Methods and systems for determining physiologic characteristics for treatment of the esophagus

Abstract

A system for measuring physiologic characteristics for treating abnormal mucosa in the esophagus comprises a sizing device having an inflatable balloon on a distal end of a catheter that is inflated with an expansion medium to expand the balloon to engage the wall of the esophagus so that the internal cross-section can be calculated or measured. The sizing device may also include an infusion source for delivering the expansion medium and means for measuring the amount and pressure of the expansion medium inside the catheter. The system also comprises one or more energy delivery devices for injuring or ablating the esophageal tissue.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to medical methods and systems. More particularly, the invention is directed to methods and systems for treating and determining physiologic characteristics of body lumens such as the esophagus.

The human body has a number of internal body lumens or cavities located within, many of which have an inner lining or layer. These inner linings can be susceptible to disease. In some cases, surgical intervention can be required to remove the inner lining in order to prevent the spread of disease to otherwise healthy tissue located nearby.

Those with persistent problems or inappropriate relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter can develop a condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, manifested by classic symptoms of heartburn and regurgitation of gastric and intestinal content. The causative agent for such problems may vary. Patients with severe forms of gastroesophageal reflux disease, no matter what the cause, can sometimes develop secondary damage of the esophagus due to the interaction of gastric or intestinal contents with esophageal cells not designed to experience such interaction.

The esophagus is composed of three primary tissue layers; a superficial mucosal layer lined by squamous epithelial cells, a middle submucosal layer and a deeper muscle layer. When gastroesophageal reflux occurs, the superficial squamous epithelial cells are exposed to gastric acid, along with intestinal bile acids and enzymes. This exposure may be tolerated, but in some cases can lead to damage and alteration of the squamous cells, causing them to change into taller, specialized columnar epithelial cells. This metaplastic change of the mucosal epithelium from squamous cells to columnar cells is called Barrett's esophagus, named after the British surgeon who originally described the condition.

Barrett's esophagus has important clinical consequences, since the Barrett's columnar cells can, in some patients, become dysplastic and then progress to a certain type of deadly cancer of the esophagus. The presence of Barrett's esophagus is the main risk factor for the development of adenocarcinoma of the esophagus.

Accordingly, attention has been focused on identifying and removing this abnormal Barrett's columnar epithelium in order to mitigate more severe implications for the patient. Devices and methods for treating abnormal body tissue by application of various forms of energy to such tissue have been described, such as radio frequency ablation. However, without precise control of the depth of penetration of the energy means, these methods and devices are deficient. Uncontrolled energy application can penetrate too deeply into the esophageal wall, beyond the mucosa and submucosal layers, into the muscularis externa, potentially causing esophageal perforation, stricture or bleeding. Accordingly, proper administration of the correct amount of treatment energy to the tissue can be facilitated by knowledge of the size of the esophagus and area to be treated.

Additionally, medical procedures for treating Barrett's esophagus typically involve deployment of an expandable catheter inside the esophagus. Expandable catheters are preferred because the profile of the catheter is ideally as small as possible to allow for ease of delivery, while treatment of the esophagus is most efficiently performed when the catheter is at or slightly larger than the diameter of the esophageal wall. Proper sizing and/or pressurization of the delivery device is therefore desirable to prevent over-distension of the organ, which could result in harm to the organ, or under-expansion of the catheter, which often results in incomplete treatment. Accordingly, accurate and simple measurement of the size of the lumen and control of the pressure of the catheter on the lumen surface promotes the proper engagement and delivery of energy to the luminal wall so that a uniform and controlled depth of treatment can be administered. In addition to calculating luminal dimensions, the compliance of the lumen can be determined by measuring the cross section of the lumen at two or more pressure values.

Therefore, it would be advantageous to have methods and systems for accurately determining in vivo the size and optionally the compliance of a body lumen such as the esophagus. In addition, it would be desirable to provide a method and system for treating the body lumen once having determined its size. At least some of these objectives will be met by the present invention.

2. Description of the Background Art

U.S. Pat. No. 5,275,169 describes apparatus and methods for determining physiologic characteristics of blood vessels. The device measures the diameter and wall compliance of the blood vessel, and does not administer treatment. Additionally, the method relies on using only an incompressible fluid to inflate a balloon inside a blood vessel. Other patents of interest include U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,010,511; 6,039,701; and 6,551,310.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises methods and systems for sizing a body lumen, such as the esophagus. Methods and systems are also provided for treating the body lumen once the proper measurements have been made.

Although the following description will focus on embodiments configured for treatment of the esophagus, other embodiments may be used to treat any other suitable lumen in the body. In particular, the methods and systems of the present invention may be used whenever accurate measurement of a body lumen or uniform delivery of energy is desired to treat a controlled depth of tissue in a lumen or cavity of the body, especially where such body structures may vary in size. Therefore, the following description is provided for exemplary purposes and should not be construed to limit the scope of the invention.

In one aspect of the invention, a method for treating a body lumen at a treatment location comprises measuring a luminal dimension at the treatment location of the lumen, selecting an electrode deployment device having an array of electrodes or other electrode structure with a pre-selected deployed size which corresponds to the measured dimension, positioning the electrode deployment device at the treatment location within the lumen, deploying the electrode array to the pre-selected deployed state to engage a wall of the lumen, and delivering energy to the electrodes for treatment of the luminal tissue.

