| Patent application number | Description | Published |
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| 20080200911 | Electrical ablation apparatus, system, and method - A surgical instrument, such as an endoscopic or laparoscopic instrument, includes an ablation device. The ablation device includes an elongate relatively flexible member having a proximal end and a distal end. The flexible member includes a working channel. A first electrode extends from the working channel at the distal end of the flexible member and is adapted to be endoscopically located in a first position relative to a tissue treatment region. A second electrode is adapted to be percutaneously located in a second position of the tissue treatment region. The first and second electrodes are adapted to couple to an electrical waveform generator and to receive an electrical waveform sufficient to ablate tissue located between the first and second electrodes. | 08-21-2008 |
| 20080200912 | Electroporation ablation apparatus, system, and method - A surgical instrument, such as an endoscopic or laparoscopic instrument, includes an ablation device. The ablation device includes an elongate relatively flexible member having a proximal end and a distal end, the flexible member includes at least a first working channel. A first and second electrode extends from a working channel at the distal end of the flexible member. The first and second electrodes are adapted to be endoscopically located in a tissue treatment region. The first and second electrodes are adapted to couple to an electrical waveform generator to receive an irreversible electroporation electrical waveform sufficient to ablate tissue located between the first and second electrodes. | 08-21-2008 |
| 20080226029 | Medical device including scanned beam unit for imaging and therapy - A medical device includes a radiation source assembly having at least two radiation sources, where one or more of the radiation sources is adapted to generate an imaging beam for use in visualization of a scene and one or more of the radiation sources is adapted to generate a therapeutic beam for treatment of a medical condition. An optical fiber for directing radiation energy from the radiation source assembly toward a distal end of the medical device in the form of a beam. A reflector that receives the beam from the optical fiber, the reflector configured to direct the beam onto a field-of-view. A receiving system including a detector arranged and configured to receive radiation from the field-of-view to generate a viewable image. The imaging beam and the therapeutic beam are directed to follow a common path from the at least two radiation sources to the reflector. | 09-18-2008 |
| 20080234603 | ELECTRODE DOME AND METHOD OF USE - Methods and devices are provided for dissecting tissue. In one embodiment, an electro-surgical device is provided having a housing with a hollow interior adapted to receive tissue, such as an organ. The housing can be adapted to couple to a pressure source for suctioning tissue into the housing, and to an energy source for delivering energy to the tissue. The various elements of the device can be adapted such that the initially dispersed energy is passed through the tissue and is concentrated at a location, e.g., connective tissue, having a surface area that is less than a surface area of the electrode, thereby allowing the connective tissue to be dissected. Exemplary methods for dissecting tissue are also provided. | 09-25-2008 |
| 20080243106 | DETACHABLE END EFFECTORS - Methods and devices are provided for performing various procedures using interchangeable end effectors. In general, the methods and devices allow a surgeon to remotely and selectively attach various interchangeable surgical end effectors to a shaft located within a patient's body, thus allowing the surgeon to perform various procedures without the need to remove the shaft from the patient's body. In an exemplary embodiment, multiple end effectors can be introduced into a body cavity. The end effectors can be disassociated or separate from one another such that they float within the body cavity. A distal end of a shaft can be positioned within the body cavity and it can be used to selectively engage one of the end effectors. In particular, the device can be configured to allow each end effector to be remotely attached and detached from the distal end of the shaft. For example, a surgeon can actuate an actuation mechanism on the proximal end of the shaft to mate one of the end effectors to the distal end of the shaft without assistance from other tools and devices. After use of the end effector, the end effector can be released and another end effector can be remotely attached to the distal end of the shaft. | 10-02-2008 |
| 20080275297 | ENDOSCOPIC GUIDE DEVICE - Various exemplary methods and devices are provided for manipulating and/or anchoring devices and body parts during surgical procedures. In one embodiment, an anchor member is provided for anchoring a device or body part to tissue, such as an internal wall of a body cavity. The device can be, for example, an endoscopic device, an accessory channel coupled to an endoscopic device, or a support member adapted to support or manipulate an organ. The anchor member can include or form an opening through which the device can be inserted. The anchor member or device can thus be manipulated relative to the tissue to control movement of and/or provide support to the device, tools inserted through the device, and/or organs grasped by the device or tools. | 11-06-2008 |
| 20080294009 | MUCOSAL TISSUE ILLUMINATOR AND METHOD FOR USE - An illuminating system scatters light into the mucosal lining of the stomach adjacent to an ulcerated area, an area containing a lesion, or ather area of interest. A light detector positioned on the opposite side of the area of interest uses detected light patterns to identify the location of circulatory structures beneath the mucosal lining adjacent to the area of interest. | 11-27-2008 |
| 20080312490 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR REPAIRING DAMAGED OR DISEASED TISSUE USING A SCANNING BEAM ASSEMBLY - A method for repairing or modifying an area of a patient's anatomy that comprises directing at least a portion of a scanning beam assembly to an area of a patient's anatomy, applying a radiation-responsive agent to portion of the anatomy, and exposing the radiation-responsive agent to radiation directed onto the agent by the reflector to cause the agent to therapeutically interact with the site. The scanning beam assembly including a radiation source capable of emitting radiation, a reflector that receives the radiation from the radiation source to direct the radiation onto the anatomy, wherein the reflector oscillates in at least two directions to create a scan of the anatomy, a detector to detect radiation returned from the anatomy, and a controller to convert the detected radiation into a displayable anatomy image. | 12-18-2008 |
