Patent ID: 7967782
Filing Date: 2011-06-28
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. An apparatus comprising: a catheter having a catheter shaft and a working end, the catheter being configured to be delivered through a vein to a venous treatment site; a plurality of electrodes located at the working end of the catheter, the plurality of electrodes being configured to produce a high frequency field to cause heating of a venous tissue at the treatment site, wherein the heating of venous tissue causes a reduction in the diameter of the vein at the treatment site; and a plurality of bowable members located at the working end of the catheter capable of extending away from the catheter shaft and into apposition with the venous tissue at the venous treatment site, wherein each bowable member includes at least one electrode from the plurality of electrodes so that the electrode is in apposition with the venous tissue when the bowable members are extended, the bowable members when extended defining an effective diameter of the catheter, the plurality of bowable members having sufficient strength while extended to resist a reduction in the effective diameter of the catheter, thereby enabling a controlled reduction in the diameter of the vein such that the vein remains patent for venous function.