Patent ID: 6695808
Filing Date: 2004-02-24
Classification: A61B,A61M

Abstract:
An apparatus for treating a region of patient tissue, wherein the region has a surface, said apparatus comprising:(a) an accessing tool for accessing the region, said accessing tool having a distal end and a proximal end at which the accessing tool can be manipulated to place the distal end adjacent to the region; (b) a probe carried on said distal end and defining a contact surface that may be urged against said surface of the region thereby creating contact pressure; (c) a pressure transducer operatively coupled to said probe and capable of producing a measurable response to the contact pressure; (d) a monitoring device operatively connected to said pressure transducer, for determining the contact pressure; (e) an effector operatively disposed on said probe for producing a given effect on the region when said effector is activated; (f) an activator operatively connected to said effector, by which said effector can be activated; and (g) a shaft disposed proximate the distal end of the accessing tool; wherein:said pressure transducer includes (i) first and second conductors, (ii) an insulating layer adjacent the first conductor, said layer having one or more perforations therein, and (iii) a conductive elastomer disposed between the insulating layer and the second conductor and in contact with the second conductor; and the insulating layer and the conductive elastomer each (i) is mounted about the shaft, and (ii) at least partially surrounds the shaft.