Patent ID: 6952615
Filing Date: 2005-10-04
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A radio-frequency thermal balloon catheter, comprising: a catheter comprising an outer shaft and an inner shaft extending through said outer shaft so as to be slidable relative to said outer shaft; an inflatable balloon capable of being inflated so as to be in contact with a target lesion, said balloon being provided between a front end part of said outer shaft and a front end part of said inner shaft; a counter electrode and a radio-frequency electrode to be used for supplying radio-frequency energy in combination with said counter electrode; a lead wire electrically connected to said radio-frequency electrode; a temperature sensor capable of sensing temperature of a liquid in said balloon; a turning front sleeve on said front end part of said inner shaft operable to turn about an axis of said catheter; a turning rear sleeve on said front end part of said outer shaft operable to turn about the axis of said catheter; a turning base sleeve holding said lead wire such that radio-frequency energy can be supplied to said lead wire and so that said lead wire can be turned; wherein said radio-frequency electrode includes a plurality of electrode lines between said turning front sleeve and said turning rear sleeve; and a stirring device comprising a rotational drive operable to turn said radio-frequency electrode, said turning front sleeve, said turning rear sleeve, said lead wire and said turning base, whereby a temperature distribution of liquid in said balloon can be uniformized.