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Abstract

A method and apparatus that facilitates the prevention of type II endoleaks in stent-graft treated arterial aneurysmal sacs comprising a catheter having an elongate tubular body with a balloon or wire mesh basket attached to the body adjacent its distal end. The balloon preferably comprising a plurality of energy conducting elements attached thereto for transmitting RF energy to tissue to be treated. In operation, the catheter is inserted into the femoral artery of a patient and then advanced through the femoral artery into the aorta until the balloon or basket is positioned within an aneurysmal sac. Once in place, the balloon or basket is expanded to compress the clot material within the aneurysmal sack under a pressure in the range of about 2-5 atmospheres. While compressed, the clot material is then heated by transmitting RF energy to the wire basket or the conducting elements on the balloon until the clot material is cauterized and collateral blood flow channels in the clot material are occluded. The balloon or basket is then returned to an unexpanded state and the catheter is removed from the aorta. Once the catheter is removed, a stent-graft may be placed within the aorta in accordance with conventional procedures.

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First Claim