Abstract: An intracardiac catheter and method for detecting and diagnosing myocardial ischemia. The intracardiac catheter comprises a flexible, elongated body which is insertable into the heart of the subject. The distal portion of the catheter is insertable into the ventricle of the heart while an intermediate portion is insertable into an adjacent body chamber, likely the atrium. The catheter includes electrical sensing means having at least one sensing electrode at the distal end portion for measuring the electrical activity in the ventricle and means for preventing the sensing electrode from coming into direct contact with the endocardium. Pressure sensing means is provided on, at least the intermediate portion. The catheter has the capability of providing simultaneous indications of electrical activity within the ventricle and pressure within the adjacent body chamber, thus permitting correlation between indications of pressure and electrical activity.

Abstract: An intracardiac catheter especially well suited to detect electric currents emanating from any part of the heart wall, and a method for, detecting myocardial ischemia. The intracardiac catheter comprises an electric lead that, in turn, includes at least one electric conductor having first and second ends, an electrically insulating sheath covering a substantial portion of the conductor, a sensor connected to the first end of the conductor to detect electric currents inside and emanating from the heart of a subject, and at least one plug connected to the second end of the conductor to connect the electric lead to a monitor. The catheter further comprises a device secured to the electric lead for preventing the sensor from coming into direct contact with the endocardium of the subject's heart.