Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an irrigated catheter having irrigation fluid directed at target areas where coagulation is more likely to occur so as to minimize blood coagulation and the associated problems. In one embodiment, an irrigated ablation electrode assembly for use with an irrigated catheter device comprises a proximal member having at least one passageway for a fluid with an outlet disposed at an external surface of the proximal member; and a distal member connected with the proximal member and having an external surface. The distal member includes an electrode. The external surface of the proximal member and the external surface of the distal member meet at an intersection. The at least one passageway of the proximal member is configured to direct a fluid flow through the outlet toward a region adjacent the intersection.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide interface to a patient's autonomic nerves via an interior lumen wall of a blood vessel. Systems can include a probe having at least one electrode for receiving electrical signals from the interior of the lumen wall. The system can include processing components for extracting the signals from noise within the patient's body. Systems can include stimulation electrodes for providing stimulation and eliciting action potentials within the patient and destructive processes for destroying nervous function. The effect of nerve destruction on the propagation of action potentials can be effectively used as a feedback mechanism for determining the amount of nervous function destruction in the patient.

Abstract: A method and system for determining a likelihood of barotrauma occurring in tissue during formation of a lesion therein is provided. The system includes an electronic control unit (ECU). The ECU is configured to acquire at least one value of at least one component of a complex impedance between an electrode and the tissue. The ECU is configured to calculate an index responsive to the at least one value of the at least one complex impedance component. The index is indicative of a likelihood of barotrauma occurring in the tissue. The method comprises acquiring at least one value of at least one component of a complex impedance between an electrode and the tissue. The method comprises calculating an index responsive to the at least one value of the at least one complex impedance component. The calculated index is indicative of a likelihood of barotrauma occurring in the tissue.

Abstract: A method and system for assessing lesion formation in tissue is provided. The system includes an electronic control unit (ECU) configured to acquire magnitudes for a component of a complex impedance between an electrode and tissue, and the power applied to the tissue during lesion formation. The ECU is configured to calculate a value responsive to the complex impedance component and the power. The value is indicative of a predicted lesion depth, a likelihood the lesion has reached a predetermined depth, or a predicted tissue temperature. The method includes acquiring magnitudes for a component of a complex impedance between an electrode and tissue and the power applied during lesion formation. The method includes calculating a value responsive to the complex impedance component and the power, the value being indicative of a predicted lesion depth, a likelihood the lesion has reached a predetermined depth, and/or a predicted tissue temperature.

Abstract: A method and system for assessing lesion formation in tissue is provided. The system includes an electronic control unit (ECU) configured to acquire magnitudes for a component of a complex impedance between an electrode and tissue, and the power applied to the tissue during lesion formation. The ECU is configured to calculate a value responsive to the complex impedance component and the power. The value is indicative of a predicted lesion depth, a likelihood the lesion has reached a predetermined depth, or a predicted tissue temperature. The method includes acquiring magnitudes for a component of a complex impedance between an electrode and tissue and the power applied during lesion formation. The method includes calculating a value responsive to the complex impedance component and the power, the value being indicative of a predicted lesion depth, a likelihood the lesion has reached a predetermined depth, and/or a predicted tissue temperature.

