Patent classifications
A61B2018/0268
APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR TREATING RHINITIS
Apparatus and methods for treating conditions such as rhinitis are disclosed herein where a distal end of a probe shaft is introduced through the nasal cavity where the distal end has an end effector with a first configuration having a low-profile which is shaped to manipulate tissue within the nasal cavity. The distal end may be positioned into proximity of a tissue region having a post nasal nerve associated with a middle or inferior nasal turbinate. Once suitably positioned, the distal end may be reconfigured from the first configuration to a second configuration which is shaped to contact and follow the tissue region and the post nasal nerve may then be ablated via the distal end. Ablation may be performed using various mechanisms, such as cryotherapy, and optionally under direct visualization.
CRYOABLATION CATHETER HAVING AN ELLIPTICAL-SHAPED TREATMENT SECTION
A cryoablation catheter for creating at least one lesion in tissue, the catheter having an elongate shaft with an intermediate section and a distal tip movable relative to the intermediate section. The catheter also includes at least one elongate control member extending along the intermediate section and secured to the distal tip where the elongate control member is movable relative to the intermediate section for causing movement of the distal tip relative to the intermediate section and at least one energy delivery member extending along the intermediate section to the distal tip where the at least one energy delivery member includes a linear first configuration and an elliptical second configuration. Manipulation of the control member adjusts the shape of the at least one energy delivery member.
CRYOABLATION SYSTEM
A system and method for cryoablation and more particularly, to a cryoprobe needle that can be used accurately to localize and block conduction of a targeted peripheral nerve. In addition, aspects of the disclosure provide a solution for assessing the effectiveness of the cryoablation procedure by repeating an electromyogram (EMG) recording after the treatment. The system can be implemented as a single physical device, capable of generating stimulation pulses, generating extreme temperature changes via a cryoprobe needle, measuring temperature at a tip of an electrode, displaying the measured temperature, maintaining a constant temperature at the tip, and measuring and recording data corresponding to EMG or motor unit action potentials (MUAPs), correlating the data with a location of a target nerve, a treatment being performed on the target nerve, and an effectiveness of the treatment. In addition, aspects of the disclosure provide a solution for assessing the effectiveness of the cryoablation procedure by repeating an electromyogram (EMG) recording after the treatment.
INTEGRITY TESTING OF STORAGE TANK STRUCTURE USING ROBOTIC ULTRASOUND
An objective of this invention is to provided apparatus and methods to test the integrity of empty and full tanks. Another object of this invention is to provide a granular inspection of the tank. Another object of this invention is to provide precision positioning information of sample points. Another object of this invention is to provide automated inspection pattern and correction. Another object of this invention is to minimize hazardous working conditions.
APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR TREATING RHINITIS
Apparatus and methods for treating conditions such as rhinitis are disclosed herein where a distal end of a probe shaft is introduced through the nasal cavity where the distal end has an end effector with a first configuration having a low-profile which is shaped to manipulate tissue within the nasal cavity. The distal end may be positioned into proximity of a tissue region having a post nasal nerve associated with a middle or inferior nasal turbinate. Once suitably positioned, the distal end may be reconfigured from the first configuration to a second configuration which is shaped to contact and follow the tissue region and the post nasal nerve may then be ablated via the distal end. Ablation may be performed using various mechanisms, such as cryotherapy, and optionally under direct visualization.
MULTI-LOBE BALLOON FOR CRYOABLATION
A cryotreatment catheter for treating tissue. The catheter may include an outer elongate body, a balloon treatment element coupled to the distal portion of the elongate body with a plurality of balloon lobes radially arranged around the outer elongate body, an inner elongate body rotatably movable within the lumen of the outer elongate body, and a fluid delivery lumen located within the lumen of the outer elongate body and at least partially within the lumen of the inner elongate body. The fluid delivery lumen may be branched at a distal portion into a plurality of linear segments, each linear segment being in fluid communication with one of the plurality of balloon lobes. Each of the balloon lobes may be inflated independently of each other by the linear segments of the fluid delivery lumen.
SYSTEMS AND METHODS TO ENSURE GAS EGRESS DURING CRYOTHERAPY
The present disclosure relates generally to the field of cryotherapy. In particular, the present disclosure relates to cryotherapy systems that ensure egress of cryogen gas delivered within a patient's body during cryotherapy procedures and, more particularly, sensors for use with cryotherapy systems that include delivery catheters wherein the systems ensure that egress of cryogen gas from the patient's body is possible whenever the catheter is operating.
Multi-lobe balloon for cryoablation
A cryotreatment catheter for treating tissue. The catheter may include an outer elongate body, a balloon treatment element coupled to the distal portion of the elongate body with a plurality of balloon lobes radially arranged around the outer elongate body, an inner elongate body rotatably movable within the lumen of the outer elongate body, and a fluid delivery lumen located within the lumen of the outer elongate body and at least partially within the lumen of the inner elongate body. The fluid delivery lumen may be branched at a distal portion into a plurality of linear segments, each linear segment being in fluid communication with one of the plurality of balloon lobes. Each of the balloon lobes may be inflated independently of each other by the linear segments of the fluid delivery lumen.
Apparatus and methods for treating rhinitis
Apparatus and methods for treating conditions such as rhinitis are disclosed herein where a distal end of a probe shaft is introduced through the nasal cavity where the distal end has an end effector with a first configuration having a low-profile which is shaped to manipulate tissue within the nasal cavity. The distal end may be positioned into proximity of a tissue region having a post nasal nerve associated with a middle or inferior nasal turbinate. Once suitably positioned, the distal end may be reconfigured from the first configuration to a second configuration which is shaped to contact and follow the tissue region and the post nasal nerve may then be ablated via the distal end. Ablation may be performed using various mechanisms, such as cryotherapy, and optionally under direct visualization.
CRYOABLATION METHOD AND SYSTEM
A system and method for providing greater control over the temperature of a thermal treatment element of a medical device, enabling an operator to extend a thawing period of a cryoablation procedure. The system may include a fluid flow path that bypasses a subcooler, giving the operator selective control over the temperature of refrigerant delivered to the treatment element and, therefore, treatment element temperature. Additionally or alternatively, the system may include a fluid delivery conduit that is in communication with a liquid refrigerant and a gaseous refrigerant. Adjustment of the ratio of liquid to gaseous refrigerant also offers control over the treatment element temperature. Additionally or alternatively, the system may include one or more valves and/or heating elements in the fluid delivery and recovery conduits to control the treatment element temperature.