Intra-pericardial protective device
OwnerDa-Li Fenginventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Devices and methods that can be used to protect the esophagus during procedures such as atrial ablation. The devices can include an elongate tubular member that defines one or more lumens extending therethrough. The devices also can have a balloon attached at or near an end of the elongate tubular member. The balloon can partially or completely surround the outer surface of a segment of the elongate tubular member, and can be in fluid communication with a lumen of the elongate tubular member.
Claims9
A method for protecting the esophagus during an atrial ablation procedure, comprising inserting a balloon into the pericardial space between the esophagus and the heart of a patient in need of an atrial ablation procedure, and inflating said balloon, wherein said balloon contains an echogenic or X-ray transparent material.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.