Adel M Medhkour

6493589, Dec 10, 2002

Aug 10, 2000

09/636573

Adel M. Medhkour - Brooklyn Park MN
Michael F. Hoey - Shoreview MN
Peter M. J. Mulier - Stillwater MN

Medtronic, Inc. - Minneapolis MN

A61N 106

607 99, 607105, 607113, 606 41, 604114

Apparatuses and methods are disclosed for introducing a conductive fluid and delivering an electrical current to the fluid at a target site in a body lumen. The electrical current is delivered to the site by a conductive electrode through the conductive fluid, causing the tissues in the lumen walls, or peripheral to the lumen walls, to heat and contract. Application of the current can be discontinued when the lumen wall has contracted or been reduced to the desired extent, which will often be complete occlusion. Alternatively, the current can be applied until tissues peripheral to the lumen are effected.

6539265, Mar 25, 2003

May 3, 2001

09/848487

Adel M. Medhkour - Brooklyn Park MN
Michael F. Hoey - Shoreview MN
Peter M. J. Mulier - Stillwater MN

Medtronic, Inc. - Minneapolis MN

A61N 106

607 99, 607105, 607113, 606 41, 604114

The present invention provides an apparatus method for performing rf intraluminal reduction and/or occlusion with a virtual electrode. An apparatus in accord with the present invention includes a catheter and a guide wire. The guide wire includes a conductive core having a proximal end electrically connected to a generator of rf current and an exposed distal end. An insulative material having disposed therein at least one microlumen for providing a conductive fluid to a target site within the lumen encases the guide wire.

63275058, Dec 4, 2001

May 4, 1999

9/304681

Adel M. Medhkour - Brooklyn Park MN
Michael F. Hoey - Shoreview MN
Peter M. J. Mulier - Stillwater MN

Medtronic, Inc. - Minneapolis MN

A61N 106
A61N 118

607 99

The present invention provides an apparatus and method for performing rf intraluminal reduction and/or occlusion with a virtual electrode. An apparatus in accord with the present invention includes a catheter and a guide wire. The guide wire includes a conductive core having a proximal end electrically connected to a generator of rf current and an exposed distal end. An insulative material having disposed therein at least one microlumen for providing a conductive fluid to a target site within the lumen encases the guide wire. In a method in accord with the present invention, an rf conductive fluid is introduced at the target site in a body lumen. Radio frequency current is applied to the site by a conductive electrode through the conductive fluid, causing the connective tissues in the lumen walls to heat and contract. Application of the rf current is discontinued when the lumen wall has contracted or been reduced to the desired extent, which will often be complete occlusion.