Abstract: An apparatus includes a shaft and an end effector at a distal end of the shaft. The end effector is sized to fit in an anatomical passageway within a subject's cardiovascular system. The end effector includes at least one electrode pair that is configured to contact cardiovascular tissue and thereby pick up electrocardiogram signals. Each electrode pair includes first and second electrodes spaced apart along a longitudinal axis from each other by a gap area located between the electrodes, the gap area having a gap length with respect to the longitudinal axis such that a length of one of the electrodes along the longitudinal axis is equal to or greater than the gap length; and a ratio of an area defined by the gap area to one electrode area is equal to or less than one.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a shaft and an end effector at a distal end of the shaft. The end effector is sized to fit in an anatomical passageway within a subject's cardiovascular system. The end effector includes at least one electrode pair that is configured to contact cardiovascular tissue and thereby pick up electrocardiogram signals. Each electrode pair includes first and second electrodes spaced apart along a longitudinal axis from each other by a gap area located between the electrodes, the gap area having a gap length with respect to the longitudinal axis such that a length of one of the electrodes along the longitudinal axis is equal to or greater than the gap length; and a ratio of an area defined by the gap area to one electrode area is equal to or less than one.

Abstract: A method for selecting a subset of electrophysiological descriptors from a set of electrophysiological descriptors, includes procedures for estimating values of a set of electrophysiological descriptors and selecting a subset of descriptors as a function notably of quantifications of proximity factors.

Abstract: A method for detecting a representative cardiac activity includes the arrangement of a plurality of electrodes, the measurement of the value of electrophysiological descriptors, and the calculation (CALC) of a score.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a shaft and an end effector at a distal end of the shaft. The end effector is sized to fit in an anatomical passageway within a subject's cardiovascular system. The end effector includes at least one electrode pair that is configured to contact cardiovascular tissue and thereby pick up electrocardiogram signals. Each electrode pair includes first and second electrodes spaced apart along a longitudinal axis from each other by a gap area located between the electrodes, the gap area having a gap length with respect to the longitudinal axis such that a length of one of the electrodes along the longitudinal axis is equal to or greater than the gap length; and a ratio of an area defined by the gap area to one electrode area is equal to or less than one.

Abstract: Catheters and methods for obtaining monophasic action potential (“MAP”) electrograms include a flexible catheter body defining a longitudinal axis, and a distal assembly affixed to the catheter body distal end defining a distal tip. The distal assembly has at least three MAP recording electrodes, and at least one reference electrode for determining reference potential. The recording electrodes are each positioned a radial distance from the longitudinal axis in at least three different radial directions, defining a recording geometry substantially having radial symmetry. The reference electrode is a longitudinal distance from the recording geometry. Optional features include a steerable catheter shaft, one or more radio-frequency ablation electrodes, and a dedicated pacing electrode. Different possible embodiments include a dome housing having the recording electrodes in a fixed spatial arrangement, and a distal loop assembly having an array of electrodes on at least three flexible loop elements.

Abstract: Catheters and methods for obtaining monophasic action potential (“MAP”) electrograms include a flexible catheter body defining a longitudinal axis, and a distal assembly affixed to the catheter body distal end defining a distal tip. The distal assembly has at least three MAP recording electrodes, and at least one reference electrode for determining reference potential. The recording electrodes are each positioned a radial distance from the longitudinal axis in at least three different radial directions, defining a recording geometry substantially having radial symmetry. The reference electrode is a longitudinal distance from the recording geometry. Optional features include a steerable catheter shaft, one or more radio-frequency ablation electrodes, and a dedicated pacing electrode. Different possible embodiments include a dome housing having the recording electrodes in a fixed spatial arrangement, and a distal loop assembly having an array of electrodes on at least three flexible loop elements.

Abstract: Catheters and methods for obtaining monophasic action potential (“MAP”) electrograms include a flexible catheter body defining a longitudinal axis, and a distal assembly affixed to the catheter body distal end defining a distal tip. The distal assembly has at least three MAP recording electrodes, and at least one reference electrode for determining reference potential. The recording electrodes are each positioned a radial distance from the longitudinal axis in at least three different radial directions, defining a recording geometry substantially having radial symmetry. The reference electrode is a longitudinal distance from the recording geometry. Optional features include a steerable catheter shaft, one or more radio-frequency ablation electrodes, and a dedicated pacing electrode. Different possible embodiments include a dome housing having the recording electrodes in a fixed spatial arrangement, and a distal loop assembly having an array of electrodes on at least three flexible loop elements.

Abstract: Catheters and methods for obtaining monophasic action potential (“MAP”) electrograms include a flexible catheter body defining a longitudinal axis, and a distal assembly affixed to the catheter body distal end defining a distal tip. The distal assembly has at least three MAP recording electrodes, and at least one reference electrode for determining reference potential. The recording electrodes are each positioned a radial distance from the longitudinal axis in at least three different radial directions, defining a recording geometry substantially having radial symmetry. The reference electrode is a longitudinal distance from the recording geometry. Optional features include a steerable catheter shaft, one or more radio-frequency ablation electrodes, and a dedicated pacing electrode. Different possible embodiments include a dome housing having the recording electrodes in a fixed spatial arrangement, and a distal loop assembly having an array of electrodes on at least three flexible loop elements.

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 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 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 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 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: 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: Catheter for mapping and/or ablation, and methods of using the same. According to one embodiment, catheter includes a metallic cap having a plurality of apertures and at least one electrode disposed in each aperture of the plurality of apertures. According to another embodiment, the catheter includes a non-conductive cap having a plurality of apertures and at least one electrode disposed in each aperture of the plurality of apertures. Electrodes may be paired, arranged along the length of the cap, or circumferentially arranged on the cap, according to various embodiments. According to a further embodiment, a method for treating a condition of a heart includes placing a catheter inside the heart, mapping a region of the heart using mapping electrodes on the catheter, and ablating using an ablation electrode disposed about the mapping electrodes of the catheter.

Abstract: A catheter that is particularly useful for mapping tubular regions of the heart, such as the pulmonary vein, is provided. The catheter comprises an elongated tubular catheter body having an outer wall, proximal and distal ends, and at least one lumen extending therethrough. The catheter further includes a mapping assembly, which comprises a tubular structure comprising a continuous 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 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.