US 12,329,445 B2
RF ablation systems and methods using an integrated cannula and electrode
Kathryn Rose Marusich, Eden Prairie, MN (US); and Kevin Peng Wang, Fremont, CA (US)
Assigned to Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation, Valencia, CA (US)
Filed by Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation, Valencia, CA (US)
Filed on Dec. 16, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/553,555.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/131,260, filed on Dec. 28, 2020.
Prior Publication US 2022/0202485 A1, Jun. 30, 2022
Int. Cl. A61B 18/14 (2006.01); A61B 18/00 (2006.01); A61B 18/12 (2006.01)
CPC A61B 18/1492 (2013.01) [A61B 18/1206 (2013.01); A61B 2018/00083 (2013.01); A61B 2018/00172 (2013.01); A61B 2018/00577 (2013.01); A61B 2018/00946 (2013.01); A61B 2018/00952 (2013.01); A61B 2218/002 (2013.01)] 17 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An integrated cannula/RF electrode for an RF ablation system, the integrated cannula/RF electrode comprising:
a cannula comprising a cannula hub and a shaft extending from the cannula hub, wherein the shaft comprises a distal portion;
an RF electrode comprising a distal portion, wherein at least a portion of the RF electrode is permanently disposed within the cannula; and
a deployment mechanism coupled to the RF electrode and either coupled to the cannula hub or extending from the cannula hub, wherein the deployment mechanism comprises an actuator coupled to the RF electrode and is configured to extend the distal portion of the RF electrode out of the distal portion of the shaft of the cannula by actuation of the actuator, wherein the integrated cannula/RF electrode is configured so that the RF electrode, when extended, is in electrical contact with the distal portion of the cannula so that, when the RF electrode is energized, the distal portion of the cannula is also energized, wherein the deployment mechanism further comprises an insulated rod having a proximal portion and a distal portion, wherein the actuator is coupled to the proximal portion of the insulated rod and the RF electrode is coupled to the distal portion of the insulated rod.