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:
Apr. 11, 2000
Filed:
May. 22, 1998
Philip E Eggers, Dublin, OH (US);
Hira V Thapliyal, Los Altos, CA (US);
Michael W Jopling, Columbus, OH (US);
ArthroCare Corporation, Sunnyvale, CA (US);
Abstract
The present invention provides systems and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to a target location within a patient's heart to remove calcified deposits and fibroid material from valve leaflets. The method of the present invention comprises positioning an electrosurgical probe or catheter adjacent the target site so that one or more electrode terminal(s) are brought into at least partial contact or close proximity with the target heart valve. High frequency voltage is then applied between the electrode terminal(s) and one or more return electrode(s) to volumetrically remove or ablate at least a portion of the calcified material while minimizing damage to the heart valve and substantially preserving the elastic fiber layer of the valve leaflets.