The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Oct. 08, 1996
Filed:
Oct. 06, 1994
Roger A Stern, Cupertino, CA (US);
Vincent N Sullivan, San Jose, CA (US);
Roxanne L Richman, Santa Cruz, CA (US);
Loren L Roy, Northridge, CA (US);
Robert L Marion, San Jose, CA (US);
Thomas D Striegler, San Jose, CA (US);
Vesta Medical, Inc., Palo Alto, US;
Abstract
An endometrial ablation device and a method of manufacturing and using the device. An RF current is passed through an endometrium to heat it. An electroconductive expandable member such as a balloon is used as the medium for passing the current and causing the heating of the endometrium. The power delivered from a power source to the balloon is selectively provided to a plurality of electrode area segments on the balloon with each of the segments have a thermistor associated with it whereby temperature is monitored and controlled by a feedback arrangement from the thermistors. The selective application of power is provided on the basis of a switching arrangement which provides either monopolar or bipolar energy to the electrodes. The method of manufacturing the ablation device includes using commercially available stretchable sheet material or providing a mandrel or support base and coating the mandrel or base with an uncured emulsion. The emulsion is then cured to form a bladder-like coating. The coating is thereafter removed from the mandrel or base to form a bladder. Electrons and temperature sensors are formed on or secured to the bladder during or after the curing process and a fluid delivery tube is secured to the bladder for inflating the bladder.