Method and apparatus for rf intraluminal reduction and occlusion

Abstract

The present invention provides an apparatus and method for performing rf intraluminal reduction and/or occlusion with a virtual electrode. An apparatus in accord with the present invention includes a catheter and a guide wire. The guide wire includes a conductive core having a proximal end electrically connected to a generator of rf current and an exposed distal end. An insulative material having disposed therein at least one microlumen for providing a conductive fluid to a target site within the lumen encases the guide wire. In a method in accord with the present invention, an rf conductive fluid is introduced at the target site in a body lumen. Radio frequency current is applied to the site by a conductive electrode through the conductive fluid, causing the connective tissues in the lumen walls to heat and contract. Application of the rf current is discontinued when the lumen wall has contracted or been reduced to the desired extent, which will often be complete occlusion.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.