In some embodiments, measuring the luminal dimension comprises positioning a sizing member at the treatment location within the lumen, expanding the sizing member until it engages an inside wall of the lumen, and calculating the luminal dimension at the treatment location of the esophagus based on the expansion of the sizing member. Often, expanding the sizing member comprises inflating a sizing balloon by introducing an expansion medium. The expansion medium may be a compressible or non-compressible fluid. In some embodiments, the lumen dimensions are calculated by determining the amount of the expansion medium introduced to the sizing balloon while it is inflated. For example, the mass or volume of the expansion medium can be measured by use of a mass-flow meter or the like. Optionally, a pressure sensor may be coupled to the sizing balloon, so that the luminal dimension can be calculated from the measured amount of expansion medium introduced to the balloon at a given pressure. Alternatively, the sizing member may comprise a basket, plurality of struts, or calipers, or the like. The lumen may also be measured by ultrasound, optical, or fluoroscopic imaging or by use of measuring strip.

In embodiments where a sizing balloon is employed, the sizing balloon may comprise any material or configuration. In general, the sizing balloon is cylindrical and has a known length and a diameter that is greater than the diameter of the target lumen. In this configuration, the sizing balloon is non-distensible, such as a bladder having a diameter in its fully expanded form that is larger than the lumen diameter. Suitable materials for the balloon may comprise a polymer such as polyimide or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Alternatively, the balloon may comprise an elastomer or mixture of polymers and elastomers.

Once the lumen dimensions are determined, an electrode deployment device matching the measured luminal dimension may be selected from an inventory of devices having different electrode deployment sizes. In some embodiments, the electrode deployment device is transesophageally delivered to a treatment area within the esophagus. For example, delivering the device may be facilitated by advancing a catheter through the esophagus, wherein the catheter carries the electrode array and an expansion member. The expansion member may comprise any of the materials or configurations of the sizing member, such as an inflatable cylindrical balloon comprising a polymer such as polyimide or PET.

In some aspects of the invention, the array of electrodes or other electrode structure are arranged on a surface of a dimensionally stable support such as a non-distensible, electrode backing. The backing may comprise a thin, rectangular sheet of polymer materials such as polyimide, polyester or other flexible thermoplastic or thermosetting polymer film, polymer covered materials, or other nonconductive materials. The backing may also comprise an electrically insulating polymer, with an electro-conductive material, such as copper, deposited onto a surface. For example, an electrode pattern can be etched into the material to create an array of electrodes. The electrode pattern may be aligned in an axial or traverse direction across the backing, formed in a linear or non-linear parallel array or series of bipolar pairs, or other suitable pattern. In many embodiments, delivering energy comprises applying radiofrequency (RF) energy to tissue of the body lumen through the electrodes. Depending on the desired treatment effect, the electrodes may be arranged to control the depth and pattern of treatment. For treatment of esophageal tissue, the electrode widths are less than 3 mm, typically a width in the range from 0.1 mm to 3 mm, preferably 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm, and adjacent electrodes are spaced apart less than 3 mm, typically in the range from 0.1 mm to 3 mm, preferably from 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm. Alternatively, energy may be delivered by use of structures other than those having an array of electrodes. For example, the electrode structure may comprise a continuous electrode arranged in a helical pattern over the balloon.

In another method of the present invention, the measurement of the luminal dimension may be used to determine the amount of energy delivered to the tissue of the lumen. For example, a method for treating the tissue of a body lumen at a treatment location comprises measuring a luminal dimension at a location of the lumen, positioning an electrode deployment device at that location, deploying the expansion member to engage an electrode array to a wall of the lumen; and delivering sufficient energy to the electrode array for treatment of the luminal tissue based on the measured dimension of the lumen. In general, the amount of power delivered to the electrodes will vary depending on the type of treatment and the overall surface area of the luminal tissue to be treated. In some embodiments, the expansion member can variably expand to engage the wall of the lumen independent of the size of the lumen. For esophageal treatment, the expansion member may comprise a balloon that can expand to a range of diameters between 12 mm and 50 mm. Typically, the total energy density delivered to the esophageal tissue will be in the range from 1 J/cm2 to 50 J/cm2, usually being from 5 J/cm2 to 15 J/cm2. In order to effectively ablate the mucosal lining of the esophagus and allow re-growth of a normal mucosal lining without creating damage to underlying tissue structures, it is preferable to deliver the radiofrequency energy over a short time span in order to reduce the effects of thermal conduction of energy to deeper tissue layers, thereby creating a “searing” effect. It is preferable to deliver the radiofrequency energy within a time span of less than 5 seconds. An optimal time for effective treatment is less than 1 second, and preferably less than 0.5 second or 0.25 seconds. The lower bound on time may be limited by the ability of the RF power source to deliver high powers.

In one aspect of the invention, a method for measuring an internal dimension at a location in a body lumen comprises positioning a cylindrical balloon at a location within the lumen, inflating the balloon with an expansion medium to engage an inside wall of the lumen, monitoring the extent of engagement of the balloon, determining the amount of expansion medium in the balloon while inflated at the location, and calculating the internal dimension of the esophagus based on the length of the balloon and the measured amount of expansion medium inside the balloon. In some embodiments, the balloon is transesophageally delivered to a treatment area within the esophagus by advancing a catheter carrying the balloon through the esophagus. Often, the balloon is non-distensible and has a diameter that is greater than the diameter of the inside wall of the lumen. The balloon may be filled with an expansion medium that is a compressible fluid, such as air.

Monitoring the extent of engagement comprises determining the expansion of the balloon via a pressure sensor coupled to the balloon, wherein the extent of engagement is determined by the internal pressure exerted from the expansion medium as measured by the pressure sensor and by visual verification. The pressure sensor may comprise any device for determining the pressure inside a vessel, such as a strain gauge. Alternatively, the extent of may be monitored by determining the expansion of the balloon via visual inspection. In some embodiments, the balloon may be expanded to apply pressure to the inside wall of the lumen, thereby causing the lumen to stretch.

In one aspect of the invention, a method for determining wall compliance of an esophagus comprises positioning a balloon at a location within the esophagus, inflating the balloon with a compressible fluid, measuring the static pressure within the balloon, measuring the total amount of fluid within the balloon at at least two static pressure values, and calculating the wall compliance based on the variation in the amount of fluid between a first measured pressure and a second measured pressure. For esophageal treatment, the static pressure values to be used are typically below 10 psig, and preferably at or below 7 psig.

