Energy delivery devices and methods

Abstract

This relates to methods and devices for achieving contact between the wall of a cavity or passageway and a medical device when used in tortuous anatomy.

1 - 25 . (canceled) 
     
     
         26 . A method for treating a lung, the method comprising:
 delivering RF energy to tissue of the lung from a first electrode disposed on a distally-facing surface of an energy delivery device to reduce responsiveness of an airway of the lung.   
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein the distally-facing surface is in contact with the tissue during energy delivery. 
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein the tissue is disposed at an intersection of a first lung passageway, a second lung passageway, and a third lung passageway, wherein the second lung passageway and the third lung passageway extend distally from the first lung passageway in different directions. 
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 28 , wherein the tissue disposed at the intersection is part of an arc of tissue, wherein a tip of the arc faces proximally. 
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 29 , wherein the arc of tissue extends distally in a first direction of the different directions to define a portion of the second lung passageway, and the arc of tissue extends distally in a second direction of the different directions to define a portion of the third lung passageway. 
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein the energy delivery device further includes a second electrode on the distally-facing surface. 
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are configured to deliver RF energy to tissue in a bipolar manner. 
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein the energy delivery device further includes an articulating junction disposed proximally of the distally-facing surface. 
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein the energy delivery device further includes a lumen having an opening disposed on the distally-facing surface. 
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 34 , further including delivering a fluid to the lung or conveying a fluid from the lung via the lumen. 
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein delivering RF energy to tissue of the lung damages smooth muscle tissue disposed within the lung. 
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein delivering RF energy to tissue of the lung reduces the ability of the airway of the lung to contract. 
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein delivering RF energy to tissue of the lung damages nerve tissue disposed within the lung. 
     
     
         39 . A method for treating a lung, the method comprising:
 delivering RF energy in a bipolar manner to tissue of the lung via a plurality of electrodes disposed on a distally-facing surface of an energy delivery device.   
     
     
         40 . The method of  claim 39 , wherein delivering RF energy to tissue of the lung damages nerve tissue disposed within the lung. 
     
     
         41 . The method of  claim 39 , wherein the tissue is disposed at an intersection of a first lung passageway, a second lung passageway, and a third lung passageway, wherein the second lung passageway and the third lung passageway extend distally from the first lung passageway in different directions. 
     
     
         42 . The method of  claim 41 , wherein the tissue disposed at the intersection is part of an arc of tissue, wherein a tip of the arc faces proximally. 
     
     
         43 . The method of  claim 42 , wherein the arc of tissue extends distally in a first direction of the different directions to define a portion of the second lung passageway, and the arc of tissue extends distally in a second direction of the different directions to define a portion of the third lung passageway. 
     
     
         44 . A method for treating a lung, the method comprising:
 delivering RF energy to tissue of the lung from a plurality of RF electrodes spaced apart from one another and disposed on a distally-facing surface of an energy delivery device to damage nerve tissue disposed within the lung, wherein the distally-facing surface is in contact with the tissue during energy delivery, wherein the tissue is disposed at an intersection of a first lung passageway, a second lung passageway, and a third lung passageway, wherein the second lung passageway and the third lung passageway extend distally from the first lung passageway in different directions, wherein the tissue disposed at the intersection is part of an arc of tissue, wherein a tip of the arc faces proximally, wherein the arc of tissue extends distally in a first direction of the different directions to define a portion of the second lung passageway, and the arc of tissue extends distally in a second direction of the different directions to define a portion of the third lung passageway.   
     
     
         45 . The method of  claim 44 , wherein delivering RF energy to tissue of the lung reduces responsiveness of an airway of the lung.