Abstract: A mapping catheter comprises a catheter body and a mapping assembly. The catheter body has an outer wall, proximal and distal ends, and at least one lumen extending therethrough. The mapping assembly comprises a generally straight proximal region attached to the catheter body, a generally circular main region distal the proximal region having an outer circumference, and a generally straight distal region distal the main region. The mapping assembly also comprises a support member having shape-memory, a non-conductive covering over the support member, and a plurality of electrodes on the non-conductive covering along the generally circular main region.

Abstract: An irrigation ablation probe comprises a generally rigid probe body and a handle mounted to the proximal end of the probe body. The generally rigid probe body comprises an ablation electrode at its distal end having at least one irrigation opening through which fluid can pass. An infusion tube extends through the probe body for introducing fluid into the ablation electrode. The irrigation ablation probe is useful for treating atrial fibrillation during open heart surgery.

Abstract: A mapping catheter comprises a catheter body and a mapping assembly. The catheter body has an outer wall, proximal and distal ends, and at least one lumen extending therethrough. The mapping assembly comprises a generally straight proximal region attached to the catheter body, a generally circular main region distal the proximal region having an outer circumference, and a generally straight distal region distal the main region. The mapping assembly also comprises a support member having shape-memory, a non-conductive covering over the support member, and a plurality of electrodes on the non-conductive covering along the generally circular main region.

Abstract: An irrigation probe useful for ablation during open heart surgery is provided. The irrigation probe comprises a generally rigid probe body and a handle mounted to the proximal end of the probe body. The generally rigid probe body has an electrode at its distal end having at least one irrigation opening through which fluid can pass. An infusion tube extends through the probe body for introducing fluid to the electrode.

Abstract: An irrigation probe useful for ablation during open heart surgery is provided. The irrigation probe comprises a generally rigid probe body and a handle mounted to the proximal end of the probe body. The generally rigid probe body has an electrode at its distal end having at least one irrigation opening through which fluid can pass. An infusion tube extends through the probe body for introducing fluid to the electrode.

Abstract: A catheter for ablating tissue is provided. The catheter comprises an elongated generally-tubular catheter body having proximal and distal ends and at least one lumen extending therethrough. A non-retractable ablation assembly is attached to the distal end of the catheter body. The ablation assembly comprises proximal and distal non-conductive tubings, each having a lumen extending therethrough and a generally tubular electrode mounted between the proximal and distal non-conductive tubings. The tubular electrode is formed of a material having shape-memory and has at least one irrigation port through which fluid can pass from the inside to the outside of the electrode. The ablation assembly further comprises a non-conductive protective tubing extending generally parallel to and along the outside of the tubular electrode. The protective tubing has proximal and distal ends extending into the proximal and distal non-conductive tubings, respectively.

Abstract: A method is provided for mapping electrical activity within a tubular region of or near the heart having a inner circumference, such as a pulmonary vein. The method comprises inserting into the heart a distal end of a mapping catheter. The mapping catheter comprises an elongated tubular catheter body having an outer wall, proximal and distal ends, and at least one lumen extending therethrough. The catheter includes a mapping assembly comprising a tubular structure comprising a pre-formed generally circular main region generally transverse and distal to the catheter body and having an outer circumference. The tubular structure comprises a non-conductive cover over at least the main region of the mapping assembly. A plurality of electrode pairs, each comprising two ring electrodes, are carried by the generally circular main region of the mapping assembly.

Abstract: A mapping catheter comprises a catheter body and a mapping assembly. The catheter body has an outer wall, proximal and distal ends, and at least one lumen extending therethrough. The mapping assembly comprises a generally straight proximal region attached to the catheter body, a generally circular main region distal the proximal region having an outer circumference, and a generally straight distal region distal the main region. The mapping assembly also comprises a support member having shape-memory, a non-conductive covering over the support member, and a plurality of electrodes on the non-conductive covering along the generally circular main region.

