Catheter with electrosurgical cutter

摘要

A catheter assembly which permits simultaneous dilatation and incision of tissue whereby trauma and damage to the tissue due to uncontrolled tearing is reduced or eliminated comprising an elongated tubular body having a distal end that carries a dilatation balloon and cutting element carried on the exterior of the balloon and that moves radially in concert with the exterior of the bladder as the bladder is inflated and deflated. A radiofrequency current is directed through the cutting element to incise proximate tissue. Pressure can be applied to the tissue prior to cutting to facilitate separation and subsequent to cutting to inhibit bleeding.