US20020107512A1 - Sphincter treatment apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

A sphincter treatment apparatus includes an energy delivery device introduction member including a plurality of arms. Each arm has distal and proximal sections. The distal sections of the arms are coupled as are the proximal sections of the arms. The energy delivery device introduction member is configured to be introduced in the sphincter in a non-deployed state, expand to a deployed state to at least partially expand the sphincter. A plurality of energy delivery devices are coupled to the energy delivery device introduction member. At least a portion of the plurality of energy delivery devices are controllably introducible from the energy delivery device introduction member into the sphincter.

Description

CROSS-RELATED APPLICATIONS
• This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/026,316 filed Feb. 19, 1998, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/731,372, filed Oct. 11, 1996, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/319,373, filed Oct. 6, 1994, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 08/286,862, filed Aug. 4, 1994, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/272,162, filed Jul. 7, 1994, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/265,459, filed Jun. 24, 1994, and is related to concurrently filed Application entitled “GERD Treatment Apparatus and Method” identified as Attorney Docket 14800-748, all with named inventor Stuart D. Edwards, and all of which are incorporated herein by reference.[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• 1. Field of the Invention[0002]
• This invention relates generally to an apparatus for the treatment of sphincters, and more specifically to an apparatus that treats esophageal sphincters.[0003]
• 2. Description of Related Art[0004]
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common gastroesophageal disorder in which the stomach contents are ejected into the lower esophagus due to a dysfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). These contents are highly acidic and potentially injurious to the esophagus resulting in a number of possible complications of varying medical severity. The reported incidence of GERD in the U.S. is as high as 10% of the population (Castell D O; Johnston B T:[0005]Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: Current Strategies For Patient Management. Arch Fain Med, 5(4):221-7; (1996 April)).
• Acute symptoms of GERD include heartburn, pulmonary disorders and chest pain. On a chronic basis, GERD subjects the esophagus to ulcer formation, or esophagitis and may result in more severe complications including esophageal obstruction, significant blood loss and perforation of the esophagus. Severe esophageal ulcerations occur in 20-30% of patients over age 65. Moreover, GERD causes adenocarcinoma, or cancer of the esophagus, which is increasing in incidence faster than any other cancer (Reynolds J C:[0006]Influence Of Pathophysiology, Severity, And Cost On The Medical Management Of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. Am J Health Syst Pharm, 53(22 Suppl 3):S5-12 (1996 Nov 15)).
• One of the possible causes of GERD may be aberrant electrical signals in the LES or cardia of the stomach. Such signals may cause a higher than normal frequency of relaxations of the LES allowing acidic stomach contents to be repeatedly ejected into the esophagus and cause the complications described above. Research has shown that unnatural electrical signals in the stomach and intestine can cause reflux events in those organs (Kelly K A, et al:[0007]Duodenal-gastric Reflux and Slowed Gastric Emptying by Electrical Pacing of the Canine Duodenal Pacesetter Potential. Gastroenterology. 1977 Mar; 72(3): 429-433). In particular, medical research has found that sites of aberrant electrical activity or electrical foci may be responsible for those signals (Karlstrom L H, et al.:Ectopic Jejunal Pacemakers and Enterogastric Reflux after Roux Gastrectomy: Effect Intestinal Pacing. Surgery. 1989 Sep; 106(3): 486-495). Similar aberrant electrical sites in the heart which cause contractions of the heart muscle to take on life threatening patterns or dysrhythmias can be identified and treated using mapping and ablation devices as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,509,419. However, there is no current device or associated medical procedure available for the electrical mapping and treatment of aberrant electrical sites in the LES and stomach as a means for treating GERD.
• Current drug therapy for GERD includes histamine receptor blockers which reduce stomach acid secretion and other drugs which may completely block stomach acid. However, while pharmacologic agents may provide short term relief, they do not address the underlying cause of LES dysfunction.[0008]
• Invasive procedures requiring percutaneous introduction of instrumentation into the abdomen exist for the surgical correction of GERD. One such procedure, Nissen fundoplication, involves constructing a new “valve” to support the LES by wrapping the gastric fundus around the lower esophagus. Although the operation has a high rate of success, it is an open abdominal procedure with the usual risks of abdominal surgery including: postoperative infection, herniation at the operative site, internal hemorrhage and perforation of the esophagus or of the cardia. In fact, a recent 10 year, 344 patient study reported the morbidity rate for this procedure to be 17% and[0009]mortality 1% (Urschel, J D:Complications Of Antireflux Surgery, Am J Surg 166(1): 68-70; (1993 July)). This rate of complication drives up both the medical cost and convalescence period for the procedure and may exclude portions of certain patient populations (e.g., the elderly and immuno-compromised).
• Efforts to perform Nissen fundoplication by less invasive techniques have resulted in the development of laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication, reported by Dallemagne et al.[0010]Surgical Laparoscopy and Endoscopy, Vol. 1, No. 3, (1991), pp. 138-43 and by Hindler et al.Surgical Laparoscopy and Endoscopy, Vol. 2, No. 3, (1992), pp. 265-272, involves essentially the same steps as Nissen fundoplication with the exception that surgical manipulation is performed through a plurality of surgical cannula introduced using trocars inserted at various positions in the abdomen.
• Another attempt to perform fundoplication by a less invasive technique is reported in U.S. Pat. No. 5,088,979. In this procedure an invagination device containing a plurality of needles is inserted transorally into the esophagus with the needles in a retracted position. The needles are extended to engage the esophagus and fold the attached esophagus beyond the gastroesophageal junction. A remotely operated stapling device, introduced percutaneously through an operating channel in the stomach wall, is actuated to fasten the invaginated gastroesophageal junction to the surrounding involuted stomach wall.[0011]
• Yet another attempt to perform fundoplication by a less invasive technique is reported in U.S. Pat. No. 5,676,674. In this procedure, invagination is done by ajaw-like device and fastening of the invaginated gastroesophageal junction to the findus of the stomach is done via a transoral approach using a remotely operated fastening device, eliminating the need for an abdominal incision. However, this procedure is still traumatic to the LES and presents the postoperative risks of gastroesophageal leaks, infection and foreign body reaction, the latter two sequela resulting when foreign materials such as surgical staples are implanted in the body.[0012]
• While the methods reported above are less invasive than an open Nissen fundoplication, some still involve making an incision into the abdomen and hence the increased morbidity and mortality risks and convalescence period associated with abdominal surgery. Others incur the increased risk of infection associated with placing foreign materials into the body. All involve trauma to the LES and the risk of leaks developing at the newly created gastroesophageal junction.[0013]
• Besides the LES, there are other sphincters in the body which if not functionally properly can cause disease states or otherwise adversely affect the lifestyle of the patient. Reduced muscle tone or otherwise aberrant relaxation of sphincters can result in a laxity of tightness disease states including, but not limited to, urinary incontinence.[0014]