In another aspect, a system for treating tissue of a body lumen comprises a sizing member for measuring the cross section at a location of the lumen and a catheter having a set of individual treatment devices, each device comprising an electrode array adapted to treat a target location, wherein at least some of the arrays are adapted to treat locations having different sizes determined by the sizing member. In some embodiments, the sizing member comprises an inflatable, noncompliant sizing balloon that is oversized with respect to the inside wall of the lumen. The sizing balloon may be cylindrical with a diameter that is oversized with respect to the inside wall of the lumen. The sizing balloon may further be coupled to a pressure sensor for determining the internal pressure in the balloon from the introduction of the expansion medium. In addition, the system may further comprise a measuring means, such as a mass flow meter, for determining the amount of fluid in the sizing balloon.

In some embodiments, each of the individual treatment devices further include an expansion member comprising an inflatable balloon. Generally, each balloon is cylindrical and ranges in diameter from 12 mm to 50 mm when expanded. A balloon within the range is selected based on the measurement made from the sizing balloon so that when the balloon is expanded to its fully inflated shape, it properly engages the wall of the lumen. Typically, the expansion member is inflated with the same medium as the sizing balloon. Optionally, the treatment device may further include a pressure sensor as an extra precaution against over-distension of the organ.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of portions of an upper digestive tract in a human.

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of a device of the invention inserted in to an esophagus in its relaxed, collapsed state.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a device of the invention deployed in an expanded configuration in the esophagus.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a sizing device of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart of a method of the invention for sizing a luminal dimension.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart of a method of the invention for treating luminal tissue

FIG. 7 is a chart of test results performed on calculating the diameter of a vessel by measuring the volume of air used to inflate the balloon.

FIG. 8 is a chart of test results for the air mass required to achieve various pressure levels in differently sized rigid containers.

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a treatment device of the invention in a compressed configuration in the esophagus.

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a treatment device of the invention in an expanded configuration in the esophagus.

FIG. 11 is a schematic view of another embodiment of a treatment device of the invention.

FIG. 12 shows a top view and a bottom view of an electrode pattern of the device of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 shows the electrode patterns that may be used with a treatment device of the invention.

FIG. 14 shows additional electrode patterns that may be used with a treatment device of the invention.

FIG. 15 shows a flow chart of a method of the invention for determining the wall compliance of a lumen.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In various embodiments, the present invention provides methods and systems for measuring, and treating at a controlled and uniform depth, the inner lining of a lumen within a patient. It will be appreciated that the present invention is applicable to a variety of different tissue sites and organs, including but not limited to the esophagus. A treatment apparatus including a sizing member and a treatment device comprising an expandable electrode array is provided. The sizing member is first positioned at a treatment site within the lumen. Once in place, the sizing member is expanded to engage the wall of the lumen to obtain the dimensions of the lumen. The sizing member is removed, and at least a portion of the treatment device is positioned at the tissue site, where the electrode array is expanded to contact the tissue surface according to the measurements made by the sizing member. Sufficient energy is then delivered from the electrode array to impart a desired therapeutic effect, such as cell necrosis, to a discreet layer of tissue.

Certain disorders can cause the retrograde flow of gastric or intestinal contents from the stomach 12, into the esophagus 14, as shown by arrows A and B in FIG. 1. Although the causation of these problems are varied, this retrograde flow may result in secondary disorders, such as Barrett's Esophagus, which require treatment independent of and quite different from treatments appropriate for the primary disorder—such as disorders of the lower esophageal sphincter 16. Barrett's esophagus is an inflammatory disorder in which the stomach acids, bile acids and enzymes regurgitated from the stomach and duodenum enter into the lower esophagus causing damage to the esophageal mucosa. When this type of retrograde flow occurs frequently enough, damage may occur to esophageal epithelial cells 18. In some cases the damage may lead to the alteration of the squamous cells, causing them to change into taller specialized columnar epithelial cells 20. This metaplastic change of the mucosal epithelium from squamous cells to columnar cells is called Barrett's esophagus. Although some of the columnar cells may be benign, others may result in adenocarcinoma.

In one aspect, the present invention provides methods and systems for sizing the esophagus and treating columnar epithelium of selected sites of the esophagus in order to mitigate more severe implications for the patient. In many therapeutic procedures according to the present invention, the desired treatment effect is ablation of the tissue. The term “ablation” as used herein means thermal damage to the tissue causing tissue or cell necrosis. However, some therapeutic procedures may have a desired treatment effect that falls short of ablation, e.g. some level of agitation or damage that is imparted to the tissue to inure a desired change in the cellular makeup of the tissue, rather than necrosis of the tissue. With the present invention, a variety of different energy delivery devices can be utilized to create a treatment effect in a superficial layer of tissue, while preserving intact the function of deeper layers, as described hereafter.

Cell or tissue necrosis can be achieved with the use of energy, such as radiofrequency energy, at appropriate levels to accomplish ablation of mucosal or submucosal level tissue, while substantially preserving muscularis tissue. Such ablation is designed to remove the columnar growths 20 from the portions of the esophagus 14 so affected.

As illustrated in a cross-sectional view in FIG. 2, the esophagus in its collapsed, relaxed state does not form a perfect, cylindrical tube. Rather, the walls of the esophagus 14 undulate into a plurality of folds. In this state, the diameter of the esophagus is difficult to determine, especially by use of visualization techniques such as ultrasound or optical imaging. Additionally, uniform treatment of target tissue areas is also difficult because of the irregular surface contours of the esophageal wall.

