Devices and methods for ablation of tissue
AssigneeMayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
InventorsSamuel J. Asirvatham, David R. Holmes, JR.
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
This document provides devices and methods for the treatment of heart conditions, hypertension, and other medical disorders. For example, this document provides devices and methods for treating atrial fibrillation by performing thoracic vein ablation procedures, including pulmonary vein myocardium ablation. In some embodiments, the ablation is performed in coordination with the delivery a pharmacological agent that can abate the formation of tissue stenosis or neointimal hyperplasia caused by the ablation.
Claims8
A method for ablating a tissue of a patient, said method comprising:
- inserting a catheter-based medical device into said patient, said medical device comprising:
- an elongate catheter shaft including a liquid delivery lumen therethrough;
- a balloon device disposed at a distal end of said catheter shaft, said balloon device comprising an outer surface and an inner surface, said inner surface defining an interior space of said balloon device, said balloon device in fluid communication with said liquid delivery lumen, said balloon device comprising a porous or microporous material that is arranged to exude a liquid through said porous or microporous material;
- and
- one or more electrodes that are disposed on or within said balloon device and are arranged to deliver energy to said tissue;
- deploying said balloon device near said tissue;
- supplying a pharmacological agent through said liquid delivery lumen to said interior space thereby causing inflation of said balloon device and causing said pharmacological agent to exude from said interior space to said outer surface;
- and
- energizing at least a first one of said one or more electrodes, wherein said energizing provides an energy sufficient for ablation of at least a portion of said tissue.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.