Method and system for atrial defibrillation

A system for atrial defibrillation in a patient comprising:

• a catheter comprising:
• an elongated catheter body having proximal and distal ends and at least one lumen therethrough, and
• a basket-shaped electrode assembly at the distal end of the catheter body, the electrode assembly having proximal and distal ends and comprising a plurality of spines connected at their proximal and distal ends, each spine comprising an elongated spine electrode along its length, the electrode assembly having an expanded arrangement wherein the spines bow radially outwardly and a collapsed arrangement wherein the spines are arranged generally along the axis of the catheter body;
• and
• an external defibrillator electrically connected to the catheter.

A system for atrial defibrillation in a patient comprising:

• a catheter comprising:
• an elongated catheter body having proximal and distal ends, a length of at least about 90 cm, and at least one lumen therethrough, the catheter body having one or more ring electrodes mounted at or near its distal end, and
• a basket-shaped electrode assembly at the distal end of the catheter body, the electrode assembly having proximal and distal ends and comprising at least three spines connected at their proximal and distal ends, each spine comprising an elongated spine electrode along its length, wherein each spine electrode has a length ranging from about 30 mm to about 80 mm., the electrode assembly having an expanded arrangement wherein the spines bow radially outwardly and a collapsed arrangement wherein the spines are arranged generally along the axis of the catheter body, the electrode assembly having a tip electrode mounted at its distal end;
• an external defibrillator electrically connected to the catheter;
• an interface switch box that connects the external defibrillator to the catheter and that permits the selection of spine electrodes through which defibrillation energy is to be delivered;
• an ECG recorder electrically connected to the catheter through the interface switch box.;
• and
• an external pacer electrically connected to the catheter through the interface switch box.