Advanced Cardiovascular Systems, Inc.

Rita Medical Systems, Inc.

Jessica Liang

Daniel J Balbierz

Rommel Lumauig

Kee S Lee

Chicheng Wang

Steve A Daniel

Dorrie M Happ

Rob Pearson

Martha Getaneh

Renee E Garcia

A tissue-ablation method and apparatus are disclosed. The apparatus includes a plurality of RF ablation electrodes, and a plurality of sensor elements, each movable from retracted to deployed positions in a tissue to be ablated. A control device in the apparatus is operatively connected to the electrodes for supplying an RF power to the electrodes, to produce tissue ablation that advances from individual-electrode ablation regions to fill a combined-electrode ablation volume. The control device is operatively connected to the sensor elements for determining the extent of ablation in the regions of the sensor elements. The supply of RF power to the electrodes can thus be regulated to control the level and extent of tissue ablation throughout the combined-electrode volume. The electrodes are preferably hollow-needle electrodes through which liquid can be infused into the tissue, also under the control of the control unit, to modulate and optimize tissue ablation.

Tissue ablation apparatus and method

The invention is generally directed to an intraluminal catheter system with an improved transition between a proximal shaft portion and a more flexible distal shaft portion. The improvement provides enhanced flexibility and kink-resistance, thus, facilitating advancement through tortuous anatomy. The present catheters may be used for either or both angioplasty and stent deployment.

Catheter with improved transition

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Redwood City, CA, United States of America

Jessica Liang