Vnus Medical Technologies, Inc.

Tyco Healthcare Group LP

Sherwood Services Ag

Covidien Ag

James Gilbert Chandler

Arthur W Zikorus

Robert A Weiss

Mitchel P Goldman

Christopher Scott Jones

Brian Eugene Farley

Randel Alven Frazier

Ralph G DePalma

An electrode catheter is introduced into a vein or other hollow anatomical structure, and is positioned at a treatment site within the structure. The end of the catheter is positioned near a junction formed in the structure. This junction can be the sapheno-femoral junction. The position of the catheter near the junction is determined based on a signal from a device associated with the catheter within the structure. A fiber optic filament which emits light is used with the catheter or a guide wire over which the catheter is advanced. The light is visible externally from the patient. The light dims and may no longer externally visible at the sapheno-femoral junction where the catheter moves past the deep fascia and toward the deep venous system. The position of the catheter can be determined based on this external observation. The position of the catheter can also be determined based on measured parameters such as temperature or flow rate within the structure, and the measured changes in one or more of these parameters as the catheter nears the junction. The hollow anatomical structure can be compressed for this procedure. The position of the catheter can also be determined mechanically by including a hook-shaped tip on the catheter or guide wire which would physically engage the junction.

Method and apparatus for positioning a catheter relative to an anatomical junction

An electrode catheter is introduced into a hollow anatomical structure, such as a vein, and is positioned at a treatment site within the structure. Tumescent fluid is injected into the tissue surrounding the treatment site to produce tumescence of the surrounding tissue which then compresses the vein. The solution may include an anesthetic, and may further include a vasoconstrictive drug that shrinks blood vessels. The tumescent swelling in the surrounding tissue causes the hollow anatomical structure to become compressed, thereby exsanguinating the treatment site. Energy is applied by an electrode catheter in apposition with the vein wall to create a heating effect. The heating effect causes the hollow anatomical structure to become molded and durably assume the compressed dimensions caused by the tumescent technique. The electrode catheter can be moved within the structure so as to apply energy to a large section of the hollow anatomic structure. In a further aspect, the location of the electrodes is determined by impedance monitoring. Also, temperature sensors at the treatment site are averaged to determine the site temperature.

Method and apparatus for applying energy to biological tissue including the use of tumescent tissue compression

Apparatus for applying energy to biological tissue including the use of tumescent tissue compression

A bipolar instrument for use by a surgeon to seal tissue with bipolar electrosurgery. The bipolar instrument is a modified hemostat including two elongate members. Each elongate member has a proximal end to be held by a surgeon and a distal end. The elongate members substantially defining a plane and are electrically conductive for transmitting high frequency electrosurgery. A pivot transverse to the plane connects the two elongate members for scissors-like motion between the distal ends. A first tissue contacting pole integral with one elongate member and positioned at its distal end is electrically conductive for transmitting high frequency electrosurgery. Latching elements extend from each elongate member for cooperative interengagement with opposed ramps and abutting stops for sliding conjugation to hold the first and second tissue contacting poles with a predetermined force. An insulated over shoe for placement on the other elongate member at its distal end attaches with a slip fit to prevent longitudinal or transverse movement. That distal end has a reduced cross section for receiving the insulated over shoe in an opening extending thereinto in tunnel fashion. The insulating over shoe has clips for engagement with and about the other elongate member. A second tissue contacting pole affixed to the insulated over shoe and disposed in mirror relationship to the first tissue contacting pole. Two electrical terminals located proximal relative to the pivot to receive bipolar electrosurgery from a source. A first conductor between one terminal and the first tissue contacting pole and a second conductor between the other terminal and the second tissue contacting pole pass bipolar electrosurgery. A switch interrupts continuity in the second conductor for controlled electrosurgery. The switch is atop the pivot in position for surgeon control. A method of assembling the bipolar instrument has the steps of slipping the insulated over shoe onto the other elongate member at its distal end, and attaching the insulated over shoe to the elongate member to prevent longitudinal or transverse movement between the insulated over shoe, the elongate member and the other elongate member.

Biopolar instrument for vessel sealing

Method for applying energy to biological tissue including the use of tumescent tissue compression

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Boulder, CO, United States of America

James Gilbert Chandler