US 2002/0058932 A1Published application

Modular biopsy and microwave ablation needle delivery apparatus adapted to in situ assembly and method of use

AssigneeVivant Medical, Inc.

InventorsJack W. Moorman, M. Elizabeth Bush

Life of this patent

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Abstract

A modular biopsy, ablation and track coagulation needle apparatus is disclosed that allows the biopsy needle to be inserted into the delivery needle and removed when not needed, and that allows an inner ablation needle to be introduced and coaxially engaged with the delivery needle to more effectively biopsy a tumor, ablate it and coagulate the track through ablation while reducing blood loss and track seeding. The ablation needle and biopsy needle are adapted to in situ assembly with the delivery needle. In a preferred embodiment, the ablation needle, when engaged with the delivery needle forms a coaxial connector adapted to electrically couple to an ablating source. Methods for biopsying and ablating tumors using the device and coagulating the track upon device removal are also provided.

Claims48

Dependent claims

A modular needle kit for biopsy and ablation through a puncture site, comprising:

an elongated delivery needle comprising a conducting material, said delivery needle having an open proximal end and an open distal end with a lumen extending therebetween, said delivery needle having a first connector, said delivery needle extending longitudinally from said first connector to said open distal end a first predetermined distance;
and
an ablation needle comprising a center conductor circumferentially surrounded by a dielectric material, said ablation needle further comprising a second connector, said ablation needle extending longitudinally a second predetermined distance from the second connector to a distal end wherein said second predetermined distance is greater than said first predetermined distance whereby said ablation needle forms a distal projection extending beyond the distal end of said delivery needle when said first and second connectors are connected, said distal projection forming a microwave antenna, and wherein the ablation needle and the delivery needle form a coaxial transmission line when the first and second connectors are connected wherein said coaxial transmission line electrically couples to said microwave antenna.

A method of ablating abnormalities in a tissue, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a system for ablation of tissue comprising:
an elongated delivery needle comprising a conducting material, said delivery needle having an open proximal end and an open distal end with a lumen extending therebetween, said delivery needle having a first connector, said delivery needle extending longitudinally from said first connector to said open distal end a first predetermined distance;
an ablation needle comprising a center conductor circumferentially surrounded by a dielectric material, said ablation needle further comprising a second connector, said ablation needle extending longitudinally a second predetermined distance from the second connector to a distal end wherein said second predetermined distance is greater than said first predetermined distance whereby said ablation needle forms a distal projection extending beyond the distal end of said delivery needle when the first and second connectors are connected, said distal projection forming a microwave antenna, and wherein the ablation needle and the delivery needle form a coaxial transmission line when the first and second connectors are connected wherein said coaxial transmission line electrically couples to said microwave antenna;
and
a microwave energy source, wherein said coaxial transmission line is adapted to electrically couple to said microwave energy source;
(b) introducing the distal end of the delivery needle into tissue in a predetermined area;
(c) inserting the distal end of the ablating needle into the lumen of the delivery needle through said open proximal end of said delivery needle;
(d) advancing the ablating needle until said first and second connectors are adjacent one another;
(e) connecting said first and second connectors whereby said coaxial transmission line is formed;
(f) coupling said microwave energy source to said coaxial transmission line;
and
(g) ablating the tissue in the predetermined site by delivering microwave energy to said microwave antenna through said coaxial transmission line.

9 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 10/035,793Filed 18 Oct 2001
Priority: 17 Jun 1999
Published: 16 May 2002
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification12 codes

A61B 10/0233
Instruments for taking cell samples or for biopsy: pointed or sharp biopsy instruments
A61B 10/0275
Means for severing sample: with sample notch, e.g. on the side of inner stylet
A61B 18/1477
Probes or electrodes therefor: needle-like probes
A61B 18/18
Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body: by applying electromagnetic…

Family

Application09/336,371Division · filed 17 Jun 1999
Application10/035,793Division · filed 18 Oct 2001
US 6,306,132 B1Related patent
US 6,652,520 B2Related patent
US 2002/0058932 A1This patent

From the US filing history. Foreign family members aren’t listed.