• There is a need to provide an apparatus to treat a sphincter and reduce a frequency of sphincter relaxation. Another need exists for an apparatus to create controlled cell necrosis in a sphincter tissue underlying a sphincter mucosal layer. Yet another need exists for an apparatus to create cell necrosis in a sphincter and minimize injury to a mucosal layer of the sphincter. There is another need for an apparatus to controllably produce a lesion in a sphincter without creating a permanent impairment of the sphincter's ability to achieve a physiologically normal state of closure. Still a further need exists for an apparatus to create a tightening of a sphincter without permanently damaging anatomical structures near the sphincter. There is still another need for an apparatus to create cell necrosis in a lower esophageal sphincter to reduce a frequency of reflux of stomach contents into an esophagus.[0015]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus to treat a sphincter and reduce a frequency of sphincter relaxation.[0016]
• Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus to create controlled cell necrosis in a sphincter tissue underlying a sphincter mucosal layer.[0017]
• Yet another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus to create cell necrosis in a sphincter and minimize injury to a mucosal layer of the sphincter.[0018]
• A further object of the invention is to provide an apparatus to controllably produce a lesion in a sphincter without creating a permanent impairment of the sphincter's ability to achieve a physiologically normal state of closure.[0019]
• Still another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus to create a tightening of a sphincter without permanently damaging anatomical structures near the sphincter.[0020]
• Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus to create cell necrosis in a lower esophageal sphincter to reduce a frequency of reflux of stomach contents into an esophagus.[0021]
• Yet another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus to reduce the frequency and severity of gastroesophageal reflux events.[0022]
• These and other objects of the invention are provided in a sphincter treatment apparatus. The apparatus includes an energy delivery device introduction member including a plurality of arms. Each arm has distal and proximal ends. The distal ends of the arms are coupled as are the proximal ends of the arms. The energy delivery device introduction member is configured to be introduced in the sphincter in a non-deployed state, expand to a deployed state to at least partially dilate the sphincter. A plurality of energy delivery devices are coupled to the energy delivery device introduction member. At least a portion of the plurality of energy delivery devices are controllably introducible from the energy delivery device introduction member into the sphincter.[0023]
• In another embodiment, the sphincter treatment apparatus has an expandable basket structure. An expandable basket structure includes a first arm with a distal and a proximal section, a second arm with a distal and a proximal section, and a third arm with a distal and a proximal section. The proximal sections of the first, second and third arms are coupled to each other. The distal sections of the first, second and third arms are coupled to each other. The expanded basket structure has a non-deployed state and a deployed state where the first, second and third arms distend away from each other. A first energy delivery device is coupled to the first arm and includes a distal portion controllably advanceable from the first arm into the sphincter.[0024]
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 is an illustrated lateral view of the upper GI tract including the esophagus and lower esophageal sphincter and the positioning of the sphincter treatment apparatus of the present invention in the lower esophageal sphincter.[0025]
• FIG. 2A is a lateral view of the present invention illustrating the energy delivery device, power supply and expansion device in an expanded and contracted state.[0026]
• FIG. 2B is a lateral view of an embodiment of the invention illustrating the use of a slotted introducer to facilitate contact of the expansion device with esophageal wall.[0027]
• FIG. 3 depicts a lateral view of the present invention that illustrates components on the flexible shaft including a proximal fitting, connections and proximal and distal shaft segments.[0028]
• FIG. 4A illustrates a lateral view of the basket assembly used in an embodiment of the invention.[0029]
• FIG. 4B illustrates a lateral view of a basket assembly with a tapered tip.[0030]
• FIG. 5A is a lateral view of the basket assembly that illustrates the range of camber in the basket assembly.[0031]
• FIG. 5B is a perspective view illustrating a balloon coupled to the basket assembly.[0032]
• FIG. 6A is a lateral view of the junction between the basket arms and the shaft illustrating the pathway used for advancement of the movable wire or the delivery of fluids.[0033]
• FIG. 6B is a frontal view of a basket arm in an alternative embodiment of the invention illustrating a track in the arm used to advance the movable wire.[0034]
• FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a section of the basket arm illustrating stepped and tapered sections in basket arm apertures.[0035]
• FIG. 8 is a lateral view of the basket assembly illustrating the placement of the radial supporting member.[0036]
• FIG. 9A is a lateral view of the sphincter treatment apparatus illustrating the mechanism used in one embodiment of the invention to increase the camber of the basket assembly.[0037]
• FIG. 9B is a similar view to[0038]9A showing the basket assembly in an increased state of camber.
• FIG. 10 is a lateral view of the sphincter treatment apparatus illustrating the deflection mechanism.[0039]
• FIG. 11 is a lateral view illustrating the use of electrolytic solution to create an enhanced RF electrode.[0040]
• FIG. 12 is a lateral view of the basket assembly illustrating the use of needle electrodes.[0041]
• FIG. 13 is a lateral view illustrating the use of an insulation segment on the needle electrode to protect an area of tissue from RF energy.[0042]
• FIG. 14 is a lateral view illustrating the placement of needle electrodes into the sphincter wall by expansion of the basket assembly.[0043]
• FIG. 15 is a lateral view illustrating placement of needle electrodes into the sphincter wall by advancement of an electrode delivery member out of apertures in the basket arms.[0044]
• FIG. 16 is a cross sectional view illustrating the configuration of a basket arm aperture used to select and maintain a penetration angle of the needle electrode into the sphincter wall.[0045]
• FIG. 17A is a lateral view illustrating placement of needle electrodes into the sphincter wall by advancement of an electrode delivery member directly out of the distal end of the shaft.[0046]
• FIG. 17B is a lateral view illustrating the use of a needle hub to facilitate placement of needle electrodes into the sphincter wall.[0047]
• FIG. 18A is a lateral view illustrating a radial distribution of electrodes on the expansion device of the invention.[0048]
• FIG. 18B is a lateral view illustrating a longitudinal distribution of electrodes on the expansion device of the invention.[0049]
• FIG. 18C is a lateral view illustrating a spiral distribution of electrodes on the expansion device of the invention.[0050]
• FIG. 19 is a flow chart illustrating a sphincter treatment method using the apparatus of the present invention.[0051]
• FIG. 20 is a lateral view of sphincter smooth muscle tissue illustrating electromagnetic foci and pathways for the origination and conduction of aberrant electrical signals in the smooth muscle of the lower esophageal sphincter or other tissue.[0052]
• FIG. 21 is a lateral view of a sphincter wall illustrating the infiltration of tissue healing cells into a lesion in the smooth tissue of a sphincter following treatment with the sphincter treatment apparatus of the present invention.[0053]
• FIG. 22 is a view similar to that of FIG. 21 illustrating shrinkage of the lesion site caused by cell infiltration.[0054]
• FIG. 23 is a lateral view of the esophageal wall illustrating the preferred placement of lesions in the smooth muscle layer of a esophageal sphincter.[0055]
