Patents Assigned to CryoCath Technologies Inc.
  • Patent number: 7591814
    Abstract: A catheter having an extended treatment zone for cooling tissue is provided. The catheter includes an elongate catheter body having a distal tip, and a fluid injection conduit disposed inside the catheter body defining a return lumen therein. The fluid injection conduit further defines two or more injection orifices including a first distal orifice near the distal tip, and a second orifice longitudinally offset along the fluid injection conduit to be less proximate the distal tip than the first orifice. Fluid cryogen flowing through the orifices creates an extended tissue cooling contour about the distal end portion of the catheter. At least one ECG ring electrode is provided about the catheter body near the second orifice. The catheter may thus provide for electrocardiographic mapping of tissue nodes lying transversely between the distal tip and the ECG ring electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: CryoCath Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Domenic Santoianni, Marwan Abboud, Sean Carroll
  • Publication number: 20090182319
    Abstract: An elongated catheter device with a distal balloon assembly is adapted for endovascular insertion. Coolant injected through the device may, in different embodiments, directly cool tissue contacting the balloon, or may cool a separate internal chamber. Plural balloons may be provided, wherein a secondary outer balloon surrounds a primary inner balloon, the primary balloon being filled with coolant and acting as the cooling chamber, the secondary balloon being coupled to a vacuum return lumen to serve as a robust leak containment device and thermal insulator around the cooling chamber. One or more sensors may be disposed between the balloons or the vacuum return lumen, to detect leaks and control the flow of fluid through the device. Examples of sensors include pressure and temperature sensors, optical sensors, magnetic flow switches and flow meters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Applicant: CryoCath Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Miriam Lane, Marwan Abboud, Rachid Mahrouche, Teresa Mihalik
  • Patent number: 7527622
    Abstract: An elongated catheter device with a distal balloon assembly is adapted for endovascular insertion. Coolant injected through the device may, in different embodiments, directly cool tissue contacting the balloon, or may cool a separate internal chamber. Plural balloons may be provided, wherein a secondary outer balloon surrounds a primary inner balloon, the primary balloon being filled with coolant and acting as the cooling chamber, the secondary balloon being coupled to a vacuum return lumen to serve as a robust leak containment device and thermal insulator around the cooling chamber. One or more sensors may be disposed between the balloons or the vacuum return lumen, to detect leaks and control the flow of fluid through the device. Examples of sensors include pressure and temperature sensors, optical sensors, magnetic flow switches and flow meters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: CryoCath Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Miriam Lane, Marwan Abboud, Rachid Mahrouche, Teresa Mihalik
  • Patent number: 7465300
    Abstract: A catheter includes a cryoablation tip with an electrically-driven ablation assembly for heating tissue. The cryoablation tip may be implemented with a cooling chamber through which a controllably injected coolant circulates to lower the tip temperature, and having an RF electrode at its distal end. The RF electrode may be operated to warm cryogenically-cooled tissue, or the coolant may be controlled to conductively cool the tissue in coordination with an RF treatment regimen, allowing greater versatility of operation and enhancing the lesion size, speed or placement of multi-lesion treatment or single lesion re-treatment cycles. In one embodiment a microwave energy source operates at a frequency to extend beyond the thermal conduction depth, or to penetrate the cryogenic ice ball and be absorbed in tissue beyond an ice boundary, thus extending the depth and/or width of a single treatment locus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Cryocath Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Steven G. Arless, Fredric L. Milder, Marwan Abboud, Dan Wittenberger, Sean Carroll
  • Patent number: 7442190
    Abstract: A method and system for determining contact assessment includes the steps of positioning a catheter at a tissue treatment site, where the catheter has a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, the proximal end portion defining at least one fluid inlet port and at least one fluid outlet port, an expandable membrane defining a cooling chamber a coolant injection lumen in fluid communication with the at least one fluid inlet port and the cooling chamber, a coolant return lumen in fluid communication with the at least one fluid outlet port and the cooling chamber, the coolant injection tube, the cooling chamber, and the primary coolant return lumen defining a fluid pathway and a temperature sensor located near the coolant return lumen; measuring an internal temperature of the chamber, and modifying the position of the catheter in response to the measured temperature. The method and system can also use a measured impedance to determine contact assessment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: CryoCath Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Marwan Abbound, Teresa Ann Mihalik, Johnny Al Asmar, Chadi Harmouche
  • Publication number: 20080221508
