Device for non-thermal, electrically-induced closure of blood vessels by occlusion

Abstract

Devices for the non-thermal, electrically-induced temporary or permanent closure of blood vessels. The subject devices employ pulsed electrical energy according to a defined regime to effect controlled occlusion of targeted blood vessels without hating the vessel and with minimal damage to adjacent tissue. The extent of vessel closure, i.e., temporary (vasoconstriction) or permanent (thrombosis), is controlled based on the manipulation of various parameters of the electrical stimulation regime as well as the configuration of the electrodes used to apply the regime.

1 . A device for occlusion of targeted blood vessels in a patient, comprising:
 an electric probe having an assembly of electrodes configured for contacting a tissue proximate the targeted blood vessels; wherein the targeted blood vessels have at least one of: an aneurysm, an arteriovenous fistula, an internal bleeding site, or define a port wine stain; and   a pulse generator electrically coupled to the electric probe and configured to apply electric pulses to the tissue, wherein the electric pulses are adapted to cause an average temperature rise in the tissue of no more than about 10° C. and no irreversible reaction on the electrodes and thereby cause the irreversible occlusion of the targeted vessels without thermally coagulating the blood vessels and with no thermal damage to the tissue.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the electrode assembly comprises an array of active electrodes and a larger return electrode situated remotely from the active electrodes. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein active electrodes are configured to be activated sequentially. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the electrode assembly comprises an array of active electrodes surrounded by one or more return electrodes. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 4 , wherein the active electrodes are configured to be activated simultaneously. 
     
     
         6 . A kit comprising:
 the device of  claim 1 ; and   at least one dosage of a calcium blocker configured for topical application.   
     
     
         7 . The kit of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 instructions for using the device to selectively constrict one or more of the targeted blood vessels within a patient.   
     
     
         8 . A device for occlusion of targeted blood vessels in a patient, comprising:
 an electric probe having an assembly of electrodes configured for contacting a tissue proximate the targeted blood vessels; and   a pulse generator electrically coupled to the electric probe and configured to apply electric pulses to the tissue, wherein the electric pulses are adapted to cause an average temperature rise in the tissue of no more than about 10° C. and no irreversible reaction on the electrodes, and thereby cause a reversible occlusion of the targeted vessels without thermally coagulating the blood vessels and with no thermal damage to the tissue.