Abstract: An intravascular electrophysiology (EP) device for the mapping and/or formation of lesions along the isthmus region of a heart that has particular utility in the treatment of atrial flutter. The EP device of the invention has an elongated shaft with a proximal section, a compound-curved or modified pigtail-shaped distal section, and a plurality of at least partially exposed electrodes disposed on an outer surface of the distal section. The electrodes are spaced along a length of the distal section and may be interspersed with at least one temperature sensor located between electrodes. The shape of the distal end of the device enables manipulation of the device by inserting its distal end in the tricuspid valve and retracting the device to bias the section having electrodes along the isthmus to achieve acceptable contact with the region so high frequency (e.g., RF) electrical energy delivered to the electrodes on the distal section of the EP device will form a lesion.

Abstract: This is a tool used during open heart or open chest surgery for creating lesions or lines of ablation in tissue to treat atrial fibrillation. It is a relatively short device having a rigid or semi-rigid shaft connected on one end to a handle and on the other end to a more flexible distal tip having one or more electrodes. The distal end of the shaft is angled so to define a first plane of deflection. A deflection mechanism consisting of a pull wire and flat spring housed in a lumen of the tool is manipulable via the handle for deflecting the distal tip in a plane different than the first plane of deflection, allowing direct contact with the curved surface of the tissue, either epicardial or endocardial, to be ablated. The tool may contain fiber optic or other data lines for transmitting data relevant to the patient, and it may be irrigated to cool the tool and the electrodes or to deliver therapeutic fluids to tissue.