METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REMOTE DETECTION OF RF ABLATION
Devices for the generation and detection of an ablative plasma discharge in a subject are presented. Methods of use, including navigation and operation of the devices to facilitate minimally invasive therapeutic procedures are disclosed.
1 . An RF medical device for ablation of material in a subject, the device comprising:
an elongated medical device to transmit RF energy through a passageway in the subject's body, the elongated medical device comprising a distal end for application of RF ablative energy;
an RF generator capable of generating plasma discharges in the neighborhood of the RF elongated device distal end; and
an external RF signal detection means for detecting RF signals corresponding to successful RF ablation.
2 . The medical device of claim 1 , wherein the external RF signal detection means further comprises signal processing means.
3 . The medical device of claim 1 , further comprising a user interface comprising at least one of an image display, an audio speaker, a visual signal, a haptic indicator.
4 . The medical device of claim 1 , wherein the external RF signal detection means further comprises an AM radio.
5 . The medical device of claim 1 , wherein the external ur signal detection means further comprises a dedicated signal pick-up coil.
6 . The medical device of claim 1 , wherein the elongated medical device is further coiled around a wire spool adjacent its proximal end.
7 . The medical device of claim 1 , wherein the external ur signal detection means further comprises signal amplification electronics.
8 . The medical device of claim 1 , wherein at least part of the external RF signal detection means is embedded in a flexible drape for positioning near the subject.
9 . The medical device of claim 1 , wherein the external RF signal detection means further comprises signal processing and analysis means for the detection of radio signal signatures.
10 . The medical device of claim 9 , further comprising means for display of the radio signal signatures.
11 . A method for the detection of the ablation of material in a subject, the method comprising:
navigating an elongated medical device to transmit RF energy through a passageway in the subject body;
operating an RF generator, the generator being connected to the elongated medical device and capable of generating plasma discharges in the neighborhood of the RF elongated device distal end; and
detecting an RF signal associated with the plasma discharges generated in the neighborhood of the elongated medical device distal end.
12 . The method of claim 11 , further comprising processing the detected RF signal;
13 . The method of claim 12 , wherein processing the detected RF signal comprises amplifying the detected signal.
14 . The method of claim 12 , wherein processing the detected RF signal comprises analyzing the detected signal for the existence of specific signal signatures.
15 . The method of claim 11 , further comprising communicating with a medical device user through a user interface means.
16 . The method of claim 11 , further comprising generating an audio signal in response to the detection of an RF signal.
17 . The method of claim 11 , wherein the step of detecting an RF signal further comprises detecting a signal generated in a dedicated pickup coil.
18 . A method of performing a minimally invasive therapy in a lumen of a subject, the method comprising:
navigating an RF-enabled elongated medical device to the proximity of a subject lumen occlusion, the RF-enabled elongated medical device being connected to an RF generator and capable of generating plasma discharges in the neighborhood of its distal end;
applying RF energy through the elongated medical device;
detecting a signal through an external detection device, and determining the presence of a plasma related signal;
adjusting the RF generator parameters and therapy parameters to improve the likelihood of generating a plasma discharge in the neighborhood of the elongated medical device distal end;
evaluating the progress of the therapy; and
iterating through steps i) to v) to enable further therapy progress.
19 . The method of performing a minimally invasive therapy in a subject according to claim 18 , wherein the step of adjusting the RF generator parameters and therapy parameters comprise adjusting RF power settings, injecting saline, and adjusting RF frequency settings.
20 . The method of performing a minimally invasive therapy in a subject according to claim 18 , wherein the step of evaluating an RF signal through an external detection device further comprises processing the signal and interfacing with the user through user interface means.
21 . The method of claim 18 , where navigating the elongated medical device is performed with a remote navigation system.
22 . The method of claim 21 , where the remote navigation system is a magnetic navigation system.
23 . The method of claim 21 , where the remote navigation system is a mechanically actuated navigation system.