Method and apparatus for tissue ablation

Abstract

Ablation catheters and systems include multiple inline chambers for containing and heating an ablative agent. The heating chamber includes one or more channels to increase the contact surface area ofthe ablative agent with the walls of the heating chamber to provide more efficient heating. Induction heating is used to heat a chamber and vaporize a fluid within by wrapping a coil about a ferromagnetic chamber and providing an alternating current to the coil. A magnetic field is created in the area surrounding the chamber which induces electric current flow in the chamber, heating the chamber and vaporizing the fluid inside. Positioning elements help maintain the device in the proper position with respect to the target tissue and also prevent the passage of ablative agent to normal tissues.

Description

[0001] Cross References to Related Applications [0002] This application benefits from U.S. Patent Application 14 / 594,444, filed January 12, 2015, entitled "Method and Apparatus for Tissue Ablation," which was filed in 2014 Continuation-in-Part of U.S. Patent Application 14 / 158,687 of the same title filed on January 17, 2013 (“the '687 Application”), which enjoys the benefit of U.S. Patent Application 61 / 753,831 of the same title filed on January 17, 2013 priority. [0003] The '687 application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application 13 / 486,980, filed June 1, 2012, entitled "Method and Apparatus for Tissue Ablation" (the "'980 Application") , which is dependent on U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61 / 493,344 of the same title, filed June 3, 2011, for priority. [0004] The '980 application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application 12 / 573,939, filed October 6, 2009, entitled "Method and Apparatus for Tissue Ablation," which relies on the Pr...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

This ablation mechanism is operator dependent, cumbersome and time consuming

Second, the target tissue moves due to patient movement, respiratory motion, normal peristalsis, and vascular pulsation, resulting in inconsistent ablation depth of the target tissue and resulting in uneven ablation

However, tumor ingrowth continues to be a significant problem affecting stent lifetime

Covered stents offer a good solution for ingrowth, but tumor compression can lead to stent obstruction and dysfunction

Traditional coverings on stents, such as silicone, are poor thermal conductors and cannot allow successful heat therapy after the stent has been deployed

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