In one embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 and the flow chart of FIG. 5, a method is disclosed for utilizing a sizing device to measure luminal dimensions. The sizing device 40 is first delivered to the treatment region in the body lumen, as shown at block 70. For esophageal sizing as shown in FIG. 2, the esophagus 14 will be in a relaxed or collapsed configuration during delivery of the sizing device. The sizing device 40 is in a collapsed configuration during the delivery of the device to the treatment site in the esophagus. The low profile of the collapsed sizing device 40, as shown in FIG. 2, eases the delivery of the device into the esophagus and minimizes discomfort to the patient. Once the sizing device is oriented in the proper treatment area, an expansion fluid is injected into the balloon, as shown at block 72. The balloon is inflated until it engages the inside wall of the lumen, as shown in FIG. 3. During the infusion of the expansion medium, the extent of engagement of the balloon is monitored, as well as the amount of expansion medium being injected into the balloon, as shown by block 74. Once the balloon properly engages the lumen wall (shown at block 76), the final mass or volume of expansion medium is recorded so that the internal dimension of the esophagus may be calculated, shown at blocks 78, 82. The sizing balloon is then deflated so that it can be readily removed from the treatment site, shown at block 80.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 3, 4, a device of the present invention comprises a sizing device 40 for determining the dimensions of a treatment lumen. The device 40 has an expansion member 42 that is inserted into a lumen in a collapsed configuration and expanded upon proper placement at a pre-selected treatment area. In a preferred configuration, the expansion member 42 is a cylindrical balloon with a native diameter that is oversized so that it will be larger in its fully expanded configuration than the expected diameter of the treatment lumen. The balloon 42 comprises a thin, flexible, bladder made of a material such as polymer, for example polyimide, polyurethane, PET, or the like. The balloon is attached to a catheter sleeve 44, wherein the balloon is disposed on the distal end 46 of the catheter sleeve for infusing an expansion medium into the balloon from an infusion source IS. Infusion source IS is connected to an access port 50 of a y-connector located at the proximal end 48 of the catheter sleeve 44.

Ideally, the expansion medium comprises a compressible fluid, such as air. The expansion medium may alternatively comprise an incompressible fluid, such as water, saline solution, or the like. Infusion of the expansion medium into the sizing balloon may be accomplished by a positive displacement device such as a fluid-infusion pump or calibrated syringe driven by stepper motor or by hand. Alternatively, for a compressible expansion medium, pressurized air or gas may also be used. In many embodiments, the sizing device also comprises a means for determining the amount of expansion fluid transferred to the balloon, such as a calibrated syringe. A mass or volume flow meter may be coupled to the fluid delivery source for simultaneously measuring the amount of fluid in the balloon as it is inflated.

As the expansion medium is injected into balloon 42, the balloon expands radially from its axis to engage the wall of the lumen. For esophageal treatment, the walls of the esophagus 14 unfold to form a more cylindrical shape as balloon 42 expands, as illustrated in FIG. 3. In this configuration, internal diameter D1 of the esophagus 14 is readily calculated based on the length L of the balloon and the measured amount of expansion medium inside the balloon. Balloon 42 is oversized so that the diameter D2 of the balloon when unrestrained and fully inflated is larger than the diameter of the balloon when constrained in the lumen. Although an inflatable balloon is generally preferred, the sizing member may comprise a basket, plurality of struts, calipers, or the like instrument for determining the internal diameter of a tubular member.

Tests were performed to calculate the inside diameter of a member by using volume flow measurements. Various types and sizes of tubes were tested by measuring the mass of air used to inflate an oversized bladder inside the tube. As shown in FIG. 7, the diameter of the tube can be repeatably estimated by measuring the volume of air delivered into the balloon.

In some embodiments of the invention, a pressure sensor may be coupled to the sizing device, wherein the extent of engagement is determined by the internal pressure exerted from the expansion medium as measured by the pressure sensor or visual verification. The pressure sensor may comprise any device for determining the pressure inside a vessel, such as a strain gauge. In FIG. 4, the pressure sensor PS is located at access port 52 at the proximal end of the catheter sleeve 44. Alternatively, the pressure sensor can be located inside the balloon 42. As the balloon expands to engage the wall of the lumen, the pressure in the balloon increases as a result of the constraint on the balloon from the lumen wall. Because the balloon is oversized and not at its fully extended diameter when contacting the lumen wall, the pressure in the balloon is equal to the contact force per unit area against the lumen wall. Therefore, the pressure inside the balloon is directly proportional to the contact force on the lumen wall. Furthermore, the balloon may be expanded to apply pressure to the inside wall of the lumen, thereby causing the lumen to stretch. Generally, the sizing balloon will be inflated to a pressure corresponding to the desired pressure for treatment of the lumen. For esophageal treatment, it is desirable to expand the treatment device sufficiently to occlude the vasculature of the submucosa, including the arterial, capillary, or venular vessels. The pressure to be exerted to do so should therefore be greater than the pressure exerted by such vessels, typically from 1 psig to 10 psig, and preferably from 4 psig to 7 psig.

In some embodiments, the measurement of the pressure inside the balloon may be used to monitor the extent of engagement of the balloon with the lumen wall. Alternatively, the extent of engagement may be monitored by determining the expansion of the balloon via visual inspection with use of an endoscope, or by ultrasound, optical, or fluoroscopic imaging (not shown).

Tests were performed on different sized rigid tubes to calculate the amount of mass required to inflate an oversized balloon in a constrained tube at various pressures. As shown in FIG. 8, the test results showed a predictable linear relationships between the measured inflated air mass and the tube diameter for each pressure range tested.