Abstract: Irrigated ablation catheter assemblies and methods of facilitating parallel irrigation fluid flow along irrigated assemblies includes a catheter, an irrigated ablation electrode assembly, a flow member, and a catheter shaft having a fluid lumen. The electrode assembly includes at least one irrigation passageway and a distal portion. The proximal portion can include a proximal member and the distal portion can include a distal member which is connected to the proximal member. The proximal end of the flow member couples to the catheter shaft and the distal end of the flow member is disposed about the proximal portion of the assembly. Fluid flow is guided at least in part by the member and traverses the outer surface of the proximal portion along the outer surface of the distal portion substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of the electrode assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved ablation electrodes (10, 10?) and catheter assemblies (12), as well as methods useful in conjunction with irrigated ablation catheters. An irrigated ablation electrode assembly (10, 10?) includes a proximal member (18, 18?) having an outer surface (22), an inner lumen (26, 26?) and a proximal passageway (24). The proximal passageway (24) extends from the inner lumen (26, 26?) to the outer surface (22) of the proximal member (18, 18?). The assembly (10, 10?) further includes a distal member (20) having a distal end (30) and a distal passageway (28) extending from the inner lumen (26, 26?) through the distal member (20) to the distal end (30). Embodiments of the present invention include an irrigated catheter assembly (12) configured to direct irrigation fluid to target areas where coagulation is more likely to occur to, among other things, better minimize blood coagulation and associated problems.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to bipolar ablation systems. A bipolar electrode system for ablation therapy is disclosed, including a pressure-sensitive conducting composite layer and a pair of electrodes in electrical conductive contact or communication with the pressure-sensitive conducting composite layer. Energy (e.g., ablation energy) is delivered via the pressure-sensitive conductive composition when sufficient pressure is applied to transform the pressure-sensitive conductive composite to an electrical conductor. An electrically insulative flexible layer, which may include a passageway for a fill material is also disclosed. In some embodiments, the systems can also be used for targeted delivery of compounds, such as drugs, using a bipolar electrode.

Abstract: A catheter comprises an elongate body extending along a first longitudinal axis and having an outermost radial surface; a coil wound in a substantially cylindrical shape and extending along a second longitudinal axis that is coincident with the first longitudinal axis. At least a portion of the coil is proximate to the outermost radial surface of the elongate body.

Abstract: Irrigated ablation catheter assemblies and methods of facilitating parallel irrigation fluid flow along irrigated assemblies includes a catheter, an irrigated ablation electrode assembly, a flow member, and a catheter shaft having a fluid lumen. The electrode assembly includes at least one irrigation passageway and a distal portion. The proximal portion can include a proximal member and the distal portion can include a distal member which is connected to the proximal member. The proximal end of the flow member couples to the catheter shaft and the distal end of the flow member is disposed about the proximal portion of the assembly. Fluid flow is guided at least in part by the member and traverses the outer surface of the proximal portion along the outer surface of the distal portion substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of the electrode assembly.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an irrigated catheter having irrigation fluid directed at target areas where coagulation is more likely to occur so as to minimize blood coagulation and the associated problems. In one embodiment, , an irrigated ablation electrode assembly for use with an irrigated catheter device comprises a proximal member having at least one passageway for a fluid with an outlet disposed at an external surface of the proximal member; and a distal member connected with the proximal member and having an external surface. The distal member includes an electrode. The external surface of the proximal member and the external surface of the distal member meet at an intersection. The at least one passageway of the proximal member is configured to direct a fluid flow through the outlet toward a region adjacent the intersection.

Abstract: An irrigated ablation catheter includes a tubular catheter body having an inner tubular member and an outer tubular member. The catheter body has a proximal portion and a distal portion. The catheter also includes an electrode extending from the distal portion of the catheter body, a flow distributor positioned at least partially within distal portion of the catheter body and at least partially overlapping the electrode, and a flow path extending through the catheter body and the flow distributor. The flow path is configured to provide cooling fluid to an external surface of the electrode.

Abstract: The invention relates to irrigated ablation catheter assemblies and methods of facilitating parallel irrigation fluid flow along irrigated assemblies. An irrigated catheter assembly according to an embodiment includes a catheter, an irrigated ablation electrode assembly, and a flow member. The catheter includes a catheter shaft having a fluid lumen. The irrigated ablation electrode assembly includes a proximal portion having at least one irrigation passageway and a distal portion. The proximal portion of the electrode assembly may include a proximal member and the distal portion of the electrode assembly may include a distal member which is connected to the proximal member. The proximal end of the flow member is coupled or connected to the catheter shaft and the distal end of the flow member is disposed about the proximal portion of the electrode assembly.