    Abstract: The present invention provides a medical device having an elongate body with both a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the elongate body defines an intake lumen and an exhaust lumen. The medical device also has a first pliable element defining a cooling chamber disposed at a point along the elongate body, with the cooling chamber being in fluid communication with the intake lumen and the exhaust lumen. A second pliable element is provided which at least partially encloses the first pliable element, thereby defining a junction between the first and second pliable element. Moreover, a check valve is included which is in fluid communication with the junction between the first pliable element and second pliable element, the valve further being in fluid communication with the exhaust lumen. In addition, the medical device may include sensors or other monitoring means in fluid communication with the junction and the cooling chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: CryoCath Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Marwan Abboud, Rachid Mahrouche, Teresa Ann Mihalik, Chadi Harmouche, Jean-Luc Pageard, John W. Lehmann
  • Publication number: 20080215043
    Abstract: The present invention advantageously provides a method and system for cryogenically ablating large areas of tissue within the left atrium. In an exemplary embodiment a cryotherapy device includes a catheter body having a substantially fixed diameter, a proximal end and a distal end; a first lumen for permitting passage of a cooling fluid from the proximal end to the distal end; a second lumen permitting return of the cooling fluid from the distal end to the proximal end; and an ablation element expandable from a first diameter that is substantially the same as the diameter of the catheter body to a second diameter that is at least twice the diameter of the catheter body, the ablation element having a surface portion that conforms to the uneven surface topography of the cardiac tissue. The ablation element can include one or more balloon and/or a flexible element that is deformed by moving the distal end of the catheter toward the proximal end of the catheter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: CryoCath Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Marwan Abboud, Fredric L. Milder, George Klein
  • Publication number: 20080200829
    Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting fluid egress, assessing lesion quality, determining tissue composition or structure, determining ice coverage of catheter tip and providing tissue contact assessment, by providing a catheter having a shaft with a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, the proximal end portion and the distal end portion define at least one fluid pathway therebetween with the shaft having a plurality of electrodes, positioning the catheter at a tissue treatment site, applying an electrical current between at least two of the plurality of electrodes, measuring impedance voltage between the at least two of the plurality of electrodes and, processing the measured impedance voltage caused by the applied electrical current to determine if fluid egress is present, to assess lesion quality, to determine tissue composition, ice cover of catheter tip, and to provide contact assessment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: CryoCath Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Marwan Abboud, Johnny Al Asmar, Chadi Harmouche
  • Patent number: 7404816
    Abstract: A surgical device includes a device body defining a sealed fluid path having a first end and a second end, a refrigerant supply in communication with the first end of the sealed fluid path, and a vacuum source in communication with the second end of the sealed fluid path. Leak detection apparatus can be provided in communication with the sealed fluid path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Cryocath Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Marwan Abboud, Johnny Al Asmar, John W. Lehmann
  • Patent number: 7347856
    Abstract: A medical device is provided having a means for actuating a pair of opposing jaw members. The jaw members are movable relative to one another from a first position, wherein the jaw members are disposed in a spaced apart relation relative to one another, to a second position, wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. An ablation tool is connected to at least one of the jaws members, such that the jaw members are capable of conducting ablation energy through the tissue grasped therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Cryocath Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Dan Wittenberger, Cristian Petre, Daniel Nahon, Réal Ste-Marie, Marwan Abboud
  • Publication number: 20080039791
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling the inflation, ablation, and deflation of a balloon catheter. The system includes a balloon catheter, a console, a pressurized gas or liquid inflation source, and an umbilical system to deliver pressurized coolant to the balloon catheter. The system may include controller that monitors the amount of pressure and volume within the balloon catheter. During inflation, the pressure and/or volume of fluid within the balloon is maintained at a target amount in order to provide sufficient mechanized pressure against the desired target region. The system limits the inflation pressure such that a safe quantity of gas would be released should a leak occur. If the amount falls below a certain threshold level, gas or fluid egress is presumed and the inflation process is halted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Applicant: CryoCath Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Marwan Abboud, Rachid MAHROUCHE, Chadi HARMOUCHE, Teresa MIHALIK, Gilles DESROCHERS
  • Patent number: 7322973
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the likelihood of post operative atrial fibrillation by cooling specific nerves in the heart. In an exemplary method, a semi-rigid probe having a distal portion capable of cooling tissue to temperatures below freezing, is placed on tissue proximate cardiac nerves to temporarily or permanently inhibit signal conduction in the nerves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: CryoCath Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Nahon
  • Patent number: 7318821
    Abstract: A cryogenic medical system includes a medical device and a console connectable to the medical device at a connection point. The console controls the temperature of the medical device. The console includes a first cooling system directing coolant to the medical device at a first temperature along a coolant supply line and a second cooling system chilling the coolant within the coolant supply line to a temperature below the first temperature before the coolant reaches the connection point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: CryoCath Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Lalonde, Marwan Abboud, Rachid Mahrouche
