Devices and methods for intrabody surgery

Abstract

A catheter assembly which is combined with a radiofrequency (RF) electrosurgical instrument includes a catheter body and a vacuum source disposed at the distal end of the catheter. Multiple active electrodes are provided for transmitting electrical signals and to produce electrosurgical effects adjacent to the active electrodes for tissue cutting. At least one passive electrode is disposed at the front end of the body in closely spaced relationship relative to the active electrodes. The active electrodes and the passive electrode optimally cover a predetermined ablation area. The electrodes are spaced from inner walls of the hollow interior, and openings are provided to aspirate debris of ablation into and through the hollow interior of the body by the low-pressure zone.

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         21 . A catheter assembly in combination with a radiofrequency (RF) electrosurgical instrument, said catheter assembly comprising:
 a catheter body having a substantially hollow interior and extending between proximal and distal portions;   a vacuum source disposed at the distal end of the catheter to develop a low-pressure zone within the hollow interior of the catheter;   multiple active electrodes disposed at a front end of said distal portion of said body for transmitting electrical signals so as to produce electrosurgical effects adjacent to said active electrodes for tissue cutting; and   at least one passive electrode disposed at said front end of said distal portion of said body in closely spaced relationship relative to said active electrodes, each said at least one passive electrode including a passive tissue contact surface having an area greater than that of an active tissue contact surface of said corresponding active electrodes, said active electrodes and said at least one passive electrodes optimally cover a predetermined ablation area;   wherein said electrodes are spaced from inner walls of said substantially hollow interior, openings provided to aspirate debris of ablation into and through the hollow interior of the body by the low-pressure zone.   
     
     
         22 . The catheter assembly in combination with a radiofrequency electrosurgical instrument of  claim 21 , wherein said at least one passive electrode is associated with said plurality of active electrodes disposed at a distal end of a body, said at least one passive electrode is a unitary conductive ring surrounding the distal end, said conductive ring having a surface area substantially larger than that of any of said active electrodes. 
     
     
         23 . The catheter assembly in combination with a radiofrequency electrosurgical instrument of  claim 22 , wherein said conductive ring is separated into a plurality of segments forming multiple passive electrodes juxtaposed with said active electrodes. 
     
     
         24 . The catheter assembly in combination with a radiofrequency electrosurgical instrument of  claim 22 , wherein said multiple electrodes are in the form of metal inserts electrically insulated from each other and surrounding the distal end periphery. 
     
     
         25 . The catheter assembly in combination with a radiofrequency electrosurgical instrument of  claim 22 , further comprising at least one sensor provided at the distal end of the catheter for determining physical and chemical composition of the occlusion and by means of the computer or microchip of the control unit to adjust functionality of RF emitters. 
     
     
         26 . The catheter assembly in combination with a radiofrequency electrosurgical instrument of  claim 25 , further comprising a control unit which generates controlling signals adjusting tissue cutting characteristics, wherein said control unit is associated with computer or microchip. 
     
     
         27 . The catheter assembly in combination with a radiofrequency electrosurgical instrument of  claim 26 , wherein said at least one sensor provided to emit and receive various signals (optical, electromagnetic, acoustical, capacitance measuring) capable of detecting composition parameters of the occlusion, and to allow said control unit to generate controlling signals controlling the tissue cutting operation, so that as said parameters are detected within the intrabody occlusion by said at least one sensor the control unit generates controlling signals to adjust functionality of RF emitters. 
     
     
         28 . The catheter assembly in combination with a radiofrequency electrosurgical instrument of  claim 27 , wherein said at least one sensor is located at of said distal portion of said body able to determine physical and chemical composition of the occlusion. 
     
     
         29 . The catheter assembly in combination with a radiofrequency electrosurgical instrument of  claim 28 , wherein said computer or microchip associated with the control unit receives and analyzes information/data obtained by said at least one sensor and generates signals to adjust functionality of RF emitters.