Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for providing and using an ablation catheter. The catheter may include an expandable member having a plurality of electrodes, where each electrode is in association with at least one contact sensor and at least one light emitting element. Light is emitted in response to the contact of the contact sensor with the tissue to be ablated. A light sensor disposed centrally to the catheter gathers light emitted from the light emitting elements and sends a signal to a system controller for display.

Abstract: A catheter adapted for greater mapping resolution and location precision has a basket-shaped, high density electrode assembly for large-area mapping, and an integrated distal tip providing an array of ultra-high density microelectrodes for acute focal mapping. The basket-shaped electrode assembly 18 has a plurality of electrode-carrying spines and the distal tip has a nonmetallic, electrically insulating substrate body with indentations in which microelectrodes are positioned in a manner that the outer surface is generally flush with the outer surface of the substrate body to present a generally smooth, atraumatic distal tip profile.

Abstract: Cardiac catheterization is conducted using a probe having a balloon assembly, in which a spring has a resting axially elongated configuration and a torsed, axially shortened configuration. A balloon is twisted about the spring and mechanically linked to the spring. A flexible sheath is disposed about the spring within the balloon, the sheath and the wall of the balloon defining a chamber to contain a fluid flowing therein and thereout of the balloon.

Abstract: Cardiac catheterization is conducted using a probe having a balloon assembly, in which a spring has a resting axially elongated configuration and a torsed, axially shortened configuration. An inflatable balloon is twisted about the spring and mechanically linked to the spring. A flexible sheath is disposed about the spring within the balloon, the sheath and the wall of the balloon defining a chamber to contain a fluid flowing therein and thereout for inflation of the balloon and deflation of the balloon so as to energize and de-energize the spring.

Abstract: A catheter adapted for greater mapping resolution and location precision has a basket-shaped, high density electrode assembly for large-area mapping, and an integrated distal tip providing an array of ultra-high density microelectrodes for acute focal mapping. The basket-shaped electrode assembly 18 has a plurality of electrode-carrying spines and the distal tip has a nonmetallic, electrically insulating substrate body with indentations in which microelectrodes are positioned in a manner that the outer surface is generally flush with the outer surface of the substrate body to present a generally smooth, atraumatic distal tip profile.

Abstract: A catheter probe comprises an insertion tube, and a distal end with a distal electrode, a force sensor to detect force on the distal electrode, and an irrigated electrode mounted on a coupling member of the force sensor, which has a tubular form surrounding a central space occupied by components, including force sensing coils. A fluid diverter that passes fluid to the proximal irrigated electrode is configured as an insert or an integrated projection of the coupling member, which configuration minimizes its space demand within the coupling member. Thus, the diameter of the distal end need not be increased. The fluid diverter has a proximal entry opening and a distal exit opening connected by a fluid passage with at least a radial branch and at least an axial branch. The irrigated electrode is mounted over the distal exit opening to receive fluid from the fluid passage.

Abstract: A catheter adapted for greater mapping resolution and location precision has a basket-shaped, high density electrode assembly for large-area mapping, and an integrated distal tip providing an array of ultra-high density microelectrodes for acute focal mapping. The basket-shaped electrode assembly 18 has a plurality of electrode-carrying spines and the distal tip has a nonmetallic, electrically insulating substrate body with indentations in which microelectrodes are positioned in a manner that the outer surface is generally flush with the outer surface of the substrate body to present a generally smooth, atraumatic distal tip profile.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for providing and using an ablation catheter. The catheter may include an expandable member having a plurality of electrodes, where each electrode is in association with at least one contact sensor and at least one light emitting element. Light is emitted in response to the contact of the contact sensor with the tissue to be ablated. A light sensor disposed centrally to the catheter gathers light emitted from the light emitting elements and sends a signal to a system controller for display.

Abstract: A probe, including an insertion tube and an electrode mounted on a distal end of the insertion tube. A force sensor is mounted in the distal end of the insertion tube. The force sensor has a central opening and is configured to measure a force on the distal end. The probe also includes tubing, passing through the central opening, which is configured to supply irrigation fluid through apertures in the electrode.

Abstract: A catheter having a catheter shaft that has a more uniform construction throughout its length and is able to provide more than one deflection curvature. The catheter shaft includes a flexible outer tubular member, and a less flexible inner tubular member extending through the outer tubular member in a proximal section of the catheter shaft, wherein the inner tubular member is afforded longitudinal movement relative to the outer tubular member. The catheter also includes at least one puller wire extending through the inner tubular member to deflect a distal deflection section of the catheter shaft, wherein longitudinal movement of the inner tubular member relative to the outer tubular member enables an operator to select and set a deflection curvature of the distal deflection section.