• FIG. 24 is a lateral view illustrating the ultrasound transducer, ultrasound lens and power source of an embodiment of the present invention.[0056]
• FIGS.[0057]25A-D are lateral views of the sphincter wall illustrating various patterns of lesions created by the apparatus of the present invention.
• FIG. 26 is a lateral view of the sphincter wall illustrating the delivery of cooling fluid to the electrode-tissue interface and the creation of cooling zones.[0058]
• FIG. 27 depicts the flow path, fluid connections and control unit employed to deliver fluid to the electrode-tissue interface.[0059]
• FIG. 28 depicts the flow path, fluid connections and control unit employed to deliver fluid to the RF electrodes.[0060]
• FIG. 29 is an enlarged lateral view illustrating the placement of sensors on the expansion device or basket assembly.[0061]
• FIG. 30 depicts a block diagram of the feed back control system that can be used with the sphincter treatment apparatus.[0062]
• FIG. 31 depicts a block diagram of an analog amplifier, analog multiplexer and microprocessor used with the feedback control system of FIG. 30.[0063]
• FIG. 32 depicts a block diagram of the operations performed in the feedback control system depicted in FIG. 30.[0064]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, one embodiment of sphincter treatment apparatus[0065]10 that is used to deliver energy to atreatment site12 to producelesions14 in asphincter16, such as the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), comprises a flexibleelongate shaft18, also calledshaft18, coupled to aexpansion device20, in turn coupled with one or moreenergy delivery devices22.Energy delivery devices22 are configured to be coupled to apower source24. Theexpansion device20 is configured to be positionable in asphincter16 such as the LES or adjacent anatomical structure, such as the cardia of the stomach.Expansion device20 is further configured to facilitate the positioning ofenergy delivery devices22 to a selectable depth in asphincter wall26 or adjoining anatomical structure.Expansion device20 has a centrallongitudinal axis28 and is moveable between contracted and expanded positions substantially there along. This can be accomplished by a ratchet mechanism as is known to those skilled in the art. At least portions of sphincter treatment apparatus10 may be sufficiently radiopaque in order to be visible under fluoroscopy and/or sufficiently echogenic to be visible under ultrasonography. Also as will be discussed herein, sphincter treatment apparatus10 can include visualization capability including, but not limited to, a viewing scope, an expanded eyepiece, fiber optics, video imaging and the like.
• Referring to FIG. 2A,[0066]shaft18 is configured to be coupled toexpansion device20 and has sufficient length to positionexpansion device20 in the LES and/or stomach using a transoral approach. Typical lengths forshaft18 include, but are not limited to, a range of 40-180 cms. In various embodiments,shaft18 is flexible, articulated and steerable and can contain fiber optics (including illumination and imaging fibers), fluid and gas paths, and sensor and electronic cabling. In one embodiment,shaft18 can be a multi-lumen catheter, as is well known to those skilled in the art.
• In another embodiment, an introducing[0067]member21, also called an introducer, is used to introduce sphincter treatment apparatus10 into the LES.Introducer21 can also function as a sheath forexpansion device20 to keep it in a nondeployed or contracted state during introduction into the LES. In various embodiments,introducer21 is flexible, articulated and steerable and contains a continuous lumen of sufficient diameter to allow the advancement of sphincter treatment apparatus10. Typical diameters forintroducer21 include 0.1 to 2 inches, while typical length include 40-180 cms.Introducer21 may be of sufficient length and width to extend into a portion of or past the LES and provide structural support to and/or immobilize the esophagus. This serves to reduce movement of the esophagus and/orexpansion device20 so as to facilitate introduction of a needle electrode (described herein) intosphincter wall26. As shown in FIG. 2B,introducer21 may also containslots25 near introducerdistal end21′ or at other points along its length.Slots25 are of sufficient length and width to allowexpansion device20 to engagesphincter wall26 when it is put into a deployed state insideintroducer21. Suitable materials forintroducer21 include coil-reinforced plastic tubing as is well known to those skilled in the art.
• Referring now to FIG. 3, the flexible[0068]elongate shaft18 is circular in cross section and has proximal and distal extremities (also called ends)30 and32.Shaft18 may also be coupled at itsproximal end32 to aproximal fitting34, also called a handle, used by the physician to manipulate sphincter treatment apparatus10 to reachtreatment site12.Shaft18 may have one ormore lumens36, that extend the full length ofshaft18, or part way from shaftproximal end30 to shaftdistal end32.Lumens36 may be used as paths for catheters, guide wires, pull wires, insulated wires and cabling, fluid and optical fibers.Lumens36 are connected to and/or accessed byconnections38 on or adjacent toproximal fitting34.Connections38 can include luer-lock, lemo connector, swage and other mechanical varieties well known to those skilled in the art.Connections38 can also include optical/video connections which allow optical and electronic coupling of optical fibers and/or viewing scopes to illuminating sources, eye pieces and video monitors. In various embodiments,shaft18 may stop at theproximal extremity40 ofexpansion device20 or extend to, or past, thedistal extremity42 ofexpansion device20. Suitable materials forshaft18 include, but are not limited to, polyethylenes, polyurethanes and other medical plastics known to those skilled in the art.
• Referring now to FIG. 4A, in one embodiment of the present[0069]invention expansion device20 comprises one or moreelongated arms44 that are joined at their proximal ends46 and distal ends48 to form abasket assembly50.Proximal arm end46 is attached to a supporting structure, which can be thedistal end32 ofshaft18 or aproximal cap51. Likewise,distal arm end48 is also attached to a supporting structure which can be abasket cap52 orshaft18. In one embodiment shown in FIG. 4B,basket cap52 can be a taperedcap52′ to facilitate insertion through the folds of the LES.
• Attached[0070]arms44 may form a variety of geometric shapes including, but not limited to, curved, rectangular, trapezoidal and triangular.Arms44 can have a variety of cross sectional geometries including, but not limited to, circular, rectangular and crescent-shaped. Also,arms44 are of a sufficient number (two or more), and have sufficient spring force (0.01 to 0.5 lbs. force ) so as to collectively exert adequate force onsphincter wall26 to sufficiently open and efface the folds ofsphincter16 to allow treatment with sphincter treatment apparatus10, while preventing herniation ofsphincter wall26 into the spaces53 betweenarms44. Suitable materials forarms44 include, but are not limited to, spring steel, stainless steel, superelastic shape memory metals such as nitinol or wire reinforced plastic tubing as is well known to those skilled in the art. In another embodiment,arms44 may have an external layer of texturizedmaterial45 that has sufficient friction to immobilize the area near and aroundsphincter wall26 contacted byarm44. Suitable materials for texturizedmaterial45 include knitted Dacron® and Dacron velour.
• Referring to FIG. 5A,[0071]arms44 can have an outwardly bowed shaped memory for expanding the basket assembly into engagement withsphincter wall26 with the amount of bowing, orcamber54 being selectable from a range 0 to 2 inches fromlongitudinal axis28 ofbasket assembly50. For the case of a curve-shapedarm44′, expandedarms44 are circumferentially and symmetrically spaced-apart. In various other embodiments (not shown),arms44 may be asymmetrically spaced and/or distributed on an arc less than 360°. Also,arms44 may be preshaped at time of manufacture or shaped by the physician.
• In another embodiment shown in FIG. 5B, an[0072]expandable member55, which can be a balloon, is coupled to an interior or exterior ofbasket assembly50.Balloon55 is also coupled to and inflated bylumen36 using gas or liquid.Balloon55 may be made of a textured material, or have a texturizedlayer55′ that when engaged withsphincter wall26, provides sufficient friction to at least partially immobilize the surface ofsphincter wall26. Suitable materials for texturizedlayer55′ include knitted Dacron and Dacron velour.
