Device and method for multi-phase radio-frequency ablation
AssigneeJawahar M. Desai
InventorsJawahar M. Desai, Htay L. Nyo
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Abstract
Multi-phase RF ablation employing a two-dimensional or three-dimensional electrode array produces a multitude of currents paths on the surface of the ablation zone. This results in a uniform lesion with a size defined by the span of the electrode array. An orthogonal electrode catheter array suitable for cardiac ablation is used in conjunction with a two-phase RF power source to produce uniform square-shaped lesions of size 1.2 cm.sup.2. Lesions of larger size are created by successive adjacent placement of the square-shaped lesions. A temperature sensor at the electrode tip allows monitoring of ablation temperature and regulation of thereof to minimize the electrode tips from being fouled by coagulum.
Claims22
A radio-frequency ablation apparatus for biological tissues, comprising:
- an electrode catheter having an array of electrodes;
- and
- means for supplying individual phased RF voltages to each of said plurality of electrodes, such that, over a predetermined period of time, substantial potential difference exists between substantially any two electrodes of said array of electrodes and to effect RF heating therebetween in order to achieve uniform ablation of biological tissues adjacent to said array of electrodes.
A radio-frequency ablation apparatus for biological tissues, comprising:
- an electrode catheter having an array of electrodes;
- a plurality of adjacent electrode pairs among said array of electrodes, each formed by an electrode and one of its immediate neighboring electrodes;
- and
- means for supplying phased RF voltages to each of said plurality of adjacent electrode pairs, such that, over a predetermined period of time, substantial potential differences exist between each adjacent electrode pair to effect RF heating therebetween in order to achieve uniform ablation of biological tissues adjacent to said array of electrodes.
A radio-frequency ablation apparatus for biological tissues, comprising:
- an electrode catheter having an array of five electrodes constituting first and second pairs of spaced-apart electrodes and an odd electrode, said first and second pairs of electrodes being disposed in substantially a cross configuration, and the odd electrode being disposed centrally at the cross configuration;
- a radio-frequency energy source for providing two-phase voltages over a first pole, a second pole and a common pole;
- means for connecting said first pole to said first pair of electrodes, and connecting said second pole to said second pair of electrodes, and connecting said common pole to said odd electrode;
- and
- means for regulating said radio-frequency power source to provide said two-phase voltages with a predetermined frequency, voltage and phase difference such that, over a predetermined period of time, substantial potential differences exist between said odd central electrode and said first and second pairs of electrodes as well as between said first and second pairs of electrodes to effect RF heating therebetween in order to achieve uniform ablation of biological tissues adjacent said array of five electrodes.
A method of ablating biological tissues, comprising the steps of:
- providing an electrode catheter having a plurality of electrodes;
- placing said electrode catheter near a region of biological tissues to be ablated;
- deploying said plurality of electrodes into a two-dimensional or three-dimensional electrode array;
- scanning the region of biological tissues to be ablated with said electrode array in connection with a mapping device;
- locating with the mapping device one or more focal sites to be ablated according to the electrical response of said electrode array placed thereat;
- and
- supplying individual phased RF voltages to each of said plurality of electrodes, such that, over a predetermined period of time, substantial potential difference exists between substantially any two of said plurality of electrodes and to effect RF heating therebetween in order to achieve uniform ablation of biological tissues adjacent to the electrode array.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.