Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.

Scimed Life Systems, Inc.

Steven K Landreville

Robert J Garabedian

Amy C Kelly

Methods are provided for ablating tissue by implanting a plurality of electrode devices within the tissue to be treated and exposing the implanted electrode devices with RF energy conveyed from a separate electrode device. In this manner, a greater region of tissue is ablated than what would normally be ablated with the separate electrode device. In addition, the implanted electrode devices can create a roadmap that allows the progress of the treatment to be managed during follow-ups. The implanted electrode devices can be variously delivered to the tissue, for example, by detaching the electrode devices from one or more delivery devices. For example, a core wire with an electrolytically detachable junction can be used to separate the electrode device from the core wire. Pusher rods with mechanically detachable junctions are also contemplated.

Method for indirectly ablating tissue using implanted electrode devices

A surface electrode for ablating tissue is provided. The surface electrode comprises a base, a plurality of tissue penetrating needle electrodes extending from the surface of the base an adjustable distance, and an electrical interface coupled to the plurality of needle electrodes. The adjustability of the needle electrodes allows the depth that the needle electrodes penetrate through tissue to be adjusted.

Surface electrode multiple mode operation

Method for indirectly ablating tissue using implanted electrode device

A medical probe assembly and method are provided for ablating tissue. The probe assembly comprises an elongated shaft and an electrode array mechanically coupled to the distal end of the shaft. The electrode array is configured to assume an outwardly curved shape, when exposed to a first temperature, and assume a pointed tip when exposed to a second temperature less than the first temperature. The first temperature is preferably greater than body temperature, e.g., equal to the tissue ablation temperature, and the second temperature is preferably less than a tissue ablation temperature, e.g., body temperature. In this manner, the pointed tip assumed by the electrode array facilitates introduction of the probe assembly through the tissue prior to the ablation process, while the outwardly curved shape assumed by the electrode array facilitates deployment of the electrode array within the tissue during the ablation process. The exposed needle electrodes also facilitate the visualization of the probe assembly under fluoroscopy. The probe assembly comprises an optional deployment member, which is configured to linearly expand when exposed to a third temperature, thereby displacing the electrode array.

Ablation probe with temperature sensitive electrode array

Systems and methods are provided for ablating tissue by implanting a plurality of electrode devices within the tissue to be treated and exposing the implanted electrode devices with RF energy conveyed from a separate electrode device. In this manner, a greater region of tissue is ablated than what would normally be ablated with the separate electrode device. In addition, the implanted electrode devices can create a roadmap that allows the progress of the treatment to be managed during follow-ups. The implanted electrode devices can be variously delivered to the tissue, for example, by detaching the electrode devices from one or more delivery devices. For example, a core wire with an electrolytically detachable junction can be used to separate the electrode device from the core wire. Pusher rods with mechanically detachable junctions are also contemplated.

Growing community of inventors

Mountain View, CA, United States of America

Steven K Landreville