  • Patent number: 7303554
    Abstract: A coolant system for a cryoablation or treatment probe such as a mapping or ablation catheter, or a treatment wand, includes a compressor and condenser having a low pressure inlet side and a high pressure outlet side, wherein the outlet side passes through a heat exchanger and is cooled by the inlet side and conditioned for injection to a catheter inlet. A vacuum return system connectable to the catheter outlet draws thermally expended coolant from the catheter and returns it to the low pressure inlet side. A motorized pressure regulator between the heat exchanger and the catheter inlet determines the pressure of coolant passing into the catheter and thus regulates the cooling rate for a selected mapping or ablation regimen. The low pressure compressor inlet supply preferentially conditions the pressurized coolant to ambient temperature or lower before injection into the catheter, allowing the coolant to travel through the body at ambient before expansion in the tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: CryoCath Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Lalonde, Marwan Abboud
  • Patent number: 7300433
    Abstract: An elongated catheter device with a distal balloon assembly is adapted for endovascular insertion. Coolant injected through the device may, in different embodiments, directly cool tissue contacting the balloon, or may cool a separate internal chamber. In the first case, the coolant also inflates the balloon, and spent coolant is returned to the handle via a return passage extending through the body of the catheter. Plural balloons may be provided, wherein a secondary outer balloon surrounds a primary inner balloon, the primary balloon being filled with coolant and acting as the cooling chamber, the secondary balloon being coupled to a vacuum return lumen to serve as a robust leak containment device and thermal insulator around the cooling chamber. Various configurations, such as surface modification of the balloon interface, or placement of particles, coatings, or expandable meshes or coils in the balloon interface, may be employed to achieve this function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Cryocath Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Miriam Lane, Leonilda Capuano, David Holtan, Jean-Pierre Lalonde, Claudia Lückge, Jean-Luc Pageard, Marwan Abboud, Johnny Al Asmar, Abderrahim Benrabah, Ken Chen, John W. Lehmann, Philippe Marchand, Robert Martin, Fredric L. Milder, Daniel Nahon
  • Patent number: 7207986
    Abstract: A cryogenic medical system includes a medical device and a console connectable to the medical device at a connection point. The console controls the temperature of the medical device. The console includes a first cooling system directing coolant to the medical device at a first temperature along a coolant supply line and a second cooling system chilling the coolant within the coolant supply line to a temperature below the first temperature before the coolant reaches the connection point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: CryoCath Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Marwan Abboud, Rachid Mahrouche, Jean-Pierre Lalonde, Dan Wittenberger
  • Patent number: 7118565
    Abstract: A cryocatheter system includes a first handle portion having a proximal end, a distal end, a first fluid flow path, and a second fluid flow path; a second handle portion having a proximal end, a distal end, a first fluid flow path, and a second fluid flow path; and a catheter having a proximal end, a distal end, a first fluid flow path, and a second fluid flow path. The distal end of the first handle portion is matable with the proximal end of the second handle portion to place the respective first and second fluid flow paths of each handle portion in fluid communication; and the distal end of the second handle portion is matable with the proximal end of the catheter to place the respective first and second fluid flow paths of the second handle portion and the catheter in fluid communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: CryoCath Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Marwan Abboud, Domenic Santoianni, Philippe Marchand
  • Patent number: 7097641
    Abstract: A catheter includes a cryoablation tip with an electrically-driven ablation assembly for heating tissue. The cryoablation tip may be implemented with a cooling chamber through which a controllably injected coolant circulates to lower the tip temperature, and having an RF electrode at its distal end. The RF electrode may be operated to warm cryogenically-cooled tissue, or the coolant may be controlled to conductively cool the tissue in coordination with an RF treatment regimen, allowing greater versatility of operation and enhancing the lesion size, speed or placement of multi-lesion treatment or single lesion re-treatment cycles. In one embodiment a microwave energy source operates at a frequency to extend beyond the thermal conduction depth, or to penetrate the cryogenic ice ball and be absorbed in tissue beyond an ice boundary, thus extending the depth and/or width of a single treatment locus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: CryoCath Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Steven G. Arless, Frederic L. Milder, Marwan Abboud, Dan Wittenberger, Sean Carroll
  • Patent number: D560803
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Cryocath Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Tassé, Alain Martel, Lucie Laforest
  • Patent number: D564093
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: CryoCath Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Philippe Marchand, Yixin Hu, Ramin Sabbaghe-Kermani, Michael Bailey, Michel Morelli, André Tremblay, Teresa Mihalik, Daniel Patrick O'Sullivan, Jr., Stanley O. Thompson, Domenic Santoianni, Vincent Nicolas Gladu