Apparatuses and methods for interstitial tissue removal
AssigneeNovacept
InventorsCsaba Truckai, Russel M. Sampson, Paul K. Hsei
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Apparatuses and methods for removing solid tissue from beneath a tissue surface are described. The methods rely on positioning an energy conductive element at a target site beneath the tissue surface and energizing the element so that it can vaporize tissue. The element is then moved in a pattern which provides the desired tissue removal geometry, such as spherical, ovoid, or cylindrical. Usually, the shaft is moved, typically rotated or reciprocated, and the energy conductive element is moved relative to the shaft, typically by pivoting a rigid element or bowing a flexible element.
Claims26
A method for removing a volume of solid tissue beneath a tissue surface, said method comprising:
- positioning an energy conductive clement at a target site in the solid tissue beneath the tissue surface;
- energizing the energy conductive element;
- and
- moving the energized element through successive adjacent tissue layers, wherein the element is energized with sufficient energy to vaporize tissue in said successive layers to produce a desired continuous removal volume.
A method for removing a volume of solid tissue beneath a tissue surface, said method comprising:
- providing an instrument having a shaft and a repositionable energy conductive element;
- advancing the element through the tissue surface to a target site in the solid tissue, wherein the clement is in a low profile configuration and a proximal end of the shaft remains outside the solid tissue;
- moving the shaft relative to the tissue surface;
- repositioning the element relative to the shaft;
- and
- energizing the element;
- wherein the combined movement of the shaft and repositioning of the element cause the element to pass through successive tissue adjacent layers and wherein the element is energized with sufficient energy to vaporize tissue in said successive layers to produce a desired continuous removal volume.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.