Importance

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Abstract

Structures, processes, and mechanisms are provided for the ablation of hollow organs. Ablation structures, having deployable electrically conductive probes, are placed within a hollow organ, such as a stomach. The ablation structure typically includes a distension mechanism, whereby the hollow organ is controllably distended. The electrically conductive probes are then deployed, such that the probes extend make electrical contact with the tissue of the hollow organ, typically by extending through a mucosal layer of the hollow organ. The electrically conductive probes are typically deployed by extension of movable electrically conductive probes, from a first protected position to a second extended position. In alternate embodiments of the ablation system, the ablation apparatus includes means for vacuum-directed contact between the tissue and the electrically conductive probes. When, the electrically conductive probes are deployed to make electrical contact with the tissue of the hollow organ, the probes are typically used for monopolar or bipolar ablation, including mapping and/or ablation (zapping).

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First Claim