Patent ID: 6179832
Filing Date: 2001-01-30
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
Apparatus for applying energy to a hollow anatomical structure comprising:a catheter having a shaft with a working end at which energy is applied to the structure;a first plurality of expandable arms mounted to the working end of the catheter at a first location, each arm having an electrode;a second plurality of expandable arms mounted to the working end of the catheter at a second location that is separate from and longitudinally spaced apart from the first location at which the first plurality is mounted, the second plurality being configured to expand independently from the first plurality, each arm having an electrode;wherein each arm has a blunt distal end;wherein the arms of the first and second pluralities each have an expanded position at which the electrode is located outward from the catheter shaft and a contracted position at which the electrode is located nearer the shaft; anda deployment device mounted to the catheter, the deployment device having a first position at which selected electrodes are in the contracted position and a second position at which the electrodes are in the expanded position.