The present disclosure generally relates to ablation devices for attachment to an endoscope, and more particularly, to ablation devices, with a pivoting electrode, for attachment to an endoscope.
Endoscopic devices and procedures may be used to diagnose, monitor and treat various conditions by close examination of the internal organs. By way of background, a conventional endoscope generally is an instrument having an imaging device for visualizing the interior of an internal region of a body and a lumen for inserting one or more treatment devices therethrough. A wide range of applications have been developed for the general field of endoscopes including by way of non-limiting example the following: arthroscope, angioscope, bronchoscope, choledochoscope, colonoscope, cytoscope, duodenoscope, enteroscope, esophagogastro-duodenoscope (gastroscope), laparoscope, laryngoscope, nasopharyngo-neproscope, sigmoidoscope, thoracoscope, and utererscope (individually and collectively, “endoscope”).
By way of non-limiting example, millions of people suffer from progressive gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which is characterized by frequent episodes of heartburn, typically on at least a daily basis. Without adequate treatment, GERD can cause erosion of the esophageal lining as the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a segment of smooth muscle located at the junction of the stomach and the esophagus, gradually loses its ability to function as the barrier that prevents stomach acid reflux. Chronic GERD can also cause metaplasia to the inner lining of the esophagus where the normal squamous mucosa changes to columnar mucosa, also known as Barrett’s esophagus. Barrett’s esophagus can progress to esophageal cancer if left untreated.
Endoscopic treatment of Barrett’s esophagus includes endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR). One method of performing EMR involves ablation of the mucosal surface by heating the surface until the surface layer is no longer viable. The dead tissue is then removed. Treatment devices for performing EMR have been developed using bipolar ablation technology that includes attaching an ablation cap to the distal end of an endoscope, then positioning a probe associated with the cap against the target tissue and delivering energy to the tissue to ablate the tissue in contact with the probe. In some devices, as a safety precaution, if the probe does not make sufficient contact with tissue to be ablated, the probe may not be energized.
Treatment with such devices is not limited to the esophagus. Rather, target sites for ablation may include tissue within the stomach, lower colon, small intestine, and rectum, among other locations. Such tissues may not be substantially flat, and may be formed just inside the entry to an organ. Due to anatomical geometry at such locations, and/or the tortous path leading to target sites in such locations, rigid electrode platforms and drive catheters may prevent a probe from making the desired contact with the tissue to be ablated, thereby preventing optimal treatment. Moreover, if adequate contact with tissue is not obtainable, such probe may not be energized.
By way of example, a target tissue site formed in the wall of the stomach may be curved, whether concave or convex, and may be located just beyond the cardia, for example, in a region of the fundus. A rigid electrode platform and drive catheter entering the stomach through the esophagus may not be positionable to reach the target tissue and/or make the desired contact for purposes of ablation. By way of further example, a target tissue site formed in the colon or small intestine may be formed on or just beyond a sharp bend in those organs, making delivery and sufficient contact of a probe with a rigid electrode platform and drive catheter particularly challenging, if not impossible.
What is needed in the art is an ablation treatment device that is simple to use, that is coupled to the endoscope, that minimizes the number of steps and time required for a treatment procedure, and that provides improved treatment of target tissue sites formed in challenging locations.
The present embodiments provide systems and methods suitable for ablation treatment using an endoscope, while i) maintaining suitable visibility of the target treatment site and surrounding environment, and ii) providing increased flexibility and maneuverability of an ablation device.
In one aspect, an ablation cap includes a body having a lumen for receiving a distal end of an endoscope, the body having a central axis extending therethrough, and, at least one guide for receiving at least one lateral extension of an electrode platform, wherein at least a portion of the at least one guide extends at an angle relative to the central axis of the body.
In some embodiments, the angle relative to the central axis of the body may be between 30 degrees and 60 degrees. Alternatively, the angle relative to the central axis of the body may be less than 30 degrees.
In some embodiments, the at least one guide may include a proximal portion parallel to the central axis of the body. In some embodiments, the at least one guide may include a distal portion angled relative to the central axis of the body.