As shown in the flow chart of FIG. 6, a method and system of the present invention is disclosed for treating a luminal tissue. Similar to the method described in FIG. 5, a sizing device is used to calculate the internal diameter of the lumen, as shown at block 84. The measurement obtained from the sizing device is then used to select a treatment device from an array of different sized catheters, shown at block 86. The device is then inserted into the body lumen and delivered to the treatment site, as shown at block 88. An expansion fluid is then injected into the device by an infusion source like that of the sizing device as shown in block 90. Because the catheter is selected to have an outer diameter when fully expanded that appropriately distends the luminal wall, it is not necessary to monitor the expansion of the catheter. However, the pressure and fluid volume of expansion medium delivered to the treatment device can be monitored as a precautionary measure, as shown in blocks 92 and 94. With the catheter properly engaged to the luminal wall at the treatment site, energy, such as RF energy, is delivered to the catheter for treatment of the luminal tissue, as shown at block 96. Once treatment has been administered, the catheter is deflated for removal from the lumen as shown in block 98.

As illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, a treatment device 10 constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention, includes an elongated catheter sleeve 22, that is configured to be inserted into the body in any of various ways selected by the medical provider. For treatment of the esophagus, the treatment device may be placed, (i) endoscopically, e.g. through esophagus 14, (ii) surgically or (iii) by other means.

When an endoscope (not shown) is used, catheter sleeve 22 can be inserted in the lumen of the endoscope, or catheter sleeve 22 can be positioned on the outside of the endoscope. Alternately, an endoscope may be used to visualize the pathway that catheter 22 should follow during placement. As well, catheter sleeve 22 can be inserted into esophagus 14 after removal of the endoscope.

An electrode support 24 is provided and can be positioned at a distal end 26 of catheter sleeve 22 to provide appropriate energy for ablation as desired. Electrode support 24 has a plurality of electrode area segments 32 attached to the surface of the support. The electrodes 32 can be configured in an array 30 of various patterns to facilitate a specific treatment by controlling the electrode size and spacing (electrode density). In various embodiments, electrode support 24 is coupled to an energy source configured for powering the array 30 at levels appropriate to provide the selectable ablation of tissue to a predetermined depth of tissue. The energy may be delivered circumferentially about the axis of the treatment device in a single step, i.e., all at one time. Alternatively, the energy may be delivered to different circumferential and/or axial sections of the esophageal wall sequentially.

In many embodiments, the support 24 may comprise a flexible, non-distensible backing. For example, the support 24 may comprise of a thin, rectangular sheet of polymer materials such as polyimide, polyester or other flexible thermoplastic or thermosetting polymer film. The support 24 may also comprise polymer covered materials, or other nonconductive materials. Additionally, the backing may include an electrically insulating polymer, with an electro-conductive material, such as copper, deposited onto a surface so that an electrode pattern can be etched into the material to create an array of electrodes.

Electrode support 24 can be operated at a controlled distance from, or in direct contact with the wall of the tissue site. This can be achieved by coupling electrode support 24 to an expandable member 28, which has a cylindrical configuration with a known, fixed length, and a diameter sized to match at its expanded state the calculated diameter of the expanded (not collapsed) lumen. Suitable expandable members include but are not limited to a balloon, non-compliant balloon, balloon with a tapered geometry, cage, frame, basket, plurality of struts, expandable member with a furled and an unfurled state, one or more springs, foam, bladder, backing material that expands to an expanded configuration when unrestrained, and the like. For esophageal treatment, it is desirable to expand the expandable member to distend the lumen sufficiently to occlude the vasculature of the submucosa, including the arterial, capillary, or venular vessels. The pressure to be exerted to do so should therefore be greater than the pressure exerted by such vessels, typically from 1 psig to 10 psig, and preferably from 4 psig to 7 psig. Generally, the expandable member for the treatment device will be selected to match the diameter measured by the sizing device at the desired pressure. Under this configuration, full expansion of the expandable member will result in the a pressure that properly distends the luminal wall. In some embodiments, it may be desirable to employ a pressure sensor or mass flow meter (not shown) as a precautionary measure so that over-distension of the lumen does not occur.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the electrode support 24 is wrapped around the circumference of expandable member 28. In one system of the present invention, a plurality of expandable members can be provided wherein the diameter of the expandable member varies from 12 mm to 50 mm when expanded. Accordingly, the system may include a plurality of electrode supports, each sized differently corresponding to the different sized expandable members. Alternatively, the electrode support 24 may be oversized to be at least large enough to cover the circumference of the largest expandable member. In such a configuration, the electrode support overlaps itself as it is wrapped around the circumference of the expandable member, similar to the electrode support of device 100 illustrated in FIG. 11, discussed infra.

In another embodiment, expandable member 28 is utilized to deliver the ablation energy itself. An important feature of this embodiment includes the means by which the energy is transferred from distal end 26 to expandable member 28. By way of illustration, one type of energy distribution that can be utilized is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,713,942, incorporated herein by reference, in which an expandable balloon is connected to a power source, which provides radio frequency power having the desired characteristics to selectively heat the target tissue to a desired temperature. Expandable member 28 may be constructed from electrically insulating polymer, with an electro-conductive material, such as copper, deposited onto a surface so that an electrode pattern can be etched into the material to create an array of electrodes.

Electrode support 24 can deliver a variety of different types of energy including but not limited to, radio frequency, microwave, ultrasonic, resistive heating, chemical, a heatable fluid, optical including without limitation, ultraviolet, visible, infrared, collimated or non collimated, coherent or incoherent, or other light energy, and the like. It will be appreciated that the energy, including but not limited to optical, can be used in combination with one or more sensitizing agents.

