| abstract |
A method and device (10) resolve occlusive deposits in a tubular passage of a subject by radio frequency ablation. The device (10) has a distal end (20) which is inserted within, along the lumen of a tubular body member, and may be manipulated therethrough to a desired position where the device will be operated. The device (10) includes an elongated flexible hollow tube (12) having a distal end, a proximal end, and a diameter smaller than the diameter of the tubular body member into which the device is being inserted. A number of electrodes (14) adjacent the distal end of the device, capability for selectively supplying radio frequency electrical current to at least one of said electrodes (14), and capability such as an inflatable balloon (30) for radially positioning the electrodes (14) with respect to the tube. Another embodiment includes electrodes (14) at varying radial positions so that at least one of such electrodes (14) will be capable of ablating material at varying positions within the lumen. |