Abstract: According to this technique of packaging a sensor device implantable in a living body so as to provide protection of the sensor device and to the living body itself, an electrical conductor of the sensor device is sealed in an insulating substrate extending between proximal and distal ends. The distal end of the electrical conductor is externally connected to an external sensor on the sensor device and the proximal end of the electrical conductor is externally connected to a distal end of a lead wire extending proximally to a pulse generator and these connections are embedded in an insulative sheath. The external sensor, substrate, and insulative sheath are encapsulated in a thin film of hermetic material without interference with the lead wire. In another embodiment, a layer of insulating material may underlie the hermetic material to encapsulate the external sensor and the substrate.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a multifunctional catheter handle. The handle comprises a handle body and a core mounted within the handle body. A piston is provided having a distal end mounted in the handle body and a proximal end extending outside the handle body, to which a catheter body can be attached. The piston is longitudinally moveable relative to the core and handle body. A first puller wire anchor is fixedly mounted to the core. A cam receiver is mounted in the handle body so that the cam receiver is longitudinally slidable relative to the piston and core. A second puller wire anchor is fixedly mounted to the cam receiver. A generally cylindrical cam is mounted distal to the cam receiver in surrounding relation to the piston and core. Rotation of the cam relative to the piston and core causes longitudinal movement of the cam receiver and second puller wire anchor.

Abstract: An improved catheter is provided that is particularly useful for mapping the pulmonary vein and other tubular regions of or near the heart. The catheter comprises an elongated catheter body having a proximal end, a distal end and at least one lumen extending longitudinally therethrough. A mapping assembly is mounted at the distal end of the catheter body and comprises a stem and at least two spines. The spines are moveable between a collapsed position, where each spine has a distal end attached to the stem, and a free proximal end positioned generally against the stem, and an expanded position, where the free proximal end of each spine extends outwardly from the stem. Each spine carries at least one electrode.

Abstract: An electrophysiology/ablation catheter assembly includes an elongated flexible casing that received a first catheter deflection assembly. Electrical leads are connected to each electrode on a distal portion of the catheter assembly and extend through the casing for external connection at a proximal end of the catheter assembly. A first actuator is operatively connected to the first catheter deflection assembly and operable upon movement to selectively effect displacement of the distal end. A second catheter deflection assembly is also disposed in the casing. A second actuator is connected adjacent the proximal end of the catheter deflection assembly and operable upon movement to selectively effect lateral displacement of the catheter at a location spaced from the first curved configuration of the distal end.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention concern an implantable electrode line having a proximal and a distal end, an outer electrode line surface and an electrode line longitudinal axis. The implantable electrode line is characterized in that the electrode line in the region of the distal end has a surface region with a microstructure, the surface region being provided for lateral contact with a vessel wall and being arranged at a