The depth of treatment obtained with treatment device 10 can be controlled by the selection of appropriate treatment parameters by the user as described in the examples set forth herein. One important parameter in controlling the depth of treatment is the electrode density of the array 30. As the spacing between electrodes decreases, the depth of treatment of the affected tissue also decreases. Very close spacing of the electrodes assures that the current and resulting ohmic heating in the tissue is limited to a very shallow depth so that injury and heating of the submucosal layer are minimized. For treatment of esophageal tissue using RF energy, it may be desirable to have a width of each RF electrode to be no more than, (i) 3 mm, (ii) 2 mm, (iii) 1 mm (iv) 0.5 mm or (v) 0.3 mm (vi) 0.1 mm and the like. Accordingly, it may be desirable to have a spacing between adjacent RF electrodes to be no more than, (i) 3 mm, (ii) 2 mm, (iii) 1 mm (iv) 0.5 mm or (v) 0.3 mm (vi) 0.1 mm and the like. The plurality of electrodes can be arranged in segments, with at least a portion of the segments being multiplexed. An RF electrode between adjacent segments can be shared by each of adjacent segments when multiplexed.

The electrode patterns of the present invention may be varied depending on the length of the site to be treated, the depth of the mucosa and submucosa, in the case of the esophagus, at the site of treatment and other factors. The electrode pattern 30 may be aligned in axial or traverse direction across the electrode support 24, or formed in a linear or non-linear parallel matrix or series of bipolar pairs or monopolar electrodes. One or more different patterns may be coupled to various locations of expandable member 28. For example, an electrode array, as illustrated in FIGS. 13(a) through 13(c), may comprise a pattern of bipolar axial interlaced finger electrodes 68, six bipolar rings 62 with 2 mm separation, or monopolar rectangles 65 with 1 mm separation. Other suitable RF electrode patterns which may be used include, without limitation, those patterns shown in FIGS. 14(a) through 14(d) as 54, 56, 58 and 60, respectively. Pattern 54 is a pattern of bipolar axial interlaced finger electrodes with 0.3 mm separation. Pattern 56 includes monopolar bands with 0.3 mm separation. Pattern 60 includes bipolar rings with 0.3 mm separation. Pattern 58 is electrodes in a pattern of undulating electrodes with 0.2548 mm separation.

A probe sensor may also be used with the system of the present invention to monitor and determine the depth of ablation. In one embodiment, one or more sensors (not shown), including but not limited to thermal and the like, can be included and associated with each electrode segment 32 in order to monitor the temperature from each segment and then be used for control. The control can be by way of an open or closed loop feedback system. In another embodiment, the electroconductive member can be configured to permit transmission of microwave energy to the tissue site. Treatment apparatus 10 can also include steerable and directional control devices, a probe sensor for accurately sensing depth of ablation, and the like.

Referring to FIG. 11, one embodiment of the invention comprises an electrode deployment device 100 having an electrode support 110 furled around the outside of an inflatable balloon 116 that is mounted on a catheter sleeve 118. Support 110 has an electrode array 112 etched on its surface, and is aligned between edges 120 that intersect the taper region located at the distal and proximal ends of balloon 116. Support 110 may be attached at a first end 122 to balloon 116 with an adhesive. The second end 124 of the support is furled around the balloon, overlapping the first end 122. Alternatively, support 110 may be retained in a compressed furled state around balloon 116 by an elastic band. In such a configuration, the adhesive need not be applied to attach first end 122 to balloon 116, thus allowing for rapid placement or exchange of the appropriately sized balloon 116 to match measurements made from the sizing device 10 illustrated in FIG. 4.

FIG. 12 shows a bottom view 150 and a top view 152 of the electrode array 112 of support 110. In this embodiment, the array 112 has 20 parallel bars, 0.25 mm wide, separated by gaps of 0.3 mm. The bars on the circuit form twenty complete continuous rings around the circumference of balloon 116. Electrode array 112 can be etched from a laminate consisting of copper on both sides of a polyimide substrate. One end of each copper bar has a small plated through hole 128, which allows signals to be passed to these bars from 1 of 2 copper junction blocks 156 and 158, respectively, on the back of the laminate. One junction block 156 is connected to all of the even numbered bars, while the other junction block 158 is connected to all of the odd numbered bars.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, each junction block 156 and 158 is then wired to a bundle of AWG wires 134. The wiring is external to balloon 116, with the distal circuit wires affixed beneath the proximal circuit. Upon meeting the catheter sleeve of the device, these bundles 134 can be soldered to three litz wire bundles 136. One bundle 136 serves as a common conductor for both circuits while the other two bundles 136 are wired individually to each of the two circuits. The litz wires are encompassed with heat shrink tubing along the entire length of the catheter sleeve 118 of the device. Upon emerging from the proximal end of the catheter sleeve, each of these bundles 136 is individually insulated with heat shrink tubing before terminating to a mini connector plug 138. Under this configuration, power can be delivered to either or both of the two bundles so that treatment can be administered to a specific area along the array.

The y connector 142 at the proximal end of the catheter sleeve includes access ports for both the thru lumen 144 and the inflation lumen 146. The thru lumen spans the entire length of the balloon catheter and exits through lumen tip 148 at the distal end of balloon 116. The inflation lumen 146 is coupled to balloon 116 so that the balloon can be inflated by delivery of a liquid, gaseous solution such as air, or the like.

In some embodiments, for delivery of apparatus 100, support 110 is tightly furled about deflated balloon 116 and placed with within a sheath (not shown). During deployment, this sheath is retracted along the shaft to expose support 110. In alternative embodiments, an elastic member (not shown) may be coupled to the support 110 to keep the support furled around balloon 116 during deployment of apparatus 100.

In order to ensure good contact between the esophageal wall and electrode array 112, slight suction may be applied to the through lumen tube to reduce the air pressure in the esophagus 14 distal to balloon 116. The application of this slight suction can be simultaneously applied to the portion of the esophagus 14 proximal to balloon 116. This suction causes the portion of the esophageal wall distended by balloon 116 to be pulled against electrode arrays 112 located on balloon 116

Apparatus 100, illustrated in FIG. 11, is designed for use with the RF energy methods as set forth herein. Electrode array 112 can be activated with approximately 300 watts of radio frequency power for the length of time necessary to deliver an energy density per cm² from 1 J/cm² to 50 J/cm². To determine the appropriate level of energy, the diameter of the lumen is evaluated so that the total treatment area can be calculated. A typical treatment area will require total energy density per cm² ranging from 1 J/cm² to 50 J/cm².

