Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for therapeutically treating tissue. The devices and methods are suitable for minimally invasive surgery or open surgical procedures. More particularly, methods and devices described herein permit accessing and/or treating areas of tissue with a therapeutic device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ablation electrode assemblies. The present invention further relates to an irrigated ablation electrode assembly that includes a recessed portion that can improve fluid flow around the irrigated ablation electrode. The electrode includes an outer body portion having an outer surface, and an inner cavity defined within the outer body portion. The electrode further includes at least one passageway for fluid flow from the inner cavity to the outer surface of the body of the electrode. The passageway further defines an outlet on the external surface of the electrode, therein allowing the fluid to flow on and/or around the electrode surface. The outer surface of the electrode further includes a recessed portion. The outlet of the passageway is disposed at least partially within the recessed portion. The fluid that exits the passageway may flow within the recessed portion to improve irrigation of the electrode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved ablation electrodes and catheter assemblies, as well as methods useful in conjunction with irrigated ablation catheters. Embodiments of the present invention further relate to an irrigated catheter having irrigation fluid directed at target areas where coagulation is more likely to occur to help minimize blood coagulation and the associated problems. The present invention further relates to an ablation electrode having an outer body with a proximal portion and a distal portion an inner cavity and at least one passageway that extends to an opening on the outer surface of the electrode, wherein the passageway is directed towards the proximal portion and/or proximal end of the electrode forming an acute angle with a longitudinal axis of the electrode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ablation electrode assemblies. The present invention further relates to an irrigated ablation electrode assembly that includes a recessed portion that can improve fluid flow around the irrigated ablation electrode. The electrode includes an outer body portion having an outer surface, and an inner cavity defined within the outer body portion. The electrode further includes at least one passageway for fluid flow from the inner cavity to the outer surface of the body of the electrode. The passageway further defines an outlet on the external surface of the electrode, therein allowing the fluid to flow on and/or around the electrode surface. The outer surface of the electrode further includes a recessed portion. The outlet of the passageway is disposed at least partially within the recessed portion. The fluid that exits the passageway may flow within the recessed portion to improve irrigation of the electrode.

Abstract: A catheter is designed with a virtual electrode structure for creating a linear lesion. The catheter includes a sensor array that measures temperatures of adjacent tissue along the length of the virtual electrode section. The sensors in the sensor array include a conductive material that is substantially coated with an electrically and thermally insulating material. An aperture is formed in the insulating coating to expose an area of the conductive material. Leads are coupled with each sensor and are connected at their opposite, proximal ends with a discrimination circuit. The circuit processes the signals induced in the sensors to output a single temperature measurement, for example, the highest temperature, the lowest temperature, or the average temperature. The sensors also measure cardiac electrical activity and the leads are further connected to an electrocardiograph monitor to determine the efficacy of treatment.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an irrigated ablation electrode assembly for use with an irrigated catheter device comprises at least one passageway for a fluid with an outlet disposed at an external surface of the electrode assembly; a permanent magnet; a shield separating the permanent magnet from the at least one passageway and from an exterior, the shield being substantially less oxidizable than the permanent magnet; and an electrode having an external electrode surface. A catheter guidance control and imaging system drives the permanent magnet to guide and control the catheter tip. In specific embodiments, the irrigation fluid flow paths through the electrode assembly are thermally insulated from the electrode and temperature sensor. The irrigation fluid is directed at target areas where coagulation is more likely to occur. One or more monitoring electrodes are provided for mapping or other monitoring functions.

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: A catheter or lead having a flexible printed circuit for conveying signals and/or energy. 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 or thermal energy to a target site.

Abstract: An array of ring electrodes or a wire electrode is mounted about the outside surface of the distal end of the ablation catheter. Substantially all of the outer surface of each ring or wire electrode is covered by an electrically insulating coating. The insulating surface coating on each ring defines a contoured opening in the insulating surface coating that exposes the conductive band or wire beneath. An array of contoured openings are formed along a wire electrode. The insulating coating mitigates potential edge effects that create hot spots and can result in unwanted tissue damage during an ablation procedure.

Abstract: An ablation catheter having a catheter shaft and a virtual electrode, the virtual electrode comprising portholes through an outer peripheral wall of the catheter shaft and a metal electrode, the catheter being used for treatment of cardiac arrhythmia, for example, atrial fibrillation, by electrically isolating a vessel, such as a pulmonary vein, from a chamber, such as the left atrium. The catheter shaft includes a proximal portion and a distal portion. The distal portion includes an active region, which is either a looped structure transverse to the longitudinal axis of the catheter shaft, or a linear structure that extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the catheter shaft. During use, the active region is directed into contact with, for example, the wall of a pulmonary vein. Upon energization, the virtual electrode creates a continuous lesion on an inner wall of the pulmonary vein, thereby electrically isolating the pulmonary vein from the left atrium.

Abstract: An ablation catheter used for treatment of, for example, atrial fibrillation by electrically isolating a vessel, such as a pulmonary vein, from a chamber, such as the left atrium. The ablation catheter has a virtual electrode and a catheter shaft. The virtual electrode comprises a porous conductor. The catheter shaft includes a proximal portion and a distal portion. The distal portion includes an active region, which is either a looped structure transverse to the longitudinal axis of the catheter shaft, or a linear structure that extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the catheter shaft. During use, the active region is directed into contact with, for example, the wall of a pulmonary vein and, upon energization, the virtual electrode creates a continuous lesion at or near the ostium of the pulmonary vein, thereby electrically isolating the pulmonary vein from the left atrium.