Medtronic, Inc.

Medilase, Inc.

Richard H Comben

Michael F Hoey

Peter M J Mulier

David E Francischelli

Rahul Mehra

Scott Eric Jahns

Paul V Trescony

Jon M Ocel

Robert M Pearson

Kenneth B Stokes

Leonid Shturman

Thomas E Cross, Jr

Byron L Gilman

Dennis D Elsberry

David J Stanton

Richard L Doty

Barry J Grant

Michael D Serfling

A surgical apparatus for delivering a conductive fluid to a target site for subsequent formation of a virtual electrode to ablate bodily tissue at the target site by applying a current to the delivered conductive fluid. The surgical apparatus includes an elongated device forming a helical needle. The helical needle is configured to engage bodily tissue and is hollow for delivering conductive fluid from a fluid source. Finally, the helical needle terminates in a needle tip. In one preferred embodiment, an electrode is associated with the helical needle for applying a current to conductive fluid delivered from the helical needle. During use, following delivery of conductive fluid, the electrode applies a current to the delivered conductive fluid for creating a virtual electrode. The virtual electrode ablates bodily tissue contacted by the conductive fluid.

Helical coil apparatus for ablation of tissue

A device for ablating tissue is provided. The device comprises a conductive element with a channel for irrigating fluid formed therein, which is in contact with a non-conductive microporous interface. All or a portion of the interface may be removable. When the interface is removed, a portion of the conductive element is exposed for use in ablating tissue. Methods of using the device and of removing the interface are also provided.

Method and apparatus for tissue ablation

Helical needle apparatus for creating a virtual electrode used for the ablation of tissue

Variable length electrodes for delivery of irrigated ablation

A method and apparatus for creating a virtual electrode to ablate bodily tissue. The surgical apparatus includes an inner tube and an outer tube. The inner tube defines a proximal portion and a distal portion. The distal portion forms an orifice for distributing a conductive solution from the inner tube and further forms an electrode. The outer tube coaxially receives the inner tube such that the outer tube is slidable relative to the inner tube. With this configuration, the outer tube selectively blocks flow of conductive solution from the orifice. During use, conductive solution distributed from the orifice is subjected to a current from the electrode, thereby creating a virtual electrode.

Method and apparatus for creating a virtual electrode used for the ablation of tissue

A pressure control valve, fabricated using micromachining techniques, comprises, in one embodiment a substrate having a central orifice therein and having a sealed chamber formed therein, one wall of which being defined by a flexible membrane. An inlet control element is supported by the membrane such that it is disposed over the central orifice, such that normally a gap is defined between the inlet control element and the central orifice and hence the valve is open. When the pressure differential, between external pressure and pressure in the chamber, exceeds a predetermined threshold, the membrane deforms, drawing the inlet control element toward the substrate such that the inlet control element seats over the central orifice, closing the valve. In another embodiment a flexible membrane cooperates with a valve substrate to form a closed chamber, and a valve lid, coupled to the membrane, extends over one or more holes in the substrate, forming a gap between the valve lid and the substrate. When a predetermined level of pressure is applied to the valve lid, the gap closes, preventing fluid from flowing through the hole(s). Valves in accordance with the present invention may be micromachined from such materials as glass or metal, and may be incorporated in-line in the filling conduit for the reservoir of an implantable drug delivery system.

In-line pressure check valve for drug-delivery systems

A lead connection suitable for use in connecting a flexible coiled lead to an implantable device. The implantable device is provided with a threaded projection having an outer diameter sized with respect to the inner diameter of the lead's conductor coil to provide a secure interconnection therewith when attached thereto. The threaded projection is disposed on top and around a feedthrough pin projecting out of the implanted device's hermetic canister. The threaded projection is screwed into the conductor coil establishing sound electrical contact between the projection and the conductor. A strain relief collar surrounds the post and lead, and a twist-and-pull type connecting ring surrounds the base of the strain relief collar. The connecting post is prevented from being unscrewed from the conductor coil, since an unscrewing motion tends to tighten the conductor coil around the threaded post. Since no connecting structure is required at the connecting end of the lead, the lead can be cut to any appropriate length at the time of implant, thereby eliminating problems with excess implanted lead. If disconnection is required, the lead may be simply cut off just beyond the threaded connecting post, or the post may be unscrewed by applying inward radial or circumferential pressure on the conductor coils. In an alternative embodiment, the threaded projection is replaced with a tapered triangular post with either smooth or toothed edges, which is inserted into the coiled conductor lead.

Tool-less threaded connector assembly

A connector for establishing an external connection with multiple-conductor implantable leads. The connector body is generally cylindrical in shape and includes a unique twist lock design. The cylindrical connector body has two sections which rotate axially with respect to one another, from an `open` position to a `closed` position. Each of the sections has a longitudinal slot therein extending along its surface parallel to the cylindrical axis of the connector. In the `open` position, the slots in the respective sections are in alignment, forming a single longitudinal opening. The opening is keyed to accept an elongated end piece from a lead stylet, the end piece being attached to the end of the implantable electrode. The end piece supports the end of the lead such that the multiple, spaced apart electrical contacts disposed on the lead are exposed on at least one side. The cylindrical body has similarly spaced apart contacts disposed therein, such that when the stylet end piece is placed into the longitudinal opening in the connector, the contacts on the supported lead are brought into contact with the corresponding contacts disposed within the connector body. The end piece is secured inside the connector body by twisting the sections of the connector body into their `closed` position, so that the respective sets of spaced apart contacts are held in firm contact with each other. As the sections of the cylindrical connector body are twisted into the `closed` position, a downward pressure is exerted mechanically on the end piece to ensure good electrical contact.

Screening cable connector for interface to implanted lead

A control handle for use in rotating a catheter and for rotating a working means at the end of the catheter.

Control handle

A connector assembly for a body implantable medical system which interconnects a medical agent providing subsystem with a medical agent delivering subsystem. The connector assembly establishes an interconnected contact force between the medical agent providing and delivering subassemblies that is operator independent. In a preferred embodiment, the connector assembly is formed as an over-center toggle carried by the delivering subassembly. The toggle may be formed of first and second legs, the first leg being a beam spring pivotally secured adjacent one end of the second leg. The other end of the beam spring may be anchored to the medical providing subassembly while that subassembly and the second leg other end are provided with cooperating arcuate bearing surfaces. Relative motion of the bearing surfaces, as by a force applied to the second leg, will cause the toggle to approach and pass through an over-center position to provide a secure mechanical connection between the medical agent providing subsystem and a delivery subsystem which carries the connector assembly.

Growing community of inventors

Saint Paul, MN, United States of America

Richard H Comben