Method of treating a hollow anatomical structure with a thermal catheter

Abstract

A working end of a catheter includes at least one therapeutic element, such as a resistive heating element, usable to deliver energy for ligating, or reducing the diameter of, a hollow anatomical structure. In certain examples, the catheter includes a lumen to accommodate a guide wire or to allow fluid delivery. In certain embodiments, a balloon is inflated to place resistive element(s) into apposition with a hollow anatomical structure and to occlude the structure. Indexing devices and methods are also disclosed for successively treating portions of the hollow anatomical structure. In certain examples, marks along the catheter shaft provide visual verification to the physician of the relative position of the therapeutic element of the catheter. Embodiments of indexing devices may include pairs of rings and / or hinged arms that move a catheter a desired indexed position between successive treatments.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of each of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 780,948, filed on Mar. 9, 2006, entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TREATING A HOLLOW ANATOMICAL STRUCTURE,” and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 701,303, filed on Jul. 21, 2005, entitled “RESISTIVE ELEMENT SYSTEM,” each of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and is to be considered a part of this specification.BACKGROUND [0002] 1. Field [0003] Certain disclosed embodiments relate to methods and apparatus for applying energy to constrict and / or shrink a hollow anatomical structure, such as a vein. [0004] 2. Description of the Related Art [0005] The human venous system of the lower extremities consists essentially of the superficial venous system and the deep venous system with perforating veins connecting the two systems. The superficial system includes the long or great saphenous vein and the small saphenous...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a system and method for treating hollow anatomical structures, such as veins, by using an energy application device to apply heat to the inner wall of the structure and reduce its diameter. The treatment involves using a catheter with an energy application device and a plurality of index markers to facilitate treatment of successive portions of the structure. The system and method can provide a minimally invasive and effective treatment for hollow anatomical structures.

Problems solved by technology

When an incompetent valve is in the flow path, the valve is unable to close because the cusps do not form a proper seal, and retrograde flow of the blood cannot be stopped.

When a venous valve fails, increased strain and pressure occur within the lower venous sections and overlying tissues, sometimes leading to additional, limb-distal valvular failure.

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