Abstract: A spring-tip, flexible electrode, and a method for using that electrode for tissue ablation, are disclosed. The spring-tip, flexible electrode comprises an enshrouded flexible electrode (e.g., an enshrouded plurality of flexible brush filaments or bristles) for applying ablative energy (e.g., RF energy) to target tissue during the formation of spot or continuous linear lesions. The spring of the spring tip may comprise compressible coils, compressible mesh, or compressible bellows, among other things. The spring provides axial suspension and is capable of axial compression and extension, and is flexible enough for deflection and bending. The axial suspension of the spring tip facilitates the desired contact between the electrode and the tissue surface. A shielded, spring-tip, flexible electrode is also disclosed, and includes a flexible nipple or shield. The spring-tip, flexible electrode facilitates enhanced tissue contact in difficult environments (e.g.

Abstract: A computer software program is described that maps the electrical activity of a patient's heart. The software program utilizes inputs from electrodes contained within a heart chamber. Inputs from the electrodes cause the program to calculate the heart chamber volume, and then to determine the position of the electrodes within the heart chamber. The program then utilizes inputs from the electrodes to calculate the three-dimensional volumetric electrical field distribution of said heart chamber. This calculation is accomplished using a spherical harmonic series expression. Finally, the computer program displays the electrical field distribution of the heart chamber.

Abstract: Side-port sheaths for catheter placement and translation are disclosed. The sheaths include a side-port opening through which a gliding catheter may be deployed during diagnosis or treatment of tissue. The side-port sheath may include a suspension ribbon used to deploy, or that aids in the deployment of, the embedded gliding catheter. The suspension ribbon may be slideably or fixably engaged with an outer surface of the sheath of the gliding catheter.

Abstract: A medical system for finding and displaying the location of electrodes within the body. The electrodes may be used to measure the voltage on the heart wall and display this as an activation map on a geometry representing the heart chamber.

Abstract: A curved ablation catheter imparts ablative energy to target tissue, for example, along a trabecular slope, e.g., in the right atrium along the isthmus between the ostium of the inferior vena cava and the tricuspid valve. The catheter is formed with a preset curvature that, when deployed, both translates linearly and increases in radius to aid in the formation of spot or continuous linear lesions. A method of treating atrial flutter employs the curved ablation catheter.

Abstract: A guiding introducer system for use in the treatment of arrhythmia associated with the left ventricle from the ventricular side comprising an inner guiding introducer and an outer guiding introducer wherein the inner guiding introducer is comprised of a first and second section and the outer guiding introducer is comprised of a first and second sections. The guiding introducer system is for use in sensing, pacing, and ablating procedures in the left ventricle.

Abstract: An electrophysiology/ablation catheter assembly includes an elongated flexible casing that received a first catheter deflection assembly. Electrical leads are connected to each electrode on a distal portion of the catheter assembly and extend through the casing for external connection at a proximal end of the catheter assembly. A first actuator is operatively connected to the first catheter deflection assembly and operable upon movement to selectively effect displacement of the distal end. A second catheter deflection assembly is also disposed in the casing. A second actuator is connected adjacent the proximal end of the catheter deflection assembly and operable upon movement to selectively effect lateral displacement of the catheter at a location spaced from the first curved configuration of the distal end.

Abstract: An ablation catheter employing one or more manifold arrangements to convey a conductive fluid medium to a target tissue. The manifold includes at least one inlet port in fluid communication with a fluid supply lumen running along at least a portion of the catheter. The inlet port or ports are in fluid communication with a larger outlet port. The outlet ports provide an outlet for the fluid to flow out of the catheter and against the target tissue. As such, the combination of at least the inlet port with the outlet port provides a flow path for fluid within the fluid lumen to flow through the manifold and to outside of the catheter. An electrode is arranged in the flow path of fluid within or adjacent the manifolds. As such, fluid may be energized and conduct ablation energy to the target tissue to ablate the tissue.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a catheter or lead having electrically conductive traces and external electrical contacts. Each trace may be in electrical connection with one or more external electrical contacts. More specifically, each trace is typically electrically connected to a single contact. The traces and contacts may assist in diagnosis and/or detection of bio-electric signals emitted by organs, and may transmit such signals to a connector or diagnostic device affixed to the catheter. The external contacts may detect bioelectric energy or may deliver electrical energy to a target site.