In some embodiments, the ablation cap may further include a cover portion extending from a side of the body, the cover portion defining a recess between the cover portion and the body. The at least one guide may extend along at least a portion of the cover portion within the recess.
In some embodiments, the body may include an angled portion formed at an angle relative to the central axis of the body. The at least one guide may extend along the angled portion.
In some embodiments, the at least one guide includes a first portion extending at a first angle relative to the central axis of the body and a second portion extending at a second angle relative to the central axis of the body, the second angle being different than the first angle.
In some embodiments, the at least one guide is a channel. Alternatively, the at least one guide may be a rail.
In some embodiments, the at least one guide may include a first guide and a second guide, the first guide and the second guide being parallel.
In some embodiments, the body may be tubular.
The ablation device may include any one or more of the features above.
In another embodiment, an ablation device includes a body having a lumen for receiving a distal end of an endoscope, the body having a central axis extending therethrough, a cover portion extending from a side of the body, the cover portion defining a recess between the cover portion and the body, and an electrode platform having at least one lateral extension, the electrode platform movable between a covered position, where the electrode platform is covered by the cover portion, and an exposed position, where the electrode platform is not covered by the cover portion. At least one guide receives the at least one lateral extension of the electrode platform, wherein a portion of the at least one guide extends at an angle relative to the central axis of the tubular body.
In some embodiments, the at least one extension of the electrode platform is slidable within the at least one guide. The at least one lateral extension may include a hook for engaging the at least one guide. Alternatively, the at least one lateral extension may include a wheel for engaging the at least one guide. Or, the at least one lateral extension may include a mechanical bearing for engaging the at least one guide.
In some embodiment, the ablation device includes at least one electrode formed on the electrode platform. The ablation device may further include a drive catheter extending proximally from the electrode platform. The electrode platform may be pivotable relative to the drive catheter.
In some embodiments, the angle relative to the central axis of the body may be between 30 degrees and 60 degrees. Or, the angle relative to the central axis of the body may be less than 30 degrees.
In some embodiments, the at least one guide may include a proximal portion parallel to the central axis of the body. The at least one guide may include a distal portion angled relative to the central axis of the body. The at least one guide may extend along at least a portion of the cover portion within the recess.
In some embodiments, the body includes an angled portion formed at an angle relative to the central axis of the body. The at least one guide may extend along the angled portion.
In some embodiments, the at least one guide includes a first portion extending at a first angle relative to the central axis of the body and a second portion extending at a second angle relative to the central axis of the body, the second angle being different than the first angle.
In some embodiments, the at least one guide may be a channel. Alternatively, the at least one guide may be a rail. The at least one guide may include a first guide and a second guide, the first guide and the second guide being parallel.
In some embodiments, the body may tubular.
The ablation device may include any one or more of the features listed above.
In another embodiment, a user interface of an ablation device includes a slot having a proximal end and a distal end, a trigger disposed in the slot, the trigger at least partially extending through the slot, and being movable between the proximal end and the distal end, and a drive catheter operatively coupled to the trigger, the drive catheter extending distally from the user interface and operatively coupled to an electrode platform. The slot may have a first portion and a second portion distal of the first portion, wherein when the trigger is in the first portion, the electrode platform is in a first orientation, and, wherein when the trigger is in the second portion, the electrode platform is in a second orientation, the second orientation being angled relative to the first orientation.
In some embodiments, the first portion and the second portion may be separated by a resistance mechanism configured to resist the movement of the trigger from the first portion to the second portion.
In some embodiments, the user interface further includes a third portion proximal the first portion, wherein the third portion and the first portion are separated by a resistance mechanism configured to resist the movement of the trigger from the third portion to the first portion.
The user interface may have any one or more of the features listed above. Additionally, the user interface may be used with any of the ablation devices described above.
