Vascular Occlusion Systems and Methods

Abstract

A blood vessel occlusion system and method includes a handheld probe including a power source, the probe being adapted to transmit energy from the power source through a body surface and into a target blood vessel, for example a varicose vein. Further included is a manual or automatic switch mechanism adapted to enable and disable the power source in response to a predetermined level of compression applied, by means of the probe against the target blood vessel. When the blood vessel is compressed sufficiently to collapse and substantially slow or substantially prevent a flow of blood therethrough, the power source is activated and the vessel is cauterized, leaving the blood vessel in a condition that is resistant to recanalization

1 - 39 . (canceled)  
   
   
       40 . A method for occluding a target vein, the method comprising the steps of: 
 maneuvering a mechanical device to reduce a lumen dimension in an elongated segment of the vein; and    during a time period in which the segment has the reduced lumen dimension, applying a sufficient non-compressive energy to the segment to permanently stop blood flow through the segment.    
   
   
       41 . The method of  claim 40  wherein the mechanical device comprises a handheld probe.  
   
   
       42 . The method of  claim 40  wherein the reduced lumen dimension comprises collapsing of the segment.  
   
   
       43 . The method of  claim 40  wherein the step of reducing the lumen dimension comprises reducing blood flow through the segment.  
   
   
       44 . The method of  claim 40  wherein the step of reducing the lumen dimension comprises trapping blood in the segment.  
   
   
       45 . The method of  claim 40  wherein the step of applying the energy comprises applying electromagnetic energy in a visible range.  
   
   
       46 . The method of  claim 40  wherein the step of applying the energy comprises applying electromagnetic energy at a near infrared wavelength.  
   
   
       47 . The method of  claim 40  wherein the step of applying the energy comprises pulsing the energy.