In order to effectively ablate the mucosal lining of the esophagus and allow re-growth of a normal mucosal lining without creating damage to underlying tissue structures, it is preferable to deliver the radiofrequency energy over a short time span in order to reduce the effects of thermal conduction of energy to deeper tissue layers, thereby creating a “searing” effect. It is preferable to deliver the radiofrequency energy within a time span of less than 5 seconds. An optimal time for effective treatment is less than 1 second, and preferably less than 0.5 second or 0.25 seconds. The lower bound on time may be limited by the ability of the RF power source to deliver high powers. Since the electrode area and consequently the tissue treatment area can be as much as several square centimeters, RF powers of several hundred watts would be required in order to deliver the desired energy density in short periods of time. This may pose a practical limitation on the lower limit of time. However, an RF power source configured to deliver a very short, high power, pulse of energy could be utilized. Using techniques similar to those used for flash lamp sources, or other types of capacitor discharge sources, a very high power, short pulse of RF energy can be created. This would allow treatment times of a few msec. or less. While this type of approach is feasible, in practice a more conventional RF source with a power capability of several hundred watts may be preferred.

The energy source may be manually controlled by the user and is adapted to allow the user to select the appropriate treatment time and power setting to obtain a controlled depth of ablation. The energy source can be coupled to a controller (not shown), which may be a digital or analog controller for use with the energy source, including but not limited to an RF source, or a computer with software. When the computer controller is used it can include a CPU coupled through a system bus. The system may include a keyboard, a disk drive, or other non volatile memory system, a display and other peripherals known in the art. A program memory and a data memory will also be coupled to the bus.

In some embodiments of the present invention, systems and methods are disclosed for treating luminal tissue with a single treatment device that variably expands to accommodate a number of different sized lumens. Preferably, the treatment device comprises a furled electrode support that variably engages the luminal wall while keeping the electrode density constant. Such approaches are described in detail in co-pending application Ser. No. 10/754,444, published as U.S. publication no. 2005/0171524, the full disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. For example, for the treatment device 100 shown in FIG. 11, which employs a variable exposed-length electrode array 112, balloon 116 may be oversized with respect to the size of the lumen so that it can be expanded to accommodate differing luminal dimensions from patient to patient. Measurements from sizing device 10 can be used to scale as needed the desired power and energy settings to deliver the same power and energy per unit area. These changes can be made either automatically or from user input to the RF power source. If different treatment depths are desired, the geometry of electrode array 112 can be modified to create either a deeper or more superficial treatment region. Making the electrodes of array 112 more narrow and spacing the electrodes closer together reduces the treatment depth. Making the electrodes of array 112 wider, and spacing the electrodes further apart, increases the depth of the treatment region. Non-uniform widths and spacings may be exploited to achieve various treatment effects.

Referring to FIG. 15, the sizing device may be used as a method for determining the lumen diameter and wall compliance of one or more sections of the esophagus. A sizing device having an inflatable balloon like that of device 40 illustrated in FIG. 5 is inserted into the esophagus in a compressed configuration and positioned at a location within the esophagus, as shown at block 200. The balloon is then inflated with a compressible fluid so that the balloon engages the inside wall of the esophagus and distends the wall of the esophagus, shown at block 202. While the expansion medium is delivered to the balloon, the static pressure inside the balloon is monitored with a pressure sensor and the amount of expansion medium delivered to the balloon is measured, shown at block 204. The pressure may be measured at the infusion source with strain gauge or the like. Alternatively, the pressure can be measured at a location inside the balloon with a microminiature pressure transducer or the like. The amount of expansion medium delivered to the balloon may comprise a mass-flow meter or the like. Once a first target pressure (P1) inside the balloon is achieved, a corresponding first mass or volume measurement (M1) is recorded, as shown at blocks 206 and 208. The values of P1 and M1 are used to calculate the lumen diameter at pressure P1, using the relationship previously determined and shown in FIG. 8, block 200 of FIG. 15, or other equivalent means. Additional expansion medium is then delivered to the balloon, and the static pressure and the total amount of expansion medium within the balloon are monitored, shown at blocks 210 and 212. This continues until a second target pressure (P2) inside the balloon is achieved, and a corresponding second mass or volume measurement (M2) is recorded, as shown at blocks 214 and 216. Calculation of the lumen diameter at pressure P2 is performed as previously described and shown in block 220. The sizing balloon is then deflated and then removed from the esophagus as shown in block 218. Target pressure values P1 and P2 are generally set at values that cause the esophagus to distend, but not over-distend. Typical target pressure values range from 1 psig to 7 psig, preferably 4 psig to 7 psig. Wall compliance of the esophagus is then determined based on the variation in the calculated lumen diameter between a first measured pressure P1 and a second measured pressure P2, as shown in block 222.

While the exemplary embodiments have been described in some detail, by way of example and for clarity of understanding, those of skill in the art will recognize that a variety of modification, adaptations, and changes may be employed. Hence, the scope of the present invention should be limited solely by the appending claims.

Claims

1. A method for treating the esophagus at a treatment location comprising a diseased mucosal lining, the method comprising: introducing an expandable sizing member at the treatment location within the esophagus;substantially unfolding surface contours of a wall of the esophagus at the treatment location by expanding the sizing member;measuring a substantially unfolded esophageal luminal dimension at the treatment location while the sizing member retains the contours of the wall of the esophagus in a substantially unfolded condition;removing the sizing member from the patient;selecting an electrode structure with a pre-selected deployed state which corresponds to the measured esophageal luminal dimension;after removal of the sizing member and while maintaining the sizing member outside of the patient, introducing and deploying the selected electrode structure to the pre-selected deployed state to engage the substantially unfolded esophageal wall at the treatment location; anddelivering energy to an electrode of the electrode structure for treatment of a portion of the diseased mucosal lining of the esophageal tissue at the treatment location.