In yet another embodiment, an ablation device system includes an endoscope having an imaging device for capturing images at a distal end of the endoscope, one or more lumens extending through at least a portion of the endoscope between a proximal end of the endoscope and the distal end, and, an ablation device according to any of the ablation devices described above. The ablation device system may further include a user interface as described above.
Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the described embodiments will be, or will become, apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be within the scope of the disclosure, and be encompassed by the following claims.
The embodiments can be better understood with reference to the following drawings and description. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the disclosure. Moreover, in the figures, like referenced numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.
In the present application, the term “proximal” refers to a direction that is generally towards a physician during a medical procedure, while the term “distal” refers to a direction that is generally towards a target site within a patient’s anatomy during a medical procedure. As used herein to describe example embodiments, the term “fluid” may refer to a gas or a liquid.
The distal portion 18 of the ablation cap 10 may extend beyond the distal end 20 of the endoscope 22. The distal portion 18 may be cylindrical. In some embodiments, the distal portion 18 may be formed from a material having sufficient transparency so that the operator using an imaging device 100 of the endoscope 22 may observe a portion of the tissue to be treated by viewing the tissue through a wall 24 of the distal portion 18 of the ablation cap 10. The distal portion 18 may also include a portion that is formed from a material for magnifying the tissue under observation.
The cap 10 may further include a hood or a cover portion 29 that includes a recess 30 formed as part of the ablation cap 10. The cover portion 29 may be integrally formed with the cap 10 or provided as a separate portion and connected to the cap 10. The cover portion 29 is at least partially spaced apart from the tubular body to form the recess 30. The recess 30 may be sized and shaped to hold an extendable electrode platform 34 within the recess 30 in a covered position, as shown in
In some embodiments, a distal end 36 of the electrode platform 34 is extended less than the extension as shown in
In some embodiments, at least a portion of the electrode platform 34 may be viewable through the endoscope. The electrode platform 34 may move into and out of the view of the endoscope, for example, when the electrode platform 34 has been extended a certain percent relative to the cap 10, the electrode platform 34 may be viewed through the endoscope. By way of non-limiting example, the electrode platform 34 may be viewed when 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 100% or other amount has been extended distally from the retracted position of
A cross-sectional side view of the ablation cap 10 is shown in
As shown in
In some embodiments, the electrode platform 34 may include a support member 62 upon which one or more electrodes 64 are positioned.
Electrical wires 72 may extend through a lumen 74 of the drive catheter 42 as shown in
As shown in
The electrodes 64 are operably connected to an energy source (not shown). In some embodiments, the energy source may be a radio frequency source. However, other types of energy sources may also be used to provide energy to the electrodes. By way of non-limiting example, additional possible energy sources may include microwave, ultraviolet, cryogenic and laser energies.
In some embodiments, the ablation cap may be made primarily of a substantially transparent or translucent polymer such as polytetrafluorothylene (PTFE). Additional possible materials include, but are not limited to the following, polyethylene ether ketone (PEEK), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), perfluoroalkoxy polymer resin (PFA), polyamide, polyurethane, high density or low density polyethylene, and nylon. In some embodiments, the ablation cap may be formed from a lubricious material such as PTFE and the like for easy slidability within the patient’s lumen for delivery to the treatment site. In some embodiments, the ablation cap or a portion thereof may be formed from magnifying or other image enhancing materials. The ablation cap or a portion thereof may also be coated or impregnated with other compounds and materials to achieve the desired properties. Exemplary coatings or additives include, but are not limited to, parylene, glass fillers, silicone hydrogel polymers and hydrophilic coatings.
Similar to prior embodiments,
The distal portion 218 of the ablation cap 210 may extend beyond the distal end 20 of the endoscope 22. The distal portion 218 may form a generally cylindrical wall. However, unlike the ablation cap 10, in the distal portion 218 of the ablation cap 210, the tubular body 212 forms an angled portion 219, providing for movement of an electrode platform in a direction of or toward the angled portion 219. In some embodiments, the distal portion 218 may be formed from a material having sufficient transparency so that the operator using an imaging device 100 of the endoscope 22 may observe a portion of nearby tissue to be treated by viewing the tissue through a wall of the distal portion 218 of the ablation cap 210. The distal portion 218 may also include a portion that is formed from a material for magnifying the tissue under observation.
