Abstract:
A probe (18) or cardiac diagnosis and/or treatment has a catheter tube (16). The distal end of the catheter tube carries first and second electrode elements (26, 88). The probe includes a mechanism (92) for steering the first electrode element relative to the second electrode element in multiple directions.
Abstract:
A cardiac probe (12) employs a dynamic mounting element (230) that supports one or more electrodes at its distal end in relatively constant surface contact against the expanding and contact endocardial surface.
Abstract:
A steerable antenna assembly (14) employs a coaxial cable having a proximal region (50) for connection to a source of energy and a distal region (16) for propagating the energy. The coaxial cable also has an intermediate region (32) between the distal and proximal regions that has a greater degree of flexibility than the proximal region. A steering mechanism (10) is connected directly to the intermediate region (32) of the coaxial cable for bending the intermediate region (32) and, with it, the distal energy propagation region of the coaxial cable relative to its proximal region.
Abstract:
An ablation electrode (16) carries a temperature sensing element (94) for measuring the temperature of the tissue being ablated. A thermal insulating element (88) associated with the sensing element blocks the transfer of heat energy from between the temperature sensing element (94) and the electrode (16). The temperature sensing element therefore measures temperature without being affected by the surrounding thermal mass of the electrode (16).
Abstract:
A combination catheter for both detecting monophasic action potentials and ablating surface tissue in an in vivo heart of a patient is provided. The apparatus includes a catheter probe having a terminal tip portion (10) and an electrode (20) carried on the tip such that a portion of the tip electrode (20) is exposed to ambient. A reference electrode (50) is spaced along the tip from the first electrode for supplying a reference potential signal. An ablating electrode (30) is located adjacent to but electrically insulated from both the tip (20) and reference (50) electrodes for providing electromagnetic energy to the tip. The electrodes are electrically connected to the proximal end of the catheter through individual conductors or wires (22, 32, and 50) that run through an insulated cable. An electronic filter is provided to permit the recording of MAPs during ablation without radiofrequency interference. The catheter may also include standard mapping and/or pacing electrodes (80 and 75) respectively. The catheter may further include a steering mechanism for positioning the catheter at various treatment sites in the heart, and a structure for holding the tip electrode in substantially perpendicular contact with heart tissue with a positive pressure, and for spacing the reference electrode from the heart tissue.
Abstract:
A catheter (10) has an electrode tip assembly (16) that is bendable at the selection of the user in two different directions. The electrode tip assembly (16) assumes a different predetermined curve configuration when bent in the two directions.
Abstract:
Des systèmes d'ablation de tissus régulent la puissance haute fréquence alimentant une électrode à ablation (16), en se basant sur des mesures (72) de la puissance réelle sensible à la phase, et sans être affectés par des décalages de phase entre le courant et la tension haute fréquence. Les systèmes détectent également ces différences de phase (70), si elles se développent, et intègrent ce facteur (30) dans leurs décisions de commande.
Abstract:
Des systèmes (10) servant à effectuer l'ablation de tissus mesurent le courant et la tension alimentant l'ensemble électrode associé (16), et génèrent des signaux représentant le courant et la tension mesurés. Ces systèmes (10) divisent le signal de tension mesurée par le signal de courant mesuré afin d'obtenir un signal d'impédance de tissu mesurée. Ces systèmes (10) effectuent également des fonctions de commande basées sur le signal d'impedance mesurée.
Abstract:
Une électrode (16) pour ablation porte un détecteur de température (94) servant à mesurer la température des tissus devant subir une ablation. Un élément d'isolation thermique (88) associé au détecteur bloque le transfert de l'énergie thermique entre le détecteur de température (94) et l'électrode (16). Le détecteur de température mesure ainsi la température sans être affecté par la masse thermique environnante de l'électrode (16).
Abstract:
A probe (18) or cardiac diagnosis and/or treatment has a catheter tube (16). The distal end of the catheter tube carries first and second electrode elements (26, 88). The probe includes a mechanism (92) for steering the first electrode element relative to the second electrode element in multiple directions.