Abstract: A catheter for ablating tissue is provided. The catheter comprises an elongated generally-tubular catheter body having proximal and distal ends and at least one lumen extending therethrough. A non-retractable ablation assembly is attached to the distal end of the catheter body. The ablation assembly comprises proximal and distal non-conductive tubings, each having a lumen extending therethrough and a generally tubular electrode mounted between the proximal and distal non-conductive tubings. The tubular electrode is formed of a material having shape-memory and has at least one irrigation port through which fluid can pass from the inside to the outside of the electrode. The ablation assembly further comprises a non-conductive protective tubing extending generally parallel to and along the outside of the tubular electrode. The protective tubing has proximal and distal ends extending into the proximal and distal non-conductive tubings, respectively.

Abstract: A mapping catheter comprises a catheter body and a mapping assembly. The catheter body has an outer wall, proximal and distal ends, and at least one lumen extending therethrough. The mapping assembly comprises a generally straight proximal region attached to the catheter body, a generally circular main region distal the proximal region having an outer circumference, and a generally straight distal region distal the main region. The mapping assembly also comprises a support member having shape-memory, a non-conductive covering over the support member, and a plurality of electrodes on the non-conductive covering along the generally circular main region.

Abstract: An improved catheter is provided that is particularly useful for mapping the electrical activity in a heart. The catheter comprises a plurality of spines each capable of obtaining electrical, mechanical and locational data. The catheter comprises an elongated catheter body having proximal and distal ends and at least one lumen extending longitudinally therethrough. Mounted at the distal end of the catheter body is a mapping assembly having at least two spines, each having a proximal end attached at the distal end of the catheter body and a free distal end. Each spine comprises at least one location sensor and at least one electrode, preferably a tip electrode and at least one ring electrode. The spines may be arranged in an expanded arrangement wherein each spine extends radially outwardly from the catheter body or in a collapsed arrangement wherein each spine is disposed generally along the longitudinal axis of the catheter body.

Abstract: A catheter is provided that has a basket-shaped electrode assembly with an improved mechanism for expanding and contracting the electrode array. The expansion mechanism is designed to permit reproducible reintroduction of the catheter into the heart. The catheter comprises an elongated catheter body having at least one lumen therethrough. A basket-shaped electrode assembly is mounted at the distal end of the catheter body. The basket assembly comprises a plurality of spines connected at their proximal and distal ends, each of which comprises at least one electrode. The basket assembly has an expanded arrangement wherein the spines bow radially outwardly and a collapsed arrangement wherein the spines are arranged generally along the axis of the catheter body. An expander is attached at or near its distal end to the distal ends of the spines and extends through the catheter body. The expander has a proximal end that extends out the proximal end of the catheter body a lumen extending therethrough.

Abstract: A circumferential ablation catheter is provided, which is particularly useful for treating atrial arrhythmia by ablating a substantial portion of a circumferential region of tissue in a tubular region of or near the heart of a patient. The catheter comprises an elongated tubular catheter body having an outer wall, proximal and distal ends, and at least one lumen extending therethrough. An ablation assembly is mounted at the distal end of the catheter body. The ablation assembly comprises a circumferential ablation element mounted on the distal end of the catheter body, and an inflatable balloon provided in surrounding relation to the circumferential ablation element. The inflatable balloon is adjustable between a radially collapsed position and a radially expanded position. The catheter further comprises a stabilization assembly mounted on the catheter distal to the ablation assembly.

Abstract: An improved catheter is provided that is particularly useful for mapping the Purkinje fibers for potential diagnosis of ventricular fibrillation. The catheter comprises an elongated catheter body having proximal and distal ends and at least one lumen extending longitudinally therethrough. Mounted at the distal end of the catheter body is a mapping assembly having at least two spines, each having a proximal end attached at the distal end of the catheter body and a free distal end. Each spine comprises at least one electrode, preferably a tip electrode and at least one ring electrode. An irrigation tube extends through the catheter body and has an open distal end that is in communication with the outside of the distal end of the catheter body. The spines may be arranged in an expanded arrangement wherein each spine extends radially outwardly from the catheter body or in a collapsed arrangement wherein each spine is disposed generally along the longitudinal axis of the catheter body.