2. The method for treating the esophagus according to claim 1, wherein expanding the sizing member comprises inflating a sizing balloon by introducing an expansion medium.

3. The method for treating the esophagus according to claim 2, wherein the expansion medium is a compressible fluid.

4. The method for treating the esophagus according to claim 2, wherein the expansion medium is an incompressible fluid.

5. The method for treating the esophagus according to claim 1, wherein measuring comprises determining the amount of an expansion medium introduced to the sizing balloon while it is inflated.

6. The method for treating the esophagus according to claim 5, wherein determining the amount of expansion medium comprises measuring the mass of the expansion medium introduced to the sizing balloon.

7. The method for treating the esophagus according to claim 5, wherein determining the amount of expansion medium comprises measuring the volume of the expansion medium introduced to the sizing balloon.

8. The method for treating the esophagus according to claim 5, wherein determining the amount of expansion medium comprises measuring an internal pressure exerted from the expansion medium using a pressure sensor coupled to the sizing balloon.

9. The method for treating the esophagus according to claim 8, wherein calculating further comprises determining the esophageal luminal dimension based on the measured amount of expansion medium introduced to the balloon at a given pressure.

10. The method for treating the esophagus according to claim 1, wherein the selecting step comprises choosing one electrode structure from an inventory of devices having different electrode deployment sizes.

11. The method for treating the esophagus according to claim 1, wherein deploying the selected electrode structure comprises inflating a balloon configured to expand the electrode structure.

12. The method for treating the esophagus according to claim 11, wherein deploying the electrode structure comprises inflating the balloon with an expansion medium.

13. The method for treating the esophagus according to claim 12, wherein deploying the selected electrode structure further comprises controlling inflation of the balloon to a pressure no greater than 7 psig by sensing pressure using a pressure sensor.

14. The method for treating the esophagus according to claim 13, wherein the balloon is inflated to a pressure between 4 psig and 7 psig.

15. The method for treating the esophagus according to claim 1, wherein the selected electrode structure comprises an array of electrodes.

16. The method for treating the esophagus according to claim 15, wherein delivering energy comprises applying radiofrequency energy to tissue of the esophagus through the array of electrodes, wherein the array of electrodes comprises a multiplicity of parallel bipolar electrode pairs having a width in the range from 0.1 mm to 3 mm, and are spaced-apart by a distance in the range from 0.1 mm to 3 mm.

17. A method for treating the tissue of an esophagus at a treatment location proximal to the lower esophageal sphincter, the method comprising: introducing an expandable sizing member at the treatment location within the esophagus and proximal to the lower esophageal sphincter;substantially unfolding surface contours of a wall of the esophagus at the treatment location by expanding the sizing member;measuring a substantially unfolded esophageal luminal diameter at the treatment location;positioning an electrode deployment device at the treatment location within the esophagus and proximal to the lower esophageal sphincter, wherein the electrode deployment device has an electrode structure coupled to an expansion member;deploying the expansion member to a size based on information obtained during the measuring step so as to engage the electrode structure against a wall of the esophagus; anddelivering sufficient energy to the electrode structure for treatment of a diseased esophageal tissue based on the unfolded esophageal luminal diameter at the treatment location.

18. The method for treating the esophagus according to claim 17, wherein expanding the sizing member comprises inflating a sizing balloon by introducing an expansion medium.

19. The method for treating the esophagus according to claim 18, wherein the expansion medium is a compressible fluid.

20. The method for treating the esophagus according to claim 18, wherein the expansion medium is an incompressible fluid.

21. The method for treating the esophagus according to claim 17, wherein measuring comprises determining the amount of the expansion medium introduced to a sizing balloon while it is inflated.

22. The method for treating the esophagus according to claim 21, wherein determining the amount of expansion medium comprises measuring the mass of the expansion medium introduced to the sizing balloon.

23. The method for treating the esophagus according to claim 21, wherein determining the amount of expansion medium comprises measuring the volume of the expansion medium introduced to the sizing balloon.

24. The method for treating the esophagus according to claim 21, wherein determining the amount of expansion medium comprises measuring an internal pressure exerted from the expansion medium using a pressure sensor coupled to the sizing balloon.

25. The method for treating the esophagus according to claim 24, wherein calculating further comprises determining the esophageal wall diameter based on the measured amount of expansion medium inside the balloon at a given pressure.

26. The method for treating the esophagus according to claim 17, wherein deploying the expansion member of the electrode deployment device comprises inflating the expansion member, wherein the expansion member comprises a balloon configured to expand to a range of diameters between 12 mm and 50 mm.

27. The method for treating the esophagus according to claim 26, wherein deploying the expansion member comprises inflating the balloon with an expansion medium.

28. The method for treating the esophagus according to claim 27, wherein inflating the expansion member comprises inflating the balloon to a pressure no greater than 10 psig.

29. The method for treating the esophagus according to claim 28, wherein the balloon is inflated to a pressure between 4 psig and 7 psig.

30. The method for treating the esophagus according to claim 17, wherein delivering energy comprises applying radiofrequency energy to tissue of the body lumen through electrodes of the electrode structure, wherein the electrodes comprise a multiplicity of parallel bipolar electrode pairs having a width in the range from 0.1 mm to 3 mm, and are spaced-apart by a distance in the range from 0.1 mm to 3 mm.

31. The method for treating the esophagus according to claim 17, the delivery step further comprising: delivering an energy density in the range from 1 joules/cm2 to 50 joules/cm2 to the diseased esophageal tissue.

32. The method for treating the esophagus according to claim 17, wherein the delivery step is completed in less than 0.5 seconds.