The cap 210 may further include a hood or a cover portion 229 that includes a recess 230 formed as part of the ablation cap 210. The cover portion 229 may be integrally formed with the cap 210 or provided as a separate portion and connected to the cap 210. The cover portion 229 is at least partially spaced apart from the tubular body to form the recess 230. The recess 230 may be sized and shaped to hold an extendable electrode platform 234 within the recess 230 in a covered position, as shown in
In some embodiments, at least a portion of the electrode platform 234 may be viewable through the endoscope. The electrode platform 234 may move into and out of the view of the endoscope, for example, when the electrode platform 234 has been extended a certain percent relative to the cap f210, the electrode platform 234 may be viewed through the endoscope. By way of non-limiting example, the electrode platform 234 may be viewed when 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 100% or other amount has been extended distally from the retracted position of
As shown in
The drive catheter 242 is distally movable to extend the electrode platform 234 from the recess 230 of the cover portion 229 and proximally movable to re-position the electrode platform 234 within the recess 230. Typically, the electrode platform 234 is positioned within the recess 230 of the cover portion 229 when the ablation cap 210 is being delivered to a treatment site or being repositioned within a patient’s lumen for additional treatment at one or more additional sites. Positioning of the electrode platform 234 within the recess 230 also helps to prevent accidental energy delivery, for example to healthy tissue. The electrode platform 234 is at least partially distally extended from the recess 230 of the cover portion 229 for treatment at a site, and energy is delivered to the tissue to ablate the diseased tissue as described in more detail below.
The electrode platform 234 may include a support member upon which one or more electrodes 264 are positioned. The electrode platform 234, and the one or more electrodes 264, may be constructed and formed in the same manner as the electrode platform 34, and the electrodes 64, described above. Electrical wires 272 may extend through a lumen of the drive catheter 242 and connect to the electrodes 264 to supply the energy for ablation. Alternatively, the electrical wires 272 may extend through a lumen of the endoscope 22 .
In some embodiments, as described below, the electrode platform may include one or more lateral extensions 280 configured to slidably engage one or more guides 282 formed on the ablation cap 210. The lateral extensions may be formed, for example, as wings (as shown), or as cylindrical rods. Notably, when the lateral extensions 280 are formed as cylindrical rods, the lateral extensions 280 and electrode platform 234 may rotate or pivot within the slot, about a central axis of the rods.
The ablation cap 210 differs from the ablation cap 10 in that it includes at least one guide 282 formed in the hood or cover portion 229, and at least along a portion of the angled portion 219 of the tubular body 212. In some embodiments, as shown, the ablation cap 210 includes two opposing guides 282. The guides 282 may be formed as a channel, or a slot, formed in the cover portion 229, and/or along the angled portion 219, and are configured to receive the lateral extensions 280 of the electrode platform 282 in a sliding engagement. Notably, because the lateral extensions 280 are received within the guides 282, the lateral extensions 280 are not exposed to tissue, thereby preventing an end or a portion of the lateral extensions 280 from catching onto any tissue, which could cause perforation of the tissue, when the electrode platform 234 and lateral extensions 280, pivot in and/or slide along the guides 282. In other embodiments, the guides 282 may be formed as a rail on which the lateral extensions are slidably mounted, for example, with a hook structure, a wheel, or other mechanical bearing.