• Referring now to FIG. 6A,[0073]arms44 may also be solid or hollow with acontinuous lumen58 that may be coupled withshaft lumens36. These coupled lumens provide a path for the delivery of a fluid or electrode delivery member60 (also called an advancement member) fromshaft18 to any point onbasket assembly50. In various embodimentselectrode delivery member60 can be an insulated wire, an insulated guide wire, a plastic-coated stainless steel hypotube with internal wiring or a plastic catheter with internal wiring, all of which are known to those skilled in the art. As shown in FIG. 6B,arms44 may also have a partiallyopen channel62, also called atrack62, that functions as a guide track forelectrode delivery member60. Referring back to FIG. 6A,arms44 may have one ormore apertures64 at any point along their length that permit the controlled placement ofenergy delivery devices22 at or intosphincter wall26. Referring now to FIG. 7,apertures64 may have taperedsections66 or steppedsections68 in all or part of their length, that are used to control the penetration depth ofenergy delivery devices22 intosphincter wall26. Referring back to FIG. 6A,apertures64 in combination witharm lumens58 andshaft lumens36 may be used for the delivery ofcooling solution70 orelectrolytic solution72 totreatment site12 as described herein. Additionally,arms44 can also carry a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart radiopaque and or echogenic markers or traces, not shown in the drawings, formed of suitable materials to permit viewing ofbasket assembly50 via fluoroscopy or ultrasonography. Suitable radiopaque materials include platinum or gold, while suitable echogenic materials include gas filled micro-particles as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,688,490 and 5,205,287.Arms44 may also be color-coded to facilitate their identification via visual medical imaging methods and equipment, such as endoscopic methods, which are well known to those skilled in the art.
• In another embodiment of the present invention, a supporting[0074]member74 is attached to two ormore arms44. Supportingmember74, also called a strut, can be attached toarms44 along a circumference ofbasket assembly50 as shown in FIG. 8.Apertures64 can extend throughradial supporting member74 in one or more places.Radial supporting member74 serves the following functions: i) facilitates opening and effacement of the folds ofsphincter16, ii) enhances contact ofApertures64 withsphincter wall26; and, iii) reduces or prevents the tendency ofarms44 to bunch up. The cross sectional geometry of radial supportingmember74 can be rectangular or circular, though it will be appreciated that other geometries are equally suitable.
• In one embodiment shown in FIG. 9,[0075]arms44 are attached to basket cap52 that in turn, moves freely overshaft18, but is stopped distally byshaft cap78. One ormore pull wires80 are attached tobasket cap52 and also to amovable fitting82 inproximal fitting34 of sphincter treatment apparatus10. Whenpull wire80 is pulled back bymovable fitting82, thecamber54 ofbasket assembly50 increases to54′, increasing the force and the amount of contact applied bybasket assembly50 tosphincter wall26 or an adjoining structure.Basket assembly50 can also be deflected from side to side usingdeflection mechanism80. This allows the physician to remotely point and steer the basket assembly within the body. In one embodiment shown in FIG. 10,deflection mechanism84 includes asecond pull wire80′ attached toshaft cap78 and also to a movable slide86 integral toproximal fitting34.
• Turning now to a discussion of energy delivery,[0076]suitable power sources24 andenergy delivery devices22 that can be employed in one or more embodiments of the invention include: (i) a radio-frequency (RF) source coupled to an RF electrode, (ii) a coherent source of light coupled to an optical fiber, (iii) an incoherent light source coupled to an optical fiber, (iv) a heated fluid coupled to a catheter with a closed channel configured to receive the heated fluid, (v) a heated fluid coupled to a catheter with an open channel configured to receive the heated fluid, (vi) a cooled fluid coupled to a catheter with a closed channel configured to receive the cooled fluid, (vii) a cooled fluid coupled to a catheter with an open channel configured to receive the cooled fluid, (viii) a cryogenic fluid, (ix) a resistive heating source, (x) a microwave source providing energy from 915 MHz to 2.45 GHz and coupled to a microwave antenna, (xi) an ultrasound power source coupled to an ultrasound emitter, wherein the ultrasound power source produces energy in the range of 300 KHZ to 3 GHz, or (xii) a microwave source. For ease of discussion for the remainder of this application, the power source utilized is an RF source andenergy delivery device22 is one ormore RF electrodes88, also described aselectrodes88. However, all of the other herein mentioned power sources and energy delivery devices are equally applicable to sphincter treatment apparatus10.
• For the case of RF energy,[0077]RF electrode88 may operated in either bipolar or monopolar mode with a ground pad electrode. In a monopolar mode of delivering RF energy, asingle electrode88 is used in combination with an indifferent electrode patch that is applied to the body to form the other electrical contact and complete an electrical circuit. Bipolar operation is possible when two ormore electrodes88 are used.Multiple electrodes88 may be used. These electrodes may be cooled as described herein.Electrodes88 can be attached toelectrode delivery member60 by the use of soldering methods which are well known to those skilled in the art. Suitable solders include Megabond Solder supplied by the Megatrode Corporation (Milwaukee, Wis.).
• Suitable[0078]electrolytic solutions72 include saline, solutions of calcium salts, potassium salts, and the like.Electrolytic solutions72 enhance the electrical conductivity of the targeted tissue at thetreatment site12. When a highly conductive fluid such aselectrolytic solution72 is infused into tissue the electrical resistance of the infused tissue is reduced, in turn, increasing the electrical conductivity of the infused tissue. As a result, there will be little tendency fortissue surrounding electrode88 to desiccate (a condition described herein that increases the electrical resistance of tissue) resulting in a large increase in the capacity of the tissue to carry RF energy. Referring to FIG. 11, a zone of tissue which has been heavily infused with a concentratedelectrolytic solution72 can become so conductive as to actually act as anenhanced electrode88′. The effect of enhancedelectrode88′ is to increase the amount of current that can be conducted to thetreatment site12, making it possible to heat a much greater volume of tissue in a given time period.
• Also when the power source is RF,[0079]power source24, which will now be referred to asRF power source24, may have multiple channels, delivering separately modulated power to eachelectrode88. This reduces preferential heating that occurs when more energy is delivered to a zone of greater conductivity and less heating occurs aroundelectrodes88 which are placed into less conductive tissue. If the level of tissue hydration or the blood infusion rate in the tissue is uniform, a single channelRF power source24 may be used to provide power for generation oflesions14 relatively uniform in size.
• [0080]Electrodes88 can have a variety of shapes and sizes. Possible shapes include, but are not limited to, circular, rectangular, conical and pyramidal. Electrode surfaces can be smooth or textured and concave or convex. The conductive surface area ofelectrode88 can range from 0.1 mm²to 100 cm². It will be appreciated that other geometries and surface areas may be equally suitable. In one embodiment,electrodes88 can be in the shape of needles and of sufficient sharpness and length to penetrate into the smooth muscle of the esophageal wall,sphincter16 or other anatomical structure. In this embodiment shown in FIGS. 12 and 13,needle electrodes90 are attached toarms44 and have an insulatinglayer92, covering aninsulated segment94 except for an exposedsegment95. For purposes of this disclosure, an insulator or insulation layer is a barrier to either thermal, RF or electrical energy flow.Insulated segment94 is of sufficient length to extend intosphincter wall26 and minimize the transmission of RF energy to a protectedsite97 near or adjacent to insulated segment94 (see FIG. 13). Typical lengths forinsulated segment94 include, but are not limited to, 1-4 mms. Suitable materials forneedle electrodes90 include, but are not limited to,304 stainless steel and other stainless steels known to those skilled in the art. Suitable materials for insulatinglayer92 include, but are not limited to, polyimides and polyamides.