| 20090021818 | MEDICAL SCANNING ASSEMBLY WITH VARIABLE IMAGE CAPTURE AND DISPLAY - A scanned beam imaging system including a housing suitable for insertion into a body and a radiation source configured to direct a beam of radiation into or through the housing and onto an area within the body. The scanned beam imaging system further includes an adjustable element inside the housing and positioned to reflect the beam of radiation or to receive the beam of radiation therethrough, wherein the adjustable element is physically adjustable to vary a property of the beam of radiation that is reflected thereby or received therethrough. The scanned beam imaging system further includes a collector configured to receive radiation returned from the area within the body. | 01-22-2009 |
| 20090036734 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR INTRODUCING A SCANNING BEAM UNIT INTO THE ANATOMY - A module for attachment to a medical instrument to scan the anatomy with a beam of radiation. The module comprising a housing suitable for insertion in the anatomy that includes a window and a fastener to attach the housing to a medical instrument, an oscillating reflector within the housing that directs a beam of radiation onto the anatomy, and a collector to receive radiation returned from the anatomy. | 02-05-2009 |
| 20090062788 | Electrical ablation surgical instruments - A surgical instrument includes an ablation device. The ablation device includes an elongated flexible member having a proximal end and a distal end. The flexible member includes first and second lumens. A first needle electrode is configured to slideably move within the first lumen. A second needle electrode is located within the second lumen. The first and second needle electrodes are adapted to couple to an electrical waveform generator and to receive an electrical waveform sufficient to electrically ablate tissue located between the first and second needle electrodes. | 03-05-2009 |
| 20090062792 | ELECTRICAL ABLATION SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS - An electrical ablation device includes an elongated flexible member having a proximal end and a distal end. A clamp jaw portion is located at the distal end of the elongated flexible member. The clamp jaw portion is operatively movable from an open position to a closed position. A cutting blade is located in the clamp jaw portion. The clamp jaw portion is adapted to couple to an electrical waveform generator and to receive an electrical waveform. | 03-05-2009 |
| 20090062795 | ELECTRICAL ABLATION SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS - An electrical ablation device includes an elongated flexible member having a proximal end and a distal end. A clamp jaw portion is located at the distal end of the elongated flexible member. The clamp jaw portion is operatively movable from an open position to a closed position. A blunt dissection portion is formed on the clamp jaw portion. The clamp jaw portion is adapted to couple to an electrical waveform generator and to receive an electrical waveform. | 03-05-2009 |
| 20090131932 | Bipolar forceps having a cutting element - In various surgical techniques, a bipolar forceps can be used to seal a vessel in two locations such that the vessel can be incised at a location positioned intermediate the two seal locations. The bipolar forceps can include a cutting element which can be configured to incise the vessel. In various embodiments, the cutting element can include a sharp edge which can be moved relative to the vessel. In at least one embodiment, the cutting element can be electrically connected to a source of energy. The bipolar forceps can include first and second electrodes positioned within first and second jaw members, respectively, wherein at least one of the jaw members can include a substantially tapered profile and can be configured to pull the vessel away from the surrounding soft tissue. Such jaw members can include ridges, teeth, and/or a textured outer surface configured to grip the soft tissue and/or vessel. | 05-21-2009 |
| 20090192344 | SURGICAL DEVICES FOR MANIPULATING TISSUE - A surgical kit can be used to manipulate tissue within the body of a patient to create a working space within the body to allow a surgeon to easily access and work within the body using various surgical instruments. A surgical kit can include an implant comprised of a magnetic material which can be engaged with tissue within the body. The kit can further include a surgical instrument having a magnet which can be used to manipulate the implant and tissue engaged therewith. A surgical kit can include an anchor and a hanger configured to engage tissue at different locations within the body and a connection member engaged with the anchor and the hanger such that the connection member can be pulled to move the anchor toward the hanger. A surgical instrument which utilizes a vacuum provided to one or more movable members can also be used to manipulate tissue. | 07-30-2009 |
| 20090299362 | ELECTRICAL ABLATION DEVICE - An electrical ablation apparatus includes a housing extending along a longitudinal axis. A first electrode and a second electrode are disposed within the housing. The electrodes are configured to connect to electrically conductive wires. The first and second electrodes are separated by a gap. The second electrode includes first and second prongs defining an opening suitable to receive tissue to be ablated therebetween. When the first and second electrodes are energized at a predetermined energy level, an electric current suitable to ablate the tissue flows across the gap and forms an electric arc between the distal end of the first electrode and the tissue. A system includes an energy source to drive the electrical ablation apparatus. A method includes introducing the electrical ablation apparatus into a patient and ablating tissue with the electric arc. | 12-03-2009 |
| 20100049190 | ELECTRICAL ABLATION DEVICES - A connector configured to receive electrical energy from an energy source. A fastener is coupled to the connector. The fastener is configured for attachment through a tissue wall. A first electrode includes at least one electrically conductive portion and is coupled to the connector by a first electrically conductive wire. | 02-25-2010 |