The guides 282 may form multiple portions. For example, in a first portion formed within the hood or cover portion 229, the guides 282 may extend in the proximal-distal direction, generally parallel to a central axis of the tubular body 212. In a second portion formed along the angled portion 219, the guides 282 may extend at an angle relative to the central axis of the tubular body 212 and/or the direction of the guides 282 formed in the cover portion 229. In some embodiments, the guides 282 may transition from the first portion, extending in the proximal-distal direction, to the second portion, formed along the angled 219, via a curved portion 284. The curved portion may be configured to enable the lateral extensions 280 to slide within the guides 282 from the first portion to the second portion. In some embodiments, the guides 282 may extend along the angled portion 219 at an angle of 45 degrees relative to the central axis of the tubular body 212. In other embodiments, the guides 282 may extend along the angled portion 219 at an angle of 30 to 60 degrees relative to the central axis of the tubular body 212. In other embodiments, the guides 282 may extend along the angled portion 219 at an angle of less than 30 degrees relative to the central axis of the tubular body 212.
In this way, as the electrode platform 234 is advanced via the drive catheter 242 distally from a retracted position, shown in
In yet other embodiments, the guides 282 may extend along the angled portion 219 at multiple different angles relative to the central axis of the tubular body 212. For example, the guides 282 may include a first portion formed within the hood or cover portion 229, a second portion extending along the angled portion 219 at an angle of 30 degrees relative to the central axis of the tubular body 212, and a third portion, distal of the second portion, extending along the angled portion 219 at an angle of 45 degrees relative to the central axis of the tubular body 212. In yet other embodiments, the guides 282 may extend along the angled portion 219 through a range of gradually increasing angles relative to the central axis of the tubular body 212 to form a curved portion, where advancing the lateral extensions 280 distally through the curved portion of the guides 282 gradually increases the angle of the electrode platform 234 relative to the central axis of the tubular body 212.
As described above, the ablation cap 210 and rotatable or pivotable electrode platform 234 provide a clinician with an ablation device having increased flexibility and maneuverability, thereby enabling a wider range of permissible treatment sites and applications, as compared to ablation devices having a rigid electrode platform and drive catheter. And, as with existing ablation devices, the ablation cap 210 may be attached to the distal end of an endoscope, permitting endoscopic visualization of the target tissue and ablation treatment, while providing the increased functionality described herein.
In some embodiments, the electrode platform 234 and drive catheter 242 may be coupled to a proximal control handle, or user interface. For example,
In some embodiments, the slot 290 may comprise a plurality of regions. For example, a first region 292 may be defined as a fully-retracted position, where the electrode platform 234 is fully retracted within the hood or cover portion 229 of the ablation cap 210, as illustrated in
In some embodiments, the slot 290 may have one or more locking and/or resistance mechanisms disposed therein to provide a user with tactile feedback and/or resist movement of the trigger 288 within the slot 290. Suitable locking or resistance mechanisms may include protrusions, detents, frictional zones, narrowed slot width, or other suitable means. For example, a resistance mechanism may be associated with a proximal end of the first region 292, corresponding to the fully retracted position of the electrode platform 234, illustrated in
Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as illustrative forms of implementing the claims.
One skilled in the art will realize that a virtually unlimited number of variations to the above descriptions are possible, and that the examples and the accompanying figures are merely to illustrate one or more examples of implementations.
It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various other modifications can be made, and equivalents can be substituted, without departing from claimed subject matter. Additionally, many modifications can be made to adapt a particular situation to the teachings of claimed subject matter without departing from the central concept described herein. Therefore, it is intended that claimed subject matter not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but that such claimed subject matter can also include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims, and equivalents thereof.
In the detailed description above, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of claimed subject matter. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that claimed subject matter can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, methods, devices, or systems that would be known by one of ordinary skill have not been described in detail so as not to obscure claimed subject matter.
Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” can mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with a particular embodiment can be included in at least one embodiment of claimed subject matter. Thus, appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” or “an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily intended to refer to the same embodiment or to any one particular embodiment described. Furthermore, it is to be understood that particular features, structures, or characteristics described can be combined in various ways in one or more embodiments. In general, of course, these and other issues can vary with the particular context of usage. Therefore, the particular context of the description or the usage of these terms can provide helpful guidance regarding inferences to be drawn for that context.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/281,965, filed on Nov. 22, 2021, pending, the entirety of which is herein incorporated by reference.
Number | Date | Country | |
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63281965 | Nov 2021 | US |