950D1 (en) 2003-02-06
IL109296A0 (en) 1994-07-31
US6041260A (en) 2000-03-21
EP0693955A1 (en) 1996-01-31
ATE230284T1 (en) 2003-01-15
EP0693955A4 (en) 1998-01-07
JP3566722B2 (en) 2004-09-15

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
CA2159483C (en) Method and apparatus for endometrial ablation
AU679271B2 (en) Bipolar/monopolar endometrial ablation device and method
EP0637943B1 (en) Endometrial ablation apparatus
US5569241A (en) Thin layer ablation apparatus
US8998901B2 (en) Endometrial ablation method
US6315776B1 (en) Thin layer ablation apparatus
US8343078B2 (en) Methods for evaluating the integrity of a uterine cavity
US20020068934A1 (en) Thin layer ablation apparatus
CN215349403U (en) Ablation device and radio frequency ablation equipment
TW320558B (en)
US20240016534A1 (en) Thermal heating element for use with endometrial ablation

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
EEER Examination request
MKLA Lapsed

Effective date: 20130411