Tissue Modification Devices and Methods of Using The Same

Abstract

Tissue modification devices are provided. Aspects of the devices include an elongated member having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the elongated member is dimensioned to pass through a minimally invasive body opening and includes a distal end integrated visualization sensor and tissue modifier. In some instances, the devices further include an integrated articulation mechanism that imparts steerability to at least one of the visualization sensor, the tissue modifier and the distal end of the elongated member. Also provided are methods of modifying internal target tissue of a subject using the tissue modification devices.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §119 (e), this application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61 / 082,774 filed Jul. 22, 2008 and to U.S. application Ser. No. 12 / 422,176 filed on Apr. 10, 2009; the disclosures of which priority applications are herein incorporated by reference.INTRODUCTION[0002]Traditional surgical procedures, both therapeutic and diagnostic, for pathologies located within the body can cause significant trauma to the intervening tissues. These procedures often require a long incision, extensive muscle stripping, prolonged retraction of tissues, denervation and devascularization of tissue. These procedures can require operating room time of several hours and several weeks of post-operative recovery time due to the destruction of tissue during the surgical procedure. In some cases, these invasive procedures lead to permanent scarring and pain that can be more severe than the pain leading to the surgical interventi...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Traditional surgical procedures, both therapeutic and diagnostic, for pathologies located within the body can cause significant trauma to the intervening tissues.

These procedures often require a long incision, extensive muscle stripping, prolonged retraction of tissues, denervation and devascularization of tissue.

These procedures can require operating room time of several hours and several weeks of post-operative recovery time due to the destruction of tissue during the surgical procedure.

In some cases, these invasive procedures lead to permanent scarring and pain that can be more severe than the pain leading to the surgical intervention.

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