• During introduction of sphincter treatment apparatus[0081]10,basket assembly50 is in a contracted state. Once sphincter treatment apparatus10 is properly positioned at thetreatment site12,needle electrodes90 are deployed by expansion ofbasket assembly50, resulting in the protrusion ofneedle electrodes90 into the smooth muscle tissue of sphincter wall26 (refer to FIG. 14). The depth of needle penetration is selectable from a range of 0.5 to 5 mms and is accomplished by indexingmovable fitting82 so as to change thecamber54 ofarm44 in fixed increments that can be selectable in a range from 0.1 to 4 mms.Needle electrodes90 are coupled topower source24 via insulatedwire60.
• In another embodiment of sphincter treatment apparatus[0082]10 shown in FIG. 15,needle electrodes90 are advanced out ofapertures64 inbasket arms44 into the smooth muscle of the esophageal wall orother sphincter16. In this case,needle electrodes90 are coupled toRF power source24 byelectrode delivery member60. In this embodiment, the depth of needle penetration is selectable via means of steppedsections66 or taperedsections68 located inapertures64. Referring to FIG. 16,apertures64 andneedle electrodes90 are configured such that the penetration angle96 (also called an emergence angle96) ofneedle electrode90 intosphincter wall26 remains sufficiently constant during thetime needle electrode90 is being inserted intosphincter wall26, such that there is no tearing or unnecessary trauma to sphincter wall tissue. This is facilitated by the selection of the following parameters and criteria: i) theemergence angle96 ofapertures64 which can vary from 1 to 90°, ii) thearc radius98 of thecurved section100 ofaperture64 which can vary from 0.001 to 2 inch, iii) the amount of clearance between the apertureinner diameter102 and the needle electrode outsidediameter104 which can very between 0.001″ and 0.1″; and, iv) use of a lubricous coating onelectrode delivery member60 such as a Teflon® or other coatings well known to those skilled in the art. Also in this embodiment,insulated segment94 can be in the form of an sleeve that may be adjustably positioned at the exterior ofelectrode90.
• In another alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 17A ,[0083]electrode delivery member60 with attachedneedle electrodes90, can exit fromlumen36 atdistal shaft end32 and be positioned into contact withsphincter wall26. This process may be facilitated by use of a hollow guidingmember101, known to those skilled in the art as a guiding catheter, through whichelectrode delivery member60 is advanced. Guidingcatheter101 may also include steppedsections66 or taperedsections68 at it distal end to control the depth of penetration ofneedle electrode90 intosphincter wall26.
• In an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 17B,[0084]needle electrodes90 can be advanced through anaperture64′ in needle hub103 (located inside basket assembly50) and subsequently advanced throughaperture64 inarm44 and intosphincter wall26.Aperture64′ has proximal anddistal ends64″ and64′″. Alsoneedle hub103 is configured to be coupled todelivery member60 orbasket assembly50 and serves as a guiding tool to facilitate penetration ofneedle electrode90 intosphincter wall26. In one embodiment, proximal anddistal ends64″ and64′″ ofapertures64′ are located in different planes.
• RF energy flowing through tissue causes heating of the tissue due to absorption of the RF energy by the tissue and ohmic heating due to electrical resistance of the tissue. This heating can cause injury to the affected cells and can be substantial enough to cause cell death, a phenomenon also known as cell necrosis. For ease of discussion for the remainder of this application, cell injury will include all cellular effects resulting from the delivery of energy from[0085]electrode88 up to, and including, cell necrosis. Cell injury can be accomplished as a relatively simple medical procedure with local anesthesia. In one embodiment, cell injury proceeds to a depth of approximately 1-4 mms from the surface of the mucosal layer ofsphincter16 or that of an adjoining anatomical structure.
• Referring now to FIGS. 18A, 18B and[0086]18C,electrodes88 and/orapertures64 may be distributed in a variety of patterns alongexpansion device20 orbasket assembly50 in order to produce a desired placement and pattern oflesions14. Typical electrode and aperture distribution patterns include, but are not limited to, a radial distribution105 (refer to FIG. 18A) or a longitudinal distribution106 (refer to FIG. 18B). It will be appreciated that other patterns and geometries for electrode and aperture placement, such as a spiral distribution108 (refer to FIG. 18C) may also be suitable. These electrodes may be cooled as described hereafter.
• FIG. 19 is a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of the procedure for using sphincter treatment apparatus[0087]10. In this embodiment, sphincter treatment apparatus10 is first introduced into the esophagus under local anesthesia. Sphincter treatment apparatus10 can be introduced into the esophagus by itself or through a lumen in an endoscope (not shown), such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,448,990 and 5,275,608, incorporated herein by reference, or similar esophageal access device known to those skilled in the art.Basket assembly50 is expanded and can be done throughslots25 inintroducer21 as described herein. This serves to temporarily dilate the LES or sufficiently to efface a portion of or all of the folds of the LES. In an alternative embodiment, esophageal dilation and subsequent LES fold effacement can be accomplished by insufflation of the esophagus (a known technique) using gas introduced into the esophagus throughshaft lumen36, or an endoscope or similar esophageal access device as described above. Once treatment is completed,basket assembly50 is returned to its predeployed or contracted state and sphincter treatment apparatus10 is withdrawn from the esophagus. This results in the LES returning to approximately its pretreatment state and diameter. It will be appreciated that the above procedure is applicable in whole or part to the treatment of other sphincters in the body.
• The diagnostic phase of the procedure can be performed using a variety of diagnostic methods, including, but not limited to, the following: (i) visualization of the interior surface of the esophagus via an endoscope or other viewing apparatus inserted into the esophagus, (ii) visualization of the interior morphology of the esophageal wall using ultrasonography to establish a baseline for the tissue to be treated, (iii) impedance measurement to determine the electrical conductivity between the esophageal mucosal layers and sphincter treatment apparatus[0088]10 and (iv) measurement and surface mapping of the electropotential of the LES during varying time periods which may include such events as depolarization, contraction and repolarization of LES smooth muscle tissue. This latter technique is done to determinetarget treatment sites12 in the LES or adjoining anatomical structures that are acting asfoci107 orpathways109 for abnormal or inappropriate polarization and relaxation of the smooth muscle of the LES (Refer to FIG. 20).
• In the treatment phase of the procedure, the delivery of energy to[0089]treatment site12 can be conducted under feedback control, manually or by a combination of both. Feedback control (described herein) enables sphincter treatment apparatus10 to be positioned and retained in the esophagus during treatment with minimal attention by the physician.Electrodes88 can be multiplexed in order to treat the entire targetedtreatment site12 or only a portion thereof. Feedback can be included and is achieved by the use of one or more of the following methods: (i) visualization, (ii) impedance measurement, (iii) ultrasonography, (iv) temperature measurement; and, (v) sphincter contractile force measurement via manometry. The feedback mechanism permits the selected on-off switching ofdifferent electrodes88 in a desired pattern, which can be sequential from oneelectrode88 to anadjacent electrode88, or can jump around betweennon-adjacent electrodes88.Individual electrodes88 are multiplexed and volumetrically controlled by a controller.
