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Abstract

An endoscopic ablation system is provided for use with a flexible endoscope for the ablative treatment of diseased tissue on the interior lining a body lumen. The endoscopic ablation system includes a support member for supporting at least two electrodes that can be electrically connected to a RF generator. The electrodes can have a shape, size, and spacing that provide ablation between the electrodes, while minimizing ablation of tissue directly underneath the electrodes. The endoscopic ablation system can also include a sheath that fits over a flexible endoscope. A flexible coupling joins the support member to the sheath to facilitate intubation. The support member can also includes a side opening, and the sheath includes a seal, so that the aspiration means of the endoscope may be used to evacuate the air from inside the body lumen and pull the tissue to be treated into intimate contact with the electrodes.

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First Claim