Granted Patent B2

US 7,632,268 · App. 11/420,712 · Granted Dec 15, 2009

Abstract

Claims (14)

1. A system for treating a mucosal surface of an alimentary canal tissue region comprising:

an elongate support structure;

an inflatable bulbous-shaped solid-wall member positionable at a distal portion of the support structure;

one or more radio frequency (RF) ablation electrodes linearly connected as a helix arranged circumferentially around an external surface of the inflatable member, wherein the elongate support structure and the inflatable member are adapted to place the one or more electrodes in contact with the mucosal surface of the alimentary canal tissue region; and

an RF energy source connected to the one or more electrodes.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the elongate support structure comprises a catheter.

3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the inflatable member comprises a balloon.

4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the inflatable member comprises an expandable, three-dimensional mechanical structure.

5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the electrodes comprise an array of electrodes.

6. The system of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the electrodes comprises solid state circuitry.

7. The system of claim 1 , wherein the electrodes comprise bipolar electrodes.

8. The system of claim 1 , wherein the electrodes are carried by a wire.

9. The system of claim 1 , wherein the RF energy source delivers energy at a frequency in the range of 400 kHz to 10 mHz.

10. The system of claim 1 , wherein the electrodes comprise solid state circuitry deposited on the surface of the inflatable member.

Assignments (9)