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:
This invention concerns systems and methods for locating an operative element (12) within an interior body space use a locating probe (14), which includes at least one transmitting element to transmit an electric waveform output within at least a portion of the space. The systems and methods also use a sensing element (16), which is adapted to be carried by the operative element to sense a local electric waveform within the space. A processing element coupled to the sensing element generates a processed output that locates the sensing element relative to the locating probe based, at least in part, upon a differential comparison of the waveform output and the sensed local waveform.
Abstract:
Multiple electrode support structures (20(a)) have asymmetric geometries, either axially, or radially, or both. The asymmetric support structures are assembled from spline elements (51, 58) that extend between a distal hub (24) and a proximal base (26). In one embodiment, the spline elements (51, 58) are circumferentially spaced about the distal hub (24) in a radially asymmetric fashion, creating a greater density of spline elements in one region of the structure than in another region. In the same or another embodiment, the spline elements (51, 58) are preformed in an axially asymmetric fashion along their lengths, creating a different geometry in their distal regions than in their proximal regions.
Abstract:
Electrode structures (20) are formed from flexible, porous, or woven materials. One such structure is made by forming first and second body sections (225), each including a peripheral edge. The first and second body sections (225) are joined together about their peripheral edges with a seam (224), thereby forming a composite structure. Another one of such structures is made by forming a body having a three-dimensional shape and opposite open ends, and at least partially closing at least one of the opposite ends by forming a seam. Another one of such structures is formed from a sheet of material having peripheral edges. The sheet is placed on the distal end of a fixture, while the peripheral edges of the sheet are gathered about the proximal end of a fixture, thereby imparting to the sheet a desired shape. At least one pleat is formed to secure the gathered peripheral edges together. The seams or pleats are formed by thermal bonding, or ultrasonic welding, or laser welding, or adhesive bonding, or sewing.
Abstract:
Systems (10) and methods for diagnosing and treating cardiac disorders, transmit an electrical energy pulse that temporarily stuns a zone of myocardial tissue, temporarily rendering it electrically unresponsive. The systems (10) and methods sense an electrophysiological effect due to the transmitted pulse. The systems (10) and methods alter an electrophysiological property of myocardial tissue in or near the zone based, at least in part, upon the sensed electrophysiological effect. The alteration of the electrophysiological property can be accomplished, for example, by tissue ablation or by the administration of medication. In a preferred implementation, radio frequency energy is used to both temporarily stun myocardial tissue, and to ablate myocardial tissue through a common electrode (36).
Abstract:
This invention is systems and methods to heat or ablate body or ablation energy to a tissue region. The systems and methods measure a first temperature using a temperature sensing element associated with the electrode (16). The systems and methods also measure a second temperature using a temperature sensing element associated with the electrode (16). The systems and methods process at least one of the first and second temperatures to derive a prediction of maximum temperature of the tissue region. The systems and methods generate an output that controls the transmission of the heating or ablation energy based, at least in part, upon the maximum tissue temperature prediction.