Patent ID: 6015405
Filing Date: 2000-01-18
Classification: A61B,A61N

Abstract:
Apparatus for forming holes of a predetermined depth and diameter dimension in selected tissue comprising:(a) an elongated catheter having a proximal end a distal end and a lumen extending therebetween;(b) a compression spring having first and second ends, the spring being of a predetermined length dimension when uncompressed with the first end being affixed proximate the distal end of the catheter and with the spring extending longitudinally therefrom; and(c) a tissue ablating device operatively coupled to the second end of said compression spring such that upon actuation, said spring expands linearly to provide longitudal displacement of said tissue ablating device, and adapted to be pressed against said selected tissue with sufficient force to compress said spring with subsequent energization of the tissue ablating device ablating tissue distal to the tissue ablating device and allowing the spring to expand to its uncompressed length dimension.