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.
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).