Abstract: An energy delivery guide wire (10) including a guide wire proximal portion (12), a guide wire distal portion (14) and an energy delivery tip (16) extending from the distal portion (14); the energy delivery tip (16) having a tip length, a proximal tip end (18) and a distal tip end (20); at least the guide wire distal portion (14) extending in a first direction in an unbiased condition; the energy delivery tip (16) extending in a second direction different from the first direction; wherein the distal tip end (20) is offset from the proximal tip end (18) relative to the first direction by between 10 to 50 % of the tip length.

Abstract: An endoluminal energy delivery device includes a proximal end and a distal end, an electrically conductive core extending from the proximal to the distal end, and an energy delivery tip at the distal end. The energy delivery tip includes a distal core portion and an electrically conductive element disposed coaxially around the distal core portion and electrically coupled thereto in parallel. The distal core portion is made of a first material and the electrically conductive element is made of a second material. The second material has a higher conductivity than the first material. Electrical energy supplied to the delivery device passes simultaneously through the distal core portion and the electrically conductive element.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment provides apparatus for ablating a vessel by generating heat within a vessel to cause blood clotting to occlude the vessel. The apparatus includes an electrically resistive element at the distal end of the apparatus, the resistive element being uncoated and therefore in bare form. An alternating current supply feeds electrical current through the resistive element to cause heating of the element and surrounding blood or tissue. The alternating current power supply preferably is balanced about a centre point so as to create a net sum of alternating pulses of zero. It has been found that the supply of alternating current to the resistive element reduces or eliminates corrosion of the resistive element in blood as the resistive element is heated. Use of conductive coatings for a sacrificial anode can be avoided.

Abstract: Optical energy delivery apparatus for ablation or embolization includes an optical fibre having a distal end which is provided a light directing element, such as a lens. The light directing element is configured to direct optical energy beyond the distal end of the optical fibre. The optical fibre includes at least one Bragg grating proximate the distal end for sensing a change in the optical fibre during its operation. The apparatus includes a control unit configured to drive an optical source and to obtain signals from a sensor unit. The controller may also drive the energy source at a sensing wavelength. The structure provides a single optical fibre supply optical energy and sense changes in optical fibre. The optical fibre may have a tapering diameter towards its distal tip for increased flexibility at its distal end.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a device and methods of use to endoluminally heat and/or occlude a body vessel. The method includes a step of contracting the vessel to be treated by a contraction method, such as by delivering an electrical stimulus to induce spasms and decrease the diameter of the vessel. In some embodiments, the electrical stimulus may be a pulsatile electrical stimulus. The device then delivers a heat energy to aid in occlusion of the vessel.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a device and methods of use to endoluminally ablate and/or occlude a body vessel using a radiofrequency (“RF”) signal. The device has two conductive elements or electrodes that form an electrical circuit and are operable to create an electrical field. The electrical field ablates the body vessel, forming an occlusion.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a device and methods of use to endoluminally ablate and/or occlude a body vessel using a radiofrequency (“RF”) signal. The device has two conductive elements or electrodes that form various electrical circuits, and the two conductive elements are operable to create an electrical field. The electrical field ablates the body vessel, forming an occlusion.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a device and methods of use to endoluminally ablate and/or occlude a body vessel using a current to perform resistive heating. The device includes a resistive coil, which in some embodiments has a portion with a first, higher average pitch which can be electrified, and a second, lower average pitch, which is not electrified but aids in relieving mechanical stress. The device may have a support, which may be a wire guide, around which the coil is disposed. The device may provide a minimal diameter and flexibility for navigation of tortuous vessels.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment provides apparatus for ablating a vessel by generating heat within a vessel to cause blood clotting to occlude the vessel. The apparatus includes an electrically resistive element at the distal end of the apparatus, the resistive element being uncoated and therefore in bare form. An alternating current supply feeds electrical current through the resistive element to cause heating of the element and surrounding blood or tissue. The alternating current power supply preferably is balanced about a centre point so as to create a net sum of alternating pulses of zero. It has been found that the supply of alternating current to the resistive element reduces or eliminates corrosion of the resistive element in blood as the resistive element is heated. Use of conductive coatings for a sacrificial anode can be avoided.

Abstract: A medical ablation system includes an elongate element to be inserted endoluminally into a patient's vessel and includes at its distal end a pre-heating element and an ablation element. The system provides pre-heating of, for example, blood to a first threshold temperature above body temperature but below ablation temperature; and then a second heating stage provided by the ablation element. Pre-heating reduces the amount of energy required to effect ablation, resulting in more focussed embolization with a higher proportion of energy delivered to the area in a more controlled manner. The arrangement can reduce the amount of damage to surrounding tissues and organs.

Abstract: RF ablation system includes a catheter having a lumen therein and a first electrode. Second electrode is disposed around the catheter proximate the distal end of the catheter and spaced from the first electrode by an insulating spacer which may be a part of the catheter or a sleeve on the first electrode. The first electrode is able to slide in and out of the catheter to vary the exposed length of the first electrode and as a result to alter the energy density at the first electrode in order to exhibit different heating effects. Control unit controls current through the electrodes and also the exposed length of the first electrode. The second electrode has a surface area at least twice that of the first electrode. Consequently, negligible heat is generated at the second electrode and therefore no blood clotting or other ablation material is formed over the catheter.