| 20100087813 | ELECTROPORATION ABLATION APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD - A surgical instrument, such as an endoscopic or laparoscopic instrument, includes an ablation device. The ablation device includes an elongate member comprising first and second channels. First and second probes are disposed within the respective first and second channels, where the first and second probes each define a central axis. First and second electrodes are coupled to distal ends of the respective first and second probes. A distance between the first and second electrodes is adjustable by rotating at least one of the first and second probes about the central axis of the at least one of the first and second probes. | 04-08-2010 |
| 20100130975 | ELECTROPORATION ABLATION APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD - A surgical instrument, such as an endoscopic or laparoscopic instrument, includes an ablation device. The ablation device includes an elongate relatively flexible member having a proximal end and a distal end, the flexible member includes at least a first working channel. A first and second electrode extends from a working channel at the distal end of the flexible member. The first and second electrodes are adapted to be endoscopically located in a tissue treatment region. The first and second electrodes are adapted to couple to an electrical waveform generator to receive an irreversible electroporation electrical waveform sufficient to ablate tissue located between the first and second electrodes. The waveform parameters of the irreversible electroporation electrical waveform are determined based on image information received from the tissue treatment region. | 05-27-2010 |
| 20100179530 | ELECTRICAL ABLATION DEVICES - An electrical ablation apparatus comprises first and second electrodes. Each electrode comprises a first end configured to couple an energy source and a second end configured to couple to a tissue treatment region. An energy source is coupled to the first and second electrodes. The energy source is configured to deliver a first series of electrical pulses sufficient to induce cell necrosis by irreversible electroporation and a second series of electrical pulses sufficient to induce cell necrosis by thermal heating, through at least one of the first and second electrodes. The first series of electrical pulses is characterized by a first amplitude, a first pulse length, and a first frequency. The second series of electrical pulses is characterized by a second amplitude, a second pulse length, and a second frequency. | 07-15-2010 |
| 20110098694 | METHODS AND INSTRUMENTS FOR TREATING CARDIAC TISSUE THROUGH A NATURAL ORIFICE - Ablation probes for ablating cardiac tissue through a patient's natural orifice and methods for ablating cardiac tissue through a patient's natural orifice. In some embodiments, an ablation probe, which may include electrodes, a radio frequency probe or a cryoprobe, is inserted through an incision made through the patient's esophagus. A balloon catheter may be inserted through the incision after it has been made to expand the area between the heart and the esophagus. The ablation probe is then brought into contact with the cardiac tissue and activated to irreversibly damage the tissue. The ablation probes may employ vacuum to retain the tissue in contact with the probe during ablation. | 04-28-2011 |
| 20110098704 | ELECTRICAL ABLATION DEVICES - An electrical ablation apparatus comprises first and second electrodes. Each electrode comprises a first end configured to couple an energy source and a second end configured to couple to a tissue treatment region. An energy source is coupled to the first and second electrodes. At least one electrode is movable between a first position and a second position. A first necrotic zone having a first shape is created when the electrodes are energized in the first position and a second necrotic zone having a second shape is created when the electrodes are energized in the second position. At least one electrode may be pre-formed with a radius. | 04-28-2011 |
| 20110152858 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ELECTRODE - A surgical instrument can comprise two positive electrodes positioned along a first line, and two negative electrodes positioned along a second line, wherein the first line can be perpendicular to the second line. The positive electrodes can be positioned further away from a central axis than the negative electrodes in order to expand the voltage field created by the electrodes. In various embodiments, a surgical instrument can comprise a first array of electrodes positioned along a first line and a second array of electrodes positioned along a second line. In at least one embodiment, the first array of electrodes can comprise both positive and negative electrodes, and, in addition, the second array of electrodes can comprise both positive and negative electrodes. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110152859 | SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ELECTRODE - A surgical instrument can comprise a first electrode, a second electrode, and a retractable sheath. At least one of the electrodes can comprise an insulative jacket extending along the length thereof which can comprise a tissue stop for limiting the progression of the electrode into tissue. In various embodiments, a surgical instrument can comprise a first electrode, a second electrode, and a displaceable arc guard positioned between the electrodes. In certain embodiments, a surgical instrument can comprise an electrode including a flexible mesh configured to conform to the tissue against which it is positioned. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110160514 | ELECTRICAL ABLATION DEVICES - A variety of electrical ablation apparatuses and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, an ablation apparatus includes an injector catheter electrode having a proximal end configured to couple to an energy source and a fluid source. A distal end of the injector catheter defines an injection needle and defines an electrically conductive hollow channel for communicating a fluid from the fluid source to a treatment site. A balloon electrode is in fluid communication with a balloon catheter. The balloon catheter has a proximal end configured to couple to the energy source and the fluid source and a distal end configured to inflate the balloon electrode. | 06-30-2011 |
