Abstract:
Systems and methods for heating body tissue places a multi-function structure (22) having an exterior wall in contact with body tissue. The structure includes an array of electrically conducting electrode segments (44) carried by the exterior wall. An electrically conductive network is coupled to the electrode segments, including at least one electrically conductive path (32) individually coupled to each electrode segment. The systems and methods operate in a first mode during which the network is electrically conditioned to individually sense at each electrode segment local electrical events in tissue, such as electrical potentials, resistivity, or impedance. The systems and methods operate in a second mode during which the network is electrically conditioned, based at least in part upon local electrical events sensed by the electrode segments, to couple at least two electrode segments together to simultaneously trasmit electrical energy to heat or ablate a region of body tissue.
Abstract:
This invention is systems and methods for ablating body tissue use, and electrode (16) for contacting tissue. The electrode (16) is coupled to a source of ablation energy (12) for transmitting ablation energy at a prescribed ablation power level into tissue to form, over a prescribed time period, a therapeutic result. The systems and methods include an element (50) to cool the electrode (16). An input element (100) inputs a desired result, and a processing element (98) retains a function correlating an observed relationship among lesion boundary depth, ablation power level, ablation time and temperature. The processing element (98) compares the desired result to the function and selects an operating condition based upon the comparison to achieve the desired result.
Abstract:
Systems (10) for examining heart tissue morphology deploy one or more electrodes (38) into the heart in contact with endocardial tissue. The systems transmit electrical current from the electrodes (38) in paths through the contacted endocardial tissue. Based upon these current transmissions, the systems derive the electrical characteristics of tissue lying in the path. This electrical characteristc can be directly correlated to tissue morphology. The systems maximize surface contact with endocardial tissue, while minimizing contact with the surrounding blood pool, to obtain accurate tissue electrical characteristic measurements.
Abstract:
This invention is a multiple electrode array for ablating tissue that carries at least two electrode segments (26, 27, 28, 29) that are circumferentially spaced form each other. Insulation (30) electrically isolates the separated electrode segments from each other. Signal wires (19) attached to the separated electrode segments convey ablating energy independently to the separated electrode segments. Because of its segmented structure, the array can place only one of the electrode segments in contact with tissue at one time. Because each segment is electrically isolated, and because each segment is independently served by its own signal wire, a physician can operate an ablation energy generator to selectively channel the ablation energy only to the segment actually contacting the tissue.
Abstract:
A device for creating the lesions in body tissue includes a support element having an electromagnetic energy emitting region. When caused to emit electromagnetic energy, the region creates a single continuous lesion that is long and thin, having a lengththat is substantially greater than its width.
Abstract:
An electrode circuit (34) has a distal region (32) for carrying at least one electrode, a proximal region (30) for connection to an external apparatus, and an intermediate region electrically coupling the distal region with the proximal region. At least one, and preferably all, of the regions comprises a flexible ribbon cable having two or more adjacent tracks (T1-T6) of electrical conduction material and adjoining electrical insulating material. Use of ribbon cable makes possible reliable connections without the need for complicated multiplexing schemes at the distal region.
Abstract:
A flexible electrode circuit (30) laces through a slit sleeve (W1, W8) while enclosing the rest of the circuit within the sleeve (98). A stiffener member (22) extends through the sleeve (98) to support the sleeve (98) and the flexible electrode circuit (30). The stiffener member (22) is preferably connected to and constrained at opposite ends by a hub (48) and a base (64) to urge the stiffener member (22), the sleeve (98), and the electrode circuit (30) into a predetermined curvilinear contour.
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 cardial ablation system (10) and method employs an ablation electrode (16) having an energy emitting body (92). A temperature sensing element (94) senses the temperature of the tissue being ablated by the electrode (16). The system (10) monitors tissue temperature using the temperature sensing element (94). A control element (12) controls the therapeutic characteristics of the ablated lesion based upon sensed tissue temperature conditions.