Abstract: A catheter is provided that has a basket-shaped electrode assembly with an improved mechanism for expanding and contracting the electrode array. The expansion mechanism is designed to permit reproducible reintroduction of the catheter into the heart. The catheter comprises an elongated catheter body having at least one lumen therethrough. A basket-shaped electrode assembly is mounted at the distal end of the catheter body. The basket assembly comprises a plurality of spines connected at their proximal and distal ends, each of which comprises at least one electrode. The basket assembly has an expanded arrangement wherein the spines bow radially outwardly and a collapsed arrangement wherein the spines are arranged generally along the axis of the catheter body. An expander is attached at or near its distal end to the distal ends of the spines and extends through the catheter body. The expander has a proximal end that extends out the proximal end of the catheter body a lumen extending therethrough.

Abstract: An improved catheter is provided that is particularly useful for mapping the Purkinje fibers for potential diagnosis of ventricular fibrillation. The catheter comprises an elongated catheter body having proximal and distal ends and at least one lumen extending longitudinally therethrough. Mounted at the distal end of the catheter body is a mapping assembly having at least two spines, each having a proximal end attached at the distal end of the catheter body and a free distal end. Each spine comprises at least one electrode, preferably a tip electrode and at least one ring electrode. An irrigation tube extends through the catheter body and has an open distal end that is in communication with the outside of the distal end of the catheter body. The spines may be arranged in an expanded arrangement wherein each spine extends radially outwardly from the catheter body or in a collapsed arrangement wherein each spine is disposed generally along the longitudinal axis of the catheter body.

Abstract: A bidirectional mapping catheter is provided. The catheter comprises an elongated flexible tubular catheter body having an axis and proximal and distal ends. A mapping assembly, which is mounted at the distal end of the tubular body, has a preformed generally circular main region having an outer surface that is generally transverse to the axis of the catheter body. The generally circular main region has proximal and distal ends and carries a plurality of spaced apart electrodes. An electrode lead wire is associated with each electrode. Each electrode lead wire has proximal and distal ends and extends through the catheter body and into the mapping assembly. The distal end of each electrode lead wire is electrically connected to its associated electrode. First and second puller wires are provided. Each puller wire has proximal and distal ends and extends through the tubular catheter body. The distal end of each puller wire is anchored at or near the distal end of the catheter body.

Abstract: A method is provided for mapping electrical activity within a tubular region of or near the heart having a inner circumference, such as a pulmonary vein. The method comprises inserting into the heart a distal end of a mapping catheter. The mapping catheter comprises an elongated tubular catheter body having an outer wall, proximal and distal ends, and at least one lumen extending therethrough. The catheter includes a mapping assembly comprising a tubular structure comprising a pre-formed generally circular main region generally transverse and distal to the catheter body and having an outer circumference. The tubular structure comprises a non-conductive cover over at least the main region of the mapping assembly. A plurality of electrode pairs, each comprising two ring electrodes, are carried by the generally circular main region of the mapping assembly.

Abstract: An improved basket catheter is provided that is particularly useful for mapping the heart. The catheter comprises an elongated catheter body having proximal and distal ends and at least one lumen therethrough. A basket-shaped electrode assembly is mounted at the distal end of the catheter body. The basket assembly has proximal and distal ends and comprises a plurality of spines connected at their proximal and distal ends. Each spine comprises at least one electrode. The basket assembly has an expanded arrangement wherein the spines bow radially outwardly and a collapsed arrangement wherein the spines are arranged generally along the axis of the catheter body. The catheter further comprises a distal location sensor mounted at or near the distal end of the basket-shaped electrode assembly and a proximal location sensor mounted at or near the proximal end of the basket-shaped electrode assembly.

Abstract: A mapping catheter comprises a catheter body and a mapping assembly. The catheter body has an outer wall, proximal and distal ends, and at least one lumen extending therethrough. The mapping assembly comprises a generally straight proximal region attached to the catheter body, a generally circular main region distal the proximal region having an outer circumference, and a generally straight distal region distal the main region. The mapping assembly also comprises a support member having shape-memory, a non-conductive covering over the support member, and a plurality of electrodes on the non-conductive covering along the generally circular main region.