Abstract: A catheter comprises an elongate body extending along a first longitudinal axis and having an outermost radial surface; a coil wound in a substantially cylindrical shape and extending along a second longitudinal axis that is coincident with the first longitudinal axis. At least a portion of the coil is proximate to the outermost radial surface of the elongate body.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to bipolar ablation systems. A bipolar electrode system for ablation therapy is disclosed, including a pressure-sensitive conducting composite layer and a pair of electrodes in electrical conductive contact or communication with the pressure-sensitive conducting composite layer. Energy (e.g., ablation energy) is delivered via the pressure-sensitive conductive composition when sufficient pressure is applied to transform the pressure-sensitive conductive composite to an electrical conductor. An electrically insulative flexible layer, which may include a passageway for a fill material is also disclosed. In some embodiments, the systems can also be used for targeted delivery of compounds, such as drugs, using a bipolar electrode.

Abstract: An irrigated ablation electrode assembly includes a substantially polygonal shaped electrode. The electrode assembly includes a proximal portion having an outer body portion including an outer distal end surface and an inner cavity within the outer body portion. The proximal portion of the electrode assembly further includes at least one passageway for fluid that extends from the inner cavity of the proximal member to the outer distal end surface of the proximal member. The electrode assembly further includes a distal portion defined by a substantially polygonal shaped body. Irrigation fluid flows from the inner cavity of the proximal portion through the passageway and out an orifice provided on the outer distal end surface of the proximal portion. The fluid that exits the passageway flows substantially parallel to the distal portion, therein improving the irrigation of the electrode.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an irrigated catheter having irrigation fluid directed at target areas where coagulation is more likely to occur so as to minimize blood coagulation and the associated problems. In one embodiment, an irrigated ablation electrode assembly for use with an irrigated catheter device comprises a proximal member having at least one passageway for a fluid with an outlet disposed at an external surface of the proximal member; and a distal member connected with the proximal member and having an external surface. The distal member includes an electrode. The external surface of the proximal member and the external surface of the distal member meet at an intersection. The at least one passageway of the proximal member is configured to direct a fluid flow through the outlet toward a region adjacent the intersection.

Abstract: An electrode for use on a medical device is disclosed. The electrode may have a main body of electrically conductive material extending along an axis and having a proximal end and a distal end. The body may be configured to emit electrical energy in accordance with a predefined diagnostic or therapeutic function. The body may have a groove disposed over an outermost surface of the body. The electrode may also include a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tracking coil disposed in said groove. The MRI tracking coil may comprise electrically insulated wire, for example. A catheter including an electrode, as well as a method for determining the location of an electrode, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for assessing electrode-tissue contact for tissue ablation. An exemplary electrode contact sensing system comprises an electrode 10 housed within a distal portion of a catheter shaft 14. At least one electro-mechanical sensor 20 is operatively associated with the electrode 10 within the catheter shaft 14. The at least one electro-mechanical sensor 20 is responsive to movement of the electrode 10 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 20. The output device receives the electrical signals for assessing a level of contact between the electrode 10 and a tissue 12.

Abstract: Catheter systems include direction-sensitive, multi-polar tip electrode assemblies for electroporation-mediated therapy, electroporation-induced primary necrosis therapy and electric field-induced apoptosis therapy, including configurations for producing narrow, linear lesions as well as distributed, wide area lesions. A monitoring system for electroporation therapy includes a mechanism for delivering electrochromic dyes to a tissue site as well as a fiber optic arrangement to optically monitor the progress of the therapy as well as to confirm success post-therapy. A fiber optic temperature sensing electrode catheter includes a tip electrode having a cavity whose inner surface is impregnated or coated with thermochromic/thermotropic material that changes color with changes in temperature. An optic fiber/detector arrangement monitors the thermochromic or thermotropic materials, acquiring a light signal and generating an output signal indicative of the spectrum of the light signal.