Methods and apparatus for treatment of pulmonary conditions
AssigneeMedtronic, Inc.
InventorsAdel M. Medhkour, Michael F. Hoey, Peter M. J. Mulier
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Abstract
Apparatuses and methods are disclosed for introducing a conductive fluid and delivering an electrical current to the fluid at a target site in a body lumen. The electrical current is delivered to the site by a conductive electrode through the conductive fluid, causing the tissues in the lumen walls, or peripheral to the lumen walls, to heat and contract. Application of the current can be discontinued when the lumen wall has contracted or been reduced to the desired extent, which will often be complete occlusion. Alternatively, the current can be applied until tissues peripheral to the lumen are effected.
Claims22
A method for treating a pulmonary condition comprising:
- delivering a conductive fluid to a lumen of a pulmonary airway;
- applying electrical energy to the conductive fluid for an effective period of time to treat the pulmonary condition.
A method for treating a pulmonary condition, the method comprising the steps of:
- passing an electrosurgical device into a pulmonary airway supplying a portion of a lung;
- collapsing the portion of lung supplied by the airway;
- delivering a conductive fluid to the pulmonary airway;
- energizing the electrosurgical device to deliver electrical energy to the conductive fluid to treat the pulmonary condition.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.