Abstract: An irrigated ablation catheter includes a tip electrode with a thin shell and a plug to provide a plenum chamber. The tip electrode has an inlet of a predetermined size and noncircular shape, and outlets in the form of fluid ports formed in the thin shell wall. The plurality of the fluid ports is predetermined, as is their diameter. The tip electrode thus considers a diffusion ratio of total fluid output area to fluid input area, and a fluid port ratio. The tip electrode also considers a fluid inlet aspect ratio where the fluid inlet has a noncircular (for example, oval or elliptical) radial cross-section. The plenum chamber has a narrow proximal portion opening to a wider distal portion so that fluid pressure decreases while fluid velocity increases with the desired effect of increased turbulence which decreases momentum for a more uniform distribution of fluid in the tip electrode.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a needle control handle which allows a needle extension distance to be adjusted, set and locked. In one embodiment, the control handle has an outer body and a piston adapted for relative longitudinal movement to extend the needle. A first control knob is movable on the piston for adjusting and setting the distance of the needle extension. A second knob is provided for releasably locking the first control knob on the piston once the needle extension distance has been set. Each of the knobs has a contact surface that enables the knobs to mutually lock with and release from each other.

Abstract: A device and system for automating catheter needle injection has a first actuator that extends a needle past the distal end of the catheter, a second actuator that depresses a plunger to deliver injectate through the needle and an agitator assembly to agitate the injectate before it enters the needle. The device and system may also include a force sensor coupled to the plunger to sense pressure to detect occlusion, and an optical sensor to sense movement of the second actuator.

Abstract: A catheter adapted for ablation, mapping, injection, and directional control by an external magnetic system has a catheter body, an intermediate section, and a tip section having a tip electrode configured with an omnidirectional distal end and a concentric needle port. The tip electrode houses a magnetic device and a position sensor arranged in an integrated configuration, wherein the configuration facilitates a path in the tip section for a component, including an injection needle, to extend through the tip section for extension and retraction with reduced stress and friction. The integrated configuration is an efficient use of space in the tip electrode that allows the tip section to carry both the position sensor for determining location and orientation of the tip section and the necessary volume of magnetic or magnetizable material to accomplish magnetic navigation.