• The area and magnitude of cell injury in the LES or[0090]sphincter16 can vary. However, it is desirable to deliver sufficient energy to the targetedtreatment site12 to be able to achieve tissue temperatures in the range of 55-95° C. and producelesions14 at depths ranging from 1-4 mms from the interior surface of the LES orsphincter wall26. Typical energies delivered to the esophageal wall include, but are not limited to, a range between 100 and 50,000 joules perelectrode88. It is also desirable to deliver sufficient energy such that the resultinglesions14 have a sufficient magnitude and area of cell injury to cause an infiltration oflesion14 byfibroblasts110,myofibroblasts112,macrophages114 and other cells involved in the tissue healing process (refer to FIG. 21). As shown in FIG. 22, these cells cause a contraction of tissue aroundlesion14, decreasing its volume and, or altering the biomechanical properties atlesion14 so as to result in a tightening of LES orsphincter16. These changes are reflected in transformedlesion14′ shown in FIG. 19B. The diameter oflesions14 can vary between 0.1 to 4 mms. It is preferable thatlesions14 are less than 4 mms in diameter in order to reduce the risk of thermal damage to the mucosal layer. In one embodiment, a 2mm diameter lesion14 centered in the wall of the smooth muscle provides a 1 mm buffer zone to prevent damage to the mucosa, submucosa and adventitia, while still allowing for cell infiltration and subsequent sphincter tightening on approximately 50% of the thickness of the wall of the smooth muscle (refer to FIG. 23).
• From a diagnostic standpoint, it is desirable to image the interior surface and wall of the LES or[0091]other sphincter16, including the size and position of createdlesions14. It is desirable to create a map of these structures which can input to a controller and used to direct the delivery of energy to the treatment site. Referring to FIG. 24, this can be accomplished through the use of ultrasonography (a known procedure) which involves the use of anultrasound power source116 coupled to one ormore ultrasound transducers118 that are positioned onexpansion device20 orbasket assembly50. An output is associated withultrasound power source116.
• Each[0092]ultrasound transducer118 can include apiezoelectric crystal120 mounted on abacking material122 that is in turn, attached toexpansion device20 orbasket assembly50. Anultrasound lens124, fabricated on an electrically insulatingmaterial126, is mounted overpiezoelectric crystal120.Piezoelectric crystal120 is connected byelectrical leads128 toultrasound power source116 Eachultrasound transducer118 transmits ultrasound energy into adjacent tissue.Ultrasound transducers118 can be in the form of an imaging probe such as Model 21362, manufactured and sold by Hewlett Packard Company, Palo Alto, Calif. In one embodiment, twoultrasound transducers118 are positioned on opposite sides ofexpansion device20 orbasket assembly50 to create an image depicting the size and position oflesion14 in selectedsphincter16.
• It is desirable that[0093]lesions14 are predominantly located in the smooth muscle layer of selectedsphincter16 at the depths ranging from 1 to 4 mms from the interior surface ofsphincter wall26. However,lesions14 can vary both in number and position withinsphincter wall26. It may be desirable to produce a pattern ofmultiple lesions14 within the sphincter smooth muscle tissue in order to obtain a selected degree of tightening of the LES orother sphincter16. Typical lesion patterns shown in FIGS.25A-D include, but are not limited to, (i) a concentric circle oflesions14 all at fixed depth in the smooth muscle layer evenly spaced along the radial axis ofsphincter16, (ii) a wavy or folded circle oflesions14 at varying depths in the smooth muscle layer evenly spaced along the radial axis ofsphincter16, (iii)lesions14 randomly distributed at varying depths in the smooth muscle, but evenly spaced in a radial direction; and, (iv) an eccentric pattern oflesions14 in one or more radial locations in the smooth muscle wall. Accordingly, the depth of RF and thermalenergy penetration sphincter16 is controlled and selectable. The selective application of energy to sphincter16 may be the even penetration of RF energy to the entire targetedtreatment site12, a portion of it, or applying different amounts of RF energy to different sites depending on the condition ofsphincter16. If desired, the area of cell injury can be substantially the same for every treatment event.
• Referring to FIG. 26, it may be desirable to cool all or a portion of the area near the electrode-[0094]tissue interface130 before, during or after the delivery of energy in order to reduce the degree and area of cell injury. Specifically, the use of cooling preserves the mucosal layers ofsphincter wall26 and protects, or otherwise reduces the degree of cell damage to cooled zone132 in the vicinity oflesion14. Referring now to FIG. 27, this can be accomplished through the use of coolingsolution70 that is delivered byapertures64 which is in fluid communication withshaft lumen36 that is, in turn, in fluid communication withfluid reservoir134 and acontrol unit136, whose operation is described herein, that controls the delivery of the fluid.
• Similarly, it may also be desirable to cool all or a portion of the[0095]electrode88. The rapid delivery of heat throughelectrode88, may result in the build up of charred biological matter on electrode88 (from contact with tissue and fluids e.g., blood) that impedes the flow of both thermal and electrical energy fromelectrode88 to adjacent tissue and causes an electrical impedance rise beyond a cutoff value set onRF power source24. A similar situation may result from the desiccation of tissue adjacent toelectrode88. Cooling of theelectrode88 can be accomplished by coolingsolution70 that is delivered byapertures64 as described previously. Referring now to FIG. 28,electrode88 may also be cooled via afluid channel138 inelectrode88 that is in fluid communication withfluid reservoir134 andcontrol unit136 .
• As shown in FIG. 29, one or[0096]more sensors140 may be positioned adjacent to or onelectrode88 for sensing the temperature of sphincter tissue attreatment site12. More specifically,sensors140 permit accurate determination of the surface temperature ofsphincter wall26 at electrode-tissue interface130. This information can be used to regulate both the delivery of energy andcooling solution70 to the interior surface ofsphincter wall26. In various embodiments,sensors140 can be positioned at any position onexpansion device20 orbasket assembly50. Suitable sensors that may be used forsensor140 include: thermocouples, fiber optics, resistive wires, thermocouple IR detectors, and the like. Suitable thermocouples forsensor140 include: T type with copper constantene, J type, E type and K types as are well known those skilled in the art.
• Temperature data from[0097]sensors140 are fed back tocontrol unit136 and through an algorithm which is stored within a microprocessor memory ofcontrol unit136. Instructions are sent to an electronically controlled micropump (not shown) to deliver fluid through the fluid lines at the appropriate flow rate and duration to provide control temperature at the electrode-tissue interface130 (refer to FIG. 27).
• The reservoir of[0098]control unit136 may have the ability to control the temperature of thecooling solution70 by either cooling the fluid or heating the fluid. Alternatively, afluid reservoir134 of sufficient size may be used in which thecooling solution70 is introduced at a temperature at or near that of the normal body temperature. Using a thermally insulatedreservoir142, adequate control of the tissue temperature may be accomplished without need of refrigeration or heating of thecooling solution70.Cooling solution70 flow is controlled bycontrol unit136 or another feedback control system (described herein) to provide temperature control at the electrode-tissue interface130.
