Electrophysiology catheter device
AssigneeSciMed Life Systems, Inc.
InventorDaniel Marc LaFontaine
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An ablation and mapping catheter is disclosed which incorporates a fluid electrode for contacting tissue. The fluid emerges along the length of the catheter to generate a linear lesion in the cardiac tissue.
Claims11
A catheter assembly for the controlled ablation of body tissue using radio frequency (RF) energy, comprising:
- an elongate catheter having a distal portion adapted to be inserted into a patient's body a proximal portion attachable to a source of electrolyte fluid, and a lumen for delivering fluid from the proximal portion to the distal portion;
- a plurality of electrodes disposed proximate the distal portion of the catheter and in communication with electrolyte fluid directed through the lumen, the plurality of electrodes being adapted for coupling to a source of RF energy;
- and
- a porous sheath having a length disposed on the distal portion of the catheter and enclosing the plurality of electrodes, said porous sheath being porous along its length whereby RF energy may be transferred from the plurality of electrodes to selected tissue areas in a patient's body via electrolyte fluid delivered through the lumen and passing through the sheath.
An electrophysiology device for the controlled ablation of body tissue using radio frequency (RF) energy, comprising:
- an elongate catheter having a distal portion adapted to be inserted into a patient's body, a proximal portion attachable to a source of electrolyte fluid, and a lumen for delivering fluid from the proximal portion to the distal portion;
- a plurality of electrodes axially spaced along the distal portion of the catheter;
- one or more conductors extending from the proximal portion to the distal portion of the catheter and adapted for electrically coupling the plurality of electrodes to a source of RF energy;
- and
- a porous sheath having a length disposed on the distal portion of the catheter and enclosing the plurality of electrodes, the porous sheath being porous along its length and defining an interior region in communication with the lumen, whereby RF energy may be transferred from the plurality of electrodes to selected tissue areas in a patient's body via electrolyte fluid delivered through the lumen and passing through the sheath.
A method for the controlled radio frequency (RF) ablation of body tissues using a catheter assembly, the catheter assembly comprising an elongate catheter having a distal portion adapted to be inserted into a patient's body, a proximal portion attachable to a source of electrolyte fluid, and a lumen for delivering fluid from the proximal portion to the distal portion, a plurality of electrodes disposed proximate the distal portion of the catheter and in communication with the lumen, the plurality of electrodes being adapted for coupling to a source of RF energy, and a porous sheath having a length disposed on the distal portion of the catheter and enclosing the plurality of electrodes wherein the porous sheath is porous along its length, the method comprising:
- positioning the distal portion of the catheter adjacent a selected body tissue area to be ablated;
- energizing the plurality of electrodes with RF energy;
- and
- directing electrolyte fluid through the catheter lumen and said porous sheath, respectively, whereby RF energy is transferred from the plurality of electrodes to the selected tissue area via the electrolyte fluid.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.