Mederi Therapeutics, Inc.

Curon Medical, Inc.

Respiratory Diagnostic, Inc.

Patrick Rimroth

Scott H West

John W Gaiser

Robin B Bek

David S Utley

Larry C Heaton, Ii

John H Ford

Improved devices, systems and methods for treating a tissue region provide straightforward, yet reliable ways for installing diverse functional components within the confined space of a catheter-based instrument.

Devices, systems and methods for treating tissue regions of the body

A family of barrel structures is provided in a kit. Each barrel structure is differently sized and configured for advancement into anal canals of different anatomic morphologies. Instructions are provided for using the barrel structures to treat an individual. The instructions instruct assessing an anatomic morphology of an anal canal of an individual to be treated and selecting one of the barrel structures based upon the assessed anatomic morphology. Each barrel structure carries an electrode sized and configured to be coupled to a source of tissue ablation energy to be applied through the electrode to form a lesion. Each barrel structure includes a transparent side wall visualized by a direct line of sight from an end portion of the first barrel structure. The instructions instruct inserting the selected barrel structure into the anal canal and visualizing by the direct line of sight through the transparent side wall of the selected barrel structure the dentate line and the targeted tissue region. The instructions instruct, while visualizing, aligning the electrode in a desired location in the targeted tissue region above the dentate line, advancing the electrode to penetrate tissue at or near a sphincter, and applying energy through the electrode to create a lesion in the sphincter.

Systems and methods for treating dysfunctions in the intestines and rectum that adapt to the anatomic form and structure of different individuals

Systems and methods deploy an electrode from a catheter assembly. The systems and methods provide a catheter handle having a trigger lever adapted to carry an actuator rod. The actuator rod is adapted to cause movement of the electrode between a retracted position and an extended position. A pinion is carried by the trigger lever for engagement with a rack carried by the actuator rod. Compression of the trigger lever moves the rack along the actuator rod between a first position corresponding to the electrodes being in the retracted position and a second position corresponding to either the primed electrode firing position or the electrodes being in an extended position.

Applicator system for deploying electrodes

Systems and methods deploy a therapeutic or diagnostic element into contact with a body tissue region. The systems and methods can sense position of the therapeutic or diagnostic element relative to a targeted tissue region without direct or indirect visualization, by sensing fluid pressure in a fluid path having an outlet located at or near the therapeutic or diagnostic element. The systems and methods can also inflate the therapeutic or diagnostic element during use, while taking steps to avoid over-inflation and/or while dynamically monitoring the pressure conditions within the expanded element.

Systems and methods for treating tissue regions of the body

An assembly for treating tissue in the anal canal uses a barrel structure having a dimension that can be selectively altered to be conducive for insertion into an anal canal according to an anatomic condition assessed within the anal canal. An electrode is carried by the barrel structure that can be coupled to a source of tissue ablation energy, which, when applied through the electrode, forms a lesion.

Growing community of inventors

San Jose, CA, United States of America

Patrick Rimroth