• A second diagnostic phase may be included after the treatment is completed. This provides an indication of LES tightening treatment success, and whether or not a second phase of treatment, to all or only a portion of the esophagus, now or at some later time, should be conducted. The second diagnostic phase is accomplished through one or more of the following methods: (i) visualization, (ii) measuring impedance, (iii) ultrasonography, (iv) temperature measurement, or (v) measurement of LES tension and contractile force via manometry.[0099]
• In one embodiment, sphincter treatment apparatus[0100]10 is coupled to an open or closed loop feedback system. Referring now to FIG. 30, an open or closed loop feedback system couplessensor346 toenergy source392. In this embodiment,electrode314 is one ormore RF electrodes314.
• The temperature of the tissue, or of[0101]RF electrode314 is monitored, and the output power ofenergy source392 adjusted accordingly. The physician can, if desired, override the closed or open loop system. Amicroprocessor394 can be included and incorporated in the closed or open loop system to switch power on and off, as well as modulate the power. The closed loop system utilizesmicroprocessor394 to serve as a controller, monitor the temperature, adjust the RF power, analyze the result, refeed the result, and then modulate the power.
• With the use of[0102]sensor346 and the feedback control system a tissue adjacent toRF electrode314 can be maintained at a desired temperature for a selected period of time without causing a shut down of the power circuit to electrode314 due to the development of excessive electrical impedance atelectrode314 or adjacent tissue as is discussed herein. EachRF electrode314 is connected to resources which generate an independent output. The output maintains a selected energy atRF electrode314 for a selected length of time.
• Current delivered through[0103]RF electrode314 is measured bycurrent sensor396. Voltage is measured byvoltage sensor398. Impedance and power are then calculated at power andimpedance calculation device400. These values can then be displayed at user interface anddisplay402. Signals representative of power and impedance values are received by acontroller404.
• A control signal is generated by[0104]controller404 that is proportional to the difference between an actual measured value, and a desired value. The control signal is used by power circuits406 to adjust the power output in an appropriate amount in order to maintain the desired power delivered atrespective RF electrodes314.
• In a similar manner, temperatures detected at[0105]sensor346 provide feedback for maintaining a selected power. Temperature atsensor346 is used as a safety means to interrupt the delivery of energy when maximum pre-set temperatures are exceeded. The actual temperatures are measured attemperature measurement device408, and the temperatures are displayed at user interface anddisplay402. A control signal is generated bycontroller404 that is proportional to the difference between an actual measured temperature and a desired temperature. The control signal is used by power circuits406 to adjust the power output in an appropriate amount in order to maintain the desired temperature delivered at thesensor346. A multiplexer can be included to measure current, voltage and temperature, at thesensor346, and energy can be delivered toRF electrode314 in monopolar or bipolar fashion.
• [0106]Controller404 can be a digital or analog controller, or a computer with software. Whencontroller404 is a computer it can include a CPU coupled through a system bus. This system can include a keyboard, a disk drive, or other non-volatile memory systems, a display, and other peripherals, as are known in the art. Also coupled to the bus is a program memory and a data memory.
• User interface and[0107]display402 includes operator controls and a display.Controller404 can be coupled to imaging systems including, but not limited to, ultrasound, CT scanners, X-ray, MRI, mammographic X-ray and the like. Further, direct visualization and tactile imaging can be utilized.
• The output of[0108]current sensor396 andvoltage sensor398 are used bycontroller404 to maintain a selected power level atRF electrode314. The amount of RF energy delivered controls the amount of power. A profile of the power delivered toelectrode314 can be incorporated incontroller404 and a preset amount of energy to be delivered may also be profiled.
• Circuitry, software and feedback to[0109]controller404 result in process control, the maintenance of the selected power setting which is independent of changes in voltage or current, and is used to change the following process variables: (i) the selected power setting, (ii) the duty cycle (e.g., on-off time), (iii) bipolar or monopolar energy delivery; and, (iv) fluid delivery, including flow rate and pressure. These process variables are controlled and varied, while maintaining the desired delivery of power independent of changes in voltage or current, based on temperatures monitored atsensor346.
• Referring now to FIG. 31,[0110]current sensor396 andvoltage sensor398 are connected to the input of ananalog amplifier410.Analog amplifier410 can be a conventional differential amplifier circuit for use withsensor346. The output ofanalog amplifier410 is sequentially connected by ananalog multiplexer412 to the input of A/D converter414. The output ofanalog amplifier410 is a voltage which represents the respective sensed temperatures. Digitized amplifier output voltages are supplied byAID converter414 tomicroprocessor394.Microprocessor394 may be a type 68HCII available from Motorola. However, it will be appreciated that any suitable microprocessor or general purpose digital or analog computer can be used to calculate impedance or temperature.
• [0111]Microprocessor394 sequentially receives and stores digital representations of impedance and temperature. Each digital value received bymicroprocessor394 corresponds to different temperatures and impedances.
• Calculated power and impedance values can be indicated on user interface and[0112]display402. Alternatively, or in addition to the numerical indication of power or impedance, calculated impedance and power values can be compared bymicroprocessor394 to power and impedance limits. When the values exceed predetermined power or impedance values, a warning can be given on user interface anddisplay402, and additionally, the delivery of RF energy can be reduced, modified or interrupted. A control signal frommicroprocessor394 can modify the power level supplied byenergy source392.
• FIG. 32 illustrates a block diagram of a temperature and impedance feedback system that can be used to control the delivery of energy to[0113]tissue site416 byenergy source392 and the delivery ofcooling solution70 toelectrode314 and/ortissue site416 byflow regulator418. Energy is delivered toRF electrode314 byenergy source392, and applied totissue site416. A monitor420 ascertains tissue impedance, based on the energy delivered to tissue, and compares the measured impedance value to a set value. If the measured impedance exceeds the set value, a disablingsignal422 is transmitted toenergy source392, ceasing further delivery of energy toRF electrode314. If measured impedance is within acceptable limits, energy continues to be applied to the tissue.
• The control of cooling[0114]solution70 toelectrode314 and/ortissue site416 is done in the following manner. During the application of energy,temperature measurement device408 measures the temperature oftissue site416 and/orRF electrode314. Acomparator424 receives a signal representative of the measured temperature and compares this value to a preset signal representative of the desired temperature. If the tissue temperature is too high,comparator424 sends a signal to a flow regulator418 (connected to an electronically controlled micropump, not shown) representing a need for an increased cooling solution flow rate. If the measured temperature has not exceeded the desired temperature,comparator424 sends a signal to flowregulator418 to maintain the cooling solution flow rate at its existing level.
• The foregoing description of a preferred embodiment of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously, many modifications and variations will be apparent to practitioners skilled in this art. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the following claims and their equivalents.[0115]