Abstract: Cardiac catheterization is conducted using a probe having a balloon assembly, in which a spring has a resting axially elongated configuration and a torsed, axially shortened configuration. An inflatable balloon is twisted about the spring and mechanically linked to the spring. A flexible sheath is disposed about the spring within the balloon, the sheath and the wall of the balloon defining a chamber to contain a fluid flowing therein and thereout for inflation of the balloon and deflation of the balloon so as to energize and de-energize the spring.

Abstract: A medical probe includes an insertion tube having a distal end configured for insertion into a body of a patient and containing a lumen for conveying an irrigation fluid and an electrical conductor for conveying electrical energy. A conductive cap is attached to the distal end of the insertion tube and coupled electrically to the electrical conductor. The conductive cap has an outer surface perforated by multiple apertures and defines an inner cavity in fluid communication with the lumen of the insertion tube so as to permit the irrigation fluid from the lumen to flow out of the cap through the apertures. A plurality of temperature sensors are mounted within the conductive cap in thermal communication with the outer surface and are thermally insulated from the irrigation fluid in the inner cavity.

Abstract: A catheter adapted for greater mapping resolution and location precision has a basket-shaped, high density electrode assembly for large-area mapping, and an integrated distal tip providing an array of ultra-high density microelectrodes for acute focal mapping. The basket-shaped electrode assembly 18 has a plurality of electrode-carrying spines and the distal tip has a nonmetallic, electrically insulating substrate body with indentations in which microelectrodes are positioned in a manner that the outer surface is generally flush with the outer surface of the substrate body to present a generally smooth, atraumatic distal tip profile.

Abstract: Cardiac ablation is carried out by introducing a catheter into the left atrium, extending a lasso guide through the lumen of the catheter to engage the wall of a pulmonary vein, and deploying a balloon over the lasso guide. The balloon has an electrode assembly disposed its exterior. The electrode assembly includes a plurality of ablation electrodes circumferentially arranged about the longitudinal axis of the catheter. The inflated balloon is positioned against the pulmonary vein ostium, so that the ablation electrodes are in galvanic contact with the pulmonary vein, and electrical energy is conducted through the ablation electrodes to produce a circumferential lesion that circumscribes the pulmonary vein.

Abstract: Apparatus, having an insertion tube that is configured to be inserted into a body cavity. The apparatus also includes a distal tip connected to the insertion tube, the distal tip having an external surface and a cavity formed in the external surface, the cavity being surrounded by a region of the external surface having a curvature. The apparatus further includes a microelectrode configured to fit into the cavity so that a surface of the microelectrode is contoured, located and oriented to conform with the curvature of the region.

Abstract: A probe, including an insertion tube and an electrode mounted on a distal end of the insertion tube. A force sensor is mounted in the distal end of the insertion tube. The force sensor has a central opening and is configured to measure a force on the distal end. The probe also includes tubing, passing through the central opening, which is configured to supply irrigation fluid through apertures in the electrode.

Abstract: Electrode cabling, including a core and n wires coiled on the core in an arrangement topologically equivalent to an n-start thread configuration, wherein n is an integer greater than one. The cabling also includes a sheath covering the n wires and an electrode attached through the sheath to a given wire selected from the n wires.

Abstract: A medical probe includes an insertion tube having a distal end configured for insertion into a body of a patient and containing a lumen for conveying an irrigation fluid and an electrical conductor for conveying electrical energy. A conductive cap is attached to the distal end of the insertion tube and coupled electrically to the electrical conductor. The conductive cap has an outer surface perforated by multiple apertures and defines an inner cavity in fluid communication with the lumen of the insertion tube so as to permit the irrigation fluid from the lumen to flow out of the cap through the apertures. A plurality of temperature sensors are mounted within the conductive cap in thermal communication with the outer surface and are thermally insulated from the irrigation fluid in the inner cavity.

Abstract: Apparatus, consisting of an insertion tube having a distal end configured for insertion into proximity with tissue in a body of a patient and containing a lumen having an electrical conductor for conveying electrical energy to the tissue. The apparatus further includes a conductive cap attached to the distal end of the insertion tube and coupled electrically to the electrical conductor, wherein the conductive cap has an outer surface. In addition there are a multiplicity of optical fibers contained within the insertion tube, each fiber terminating in proximity to the outer surface of the cap, and being configured to convey optical radiation to and from the tissue while the electrical energy is being conveyed to the tissue.