Abstract: Methods and devices for identifying the 4th and the 5th intercostal spaces for the purpose of proper placement of ECG precordial leads, regardless of the patient's height and/or weight. By calculating the sternal length, the distance between the sternal notch and the xiphoid process, the locations of the 4th and 5th intercostal spaces can be determined. The present invention also features devices for measuring the length and to indicate to a user the location of the 4th and 5th intercostal spaces based on the measured sternal length. The methods and devices provide a more accurate identification of the 4th and the 5th intercostal spaces resulting in proper ECG lead placement, which then facilitates accurate ECG interpretation.

Abstract: Methods and devices for identifying the 4th and the 5th intercostal spaces for the purpose of proper placement of ECG precordial leads, regardless of the patient's height and/or weight. By calculating the sternal length, the distance between the sternal notch and the xiphoid process, the locations of the 4th and 5th intercostal spaces can be determined. The present invention also features devices for measuring the length and to indicate to a user the location of the 4th and 5th intercostal spaces based on the measured sternal length. The methods and devices provide a more accurate identification of the 4th and the 5th intercostal spaces resulting in proper ECG lead placement, which then facilitates accurate ECG interpretation.

Abstract: Lesion size or volume prediction shortly after the onset of an ablation procedure can inform or control the ablation procedure. The prediction and/or control is made without regard to an actual detected temperature in the vicinity of the ablation electrodes. As a consequence, the system has utility with irrigated catheter constructions and other situations in which local irrigation in the vicinity of an ablation site would otherwise interfere with a prediction or control scheme that solely relies upon temperature measurements.

Abstract: Lesion size or volume prediction shortly after the onset of an ablation procedure can inform or control the ablation procedure. The prediction and/or control is made without regard to an actual detected temperature in the vicinity of the ablation electrodes. As a consequence, the system has utility with irrigated catheter constructions and other situations in which local irrigation in the vicinity of an ablation site would otherwise interfere with a prediction or control scheme that solely relies upon temperature measurements.

Abstract: The patterns of contraction and relaxation of the heart before and during left ventricular or biventricular pacing are analyzed and displayed in real time mode to assist physicians to screen patients for cardiac resynchronization therapy, to set the optimal A-V or right ventricle to left ventricle interval delay, and to select the site(s) of pacing that result in optimal cardiac performance. The system includes an accelerometer sensor; a programmable pace maker, a computer data analysis module, and may also include a 2D and 3D visual graphic display of analytic results, i.e. a Ventricular Contraction Map. A feedback network provides direction for optimal pacing leads placement.

Abstract: The present invention employs ultrasonic energy delivered to myocardial tissue at frequencies sufficient to destroy the myocardial tissue implicated in the arrhythmic. More specifically, the present invention comprises an ultrasonic transducer mounted on a distal end of a catheter and at least one electrode associated with the distal end region of the catheter. The ultrasonic transducer may be a single crystal transducer or a phased array crystal transducer.