Claims (41)

What is claimed is:

1. A sphincter treatment apparatus, comprising:

an energy delivery device introduction member;

a first energy delivery device coupled to the energy delivery device introduction member, the first energy delivery device having a distal portion, wherein the energy delivery device introduction member is configured to be introduced in the sphincter in a non-deployed state, and expand to a deployed state to at least partially expand the sphincter; and

a retainer member coupled to the energy delivery device introduction member and configured to controllably position the energy delivery device introduction member in an orifice of a sphincter.

2. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the retainer member retains the energy delivery device introduction member along a longitudinal axis of the sphincter.

3. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the retainer member reduces a movement of the energy delivery device introduction member in the orifice along a longitudinal axis of the sphincter.

4. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the retainer member reduces a lateral movement of the energy delivery device introduction member in the orifice along a longitudinal axis of the sphincter.

5. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the first energy delivery device distal portion is introducible into an interior of the sphincter.

6. The apparatus ofclaim 5, wherein the first energy delivery device is an electrode.

7. The apparatus ofclaim 6, wherein the electrode has a tissue piercing distal end.

8. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the energy delivery device introduction member is expandable.

9. The apparatus ofclaim 8, wherein the energy delivery device introduction member is a balloon.

10. The apparatus ofclaim 8, wherein the energy delivery device introduction member is a basket device.

11. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the retainer member is made of a polymeric material.

12. The apparatus ofclaim 11, wherein the retainer member is a catheter

13. The apparatus ofclaim 11, wherein the retainer member is an endoscope

14. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the retainer member reduces a movement of an esophagus.

15. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the retainer member has sufficient rigidity to reduce a movement of the sphincter.

16. The apparatus ofclaim 15, wherein the retainer member has sufficient rigidity to reduce a movement of an esophagus.

17. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the first energy delivery device is an RF needle electrode.

18. The apparatus ofclaim 17, wherein the retainer member has sufficient rigidity to reduce a movement of the sphincter and reduce an amount of tearing of a sphincter mucosa upon an introduction of the RF needle electrode into the sphincter.

19. The apparatus ofclaim 17, wherein the retainer member has sufficient rigidity to reduce movement of the sphincter and permit maintenance of a constant angle of penetration of the RF needle electrode through a sphincter surface.

20. The apparatus ofclaim 17, wherein the retainer member has sufficient rigidity to reduce movement of the sphincter and facilitate introduction of the RF needle electrode into the sphincter.

21. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the retainer member at least partially surrounds the energy delivery device introduction member to reduce a movement of the energy delivery device introduction member within the sphincter.

22. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the retainer member at least partially surrounds the energy delivery device introduction member and includes a slot to enhance an engagement of the energy delivery device introduction member with the sphincter.

23. The apparatus ofclaim 17, wherein the retainer member at least partially surrounds the energy delivery device introduction member and includes a slot to enhance an engagement of the energy delivery device introduction member with the sphincter and facilitate introduction of the RF needle electrode into the sphincter.

24. The apparatus ofclaim 17, wherein the retainer member at least partially surrounds the energy delivery device introduction member and includes a slot to enhance an engagement of the energy delivery device introduction member with the sphincter and reduce an amount of tearing of a sphincter mucosa upon an introduction of the RF needle electrode into the sphincter.

25. The apparatus ofclaim 17, wherein the retainer member at least partially surrounds the energy delivery device introduction member and includes a slot to enhance an engagement of the energy delivery device introduction member with the sphincter and permit maintenance of a constant angle of penetration of the RF needle electrode through a sphincter surface.

26. The apparatus ofclaim 9, wherein the balloon has a tapered tip to facilitate introduction into a sphincter.

27. The apparatus ofclaim 10, wherein the basket device has a tapered tip to facilitate introduction into a sphincter.

28. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the at least a portion of the energy delivery device introduction member is in a contacting relationship with a surface of the sphincter in the deployed configuration.

29. The apparatus ofclaim 28, wherein the energy delivery device introduction member has a texturized surface with a sufficient coefficient of friction to reduce a movement of a sphincter surface.

30. The apparatus ofclaim 28, wherein the energy delivery device introduction member has a texturized surface with a sufficient coefficient of friction to reduce a movement of an energy delivery device introduction member.

31. The apparatus ofclaim 28, wherein the energy delivery device introduction member has a texturized surface with a sufficient coefficient of friction to reduce a movement of a sphincter surface and facilitate introduction of the RF needle electrode into the sphincter.

32. The apparatus ofclaim 28, wherein the energy delivery device introduction member has a texturized surface with a sufficient coefficient of friction to reduce a movement of a sphincter surface and reduce an amount of tearing of a sphincter mucosa upon an introduction of the RF needle electrode into the sphincter.

33. The apparatus ofclaim 28, wherein the energy delivery device introduction member has a texturized surface with a sufficient coefficient of friction to reduce a movement of a sphincter surface and permit maintenance of a constant angle of penetration of the RF needle electrode through a sphincter surface.

34. The apparatus ofclaim 17, wherein the energy delivery device introduction member is a basket device and the RF electrode is coupled to an electrode delivery member having proximal and distal ends.

35. The apparatus ofclaim 34, further comprising:

a guiding tool coupled to the electrode delivery member, the guiding tool having at least one aperture with a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the RF electrode is advanced through the aperture in the guiding tool and the introduction of the RF needle electrode into the sphincter is facilitated.

36. The apparatus of35 wherein the aperture proximal end and the aperture distal end are located in a different plane.

37. The apparatus ofclaim 35, wherein the RF electrode is advanced through an aperture in the energy delivery device introduction member.

38. The apparatus ofclaim 17, wherein the energy delivery device introduction member is a basket device and the RF electrode is coupled to an electrode delivery member having proximal and distal ends.

39. The apparatus ofclaim 38, further comprising:

a guiding tool coupled to the energy delivery device, the guiding tool having at least one aperture with a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the RF electrode is advanced through the aperture in the guiding tool and the introduction of the RF needle electrode into the sphincter is facilitated.

40. The apparatus of39, wherein the aperture proximal end and the aperture distal end are located in a different plane.

41. The apparatus ofclaim 39, wherein the RF electrode is advancable through an aperture in the energy delivery device introduction member.

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