Abstract: A catheter or lead having electrically conductive traces and external electrical contacts. Each trace may be in electrical connection with one or more external electrical contacts. More specifically, each trace is typically electrically connected to a single contact. The traces and contacts may assist in diagnosis and/or detection of bio-electrical signals emitted by organs, and may transmit such signals to a connector or diagnostic device affixed to the catheter. The external electrical contacts may detect bioelectric energy or may deliver electrical energy to a target site.

Abstract: A deflectable tip cardiac electrophysiology/ablation lumen catheter includes first and second passages, one of which communicates with an inflatable member or balloon. The second passage terminates in an opening or port downstream of the inflatable member. The second passage is adapted to introduce a liquid during an electrophysiology study while the inflatable member prevents backflow of an injected liquid or dye and blood, or is adapted to alternatively receive a guide wire therethrough.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for assessing electrode-tissue contact for tissue ablation. An exemplary electrode contact sensing system comprises an electrode housed within a distal portion of a catheter shaft. At least one electro-mechanical sensor is operatively associated with the electrode within the catheter shaft. The at least one electro-mechanical sensor is responsive to movement of the electrode by generating electrical signals corresponding to the amount of movement. The system may also include an output device electrically connected to the at least one electro-mechanical sensor. The output device receives the electrical signals for assessing a level of contact between the electrode and a tissue.

Abstract: An electrophysiology apparatus is used to measure electrical activity occurring in a heart of a patient and to visualize the electrical activity and/or information related to the electrical activity. A three-dimensional map of the electrical activity and/or the information related to the electrical activity is created.

Abstract: A system and method for treatment of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation by destruction of conductive pathways between the pulmonary veins and the left atrium. A stent is delivered by catheter to the left atrium and to the ostium of a pulmonary vein to be treated. The stent is positioned in the pulmonary vein and is deployed to engage and support the pulmonary vein. The stent prevents stenosis of the pulmonary vein as a result of ablation of tissue. The ablation is produced by a coating of a biologically active material on the stent which destroys tissue or slows electrophyisiologic conduction through the tissue. Alternatively, ablation is performed using RF energy, cryoablation, laser energy, or other ablation techniques.

Abstract: A process for the treatment of atrial arrhythmia by use of ablation procedures comprising circumferential ablation of vessels, particularly pulmonary veins associated with the left atrium of the heart. Also disclosed are medical devices used for formation of the circumferential ablation lesions in vessels associated with the heart.

Abstract: A catheter employing fluid force to steer and/or shape the catheter. In one particular implementation, the catheter includes at least one actuating lumen operably associated with the shaft of the catheter. The at least one actuating lumen is in fluid communication with a valve or other fluid control means at its proximal end. The at least one actuating lumen extends along the length of the catheter shaft and terminates at some point along the length of the shaft. Upon introduction of fluid into the actuating lumen, the fluid creates a force which causes the catheter to bend. As such, fluid may be used to steer and/or shape the catheter.

Abstract: A curved ablation catheter imparts ablative energy to target tissue, for example, along a trabecular slope, e.g., in the right atrium along the isthmus between the ostium of the inferior vena cava and the tricuspid valve. The catheter is formed with a preset curvature that, when deployed, both translates linearly and increases in radius to aid in the formation of spot or continuous linear lesions. A method of treating atrial flutter employs the curved ablation catheter.

Abstract: A process for preventing atrial premature contractions originating within a pulmonary vein from being conducted into the left atrium of a human heart. More specifically, an ablation lesion is formed which electrically isolates the located source of the atrial premature contraction in the pulmonary vein from connection with the left atrium and blocks passage of the atrial premature contraction originating from the located source.

Abstract: A catheter employing fluid force to steer and/or shape the catheter. In one particular implementation, the catheter includes at least one actuating lumen operably associated with the shaft of the catheter. The at least one actuating lumen is in fluid communication with a valve or other fluid control means at its proximal end. The at least one actuating lumen extends along the length of the catheter shaft and terminates at some point along the length of the shaft. Upon introduction of fluid into the actuating lumen, the fluid creates a force which causes the catheter to bend. As such, fluid may be used to steer and/or shape the catheter.

Abstract: A sensing and ablation electrode includes bifurcated sensing limbs separated by an ablation web. The electrode is disposed on the distal end of a catheter. The sensing limbs each support an array of sensors that are individually wired for mapping and post ablation efficacy testing. The web includes a pair of pliable membranes that define a lumen and are adapted to collapse the cross-section of the electrode. One membrane defines a plurality of apertures for dispersing a conductive fluid medium as a virtual electrode. The sensors and the apertures all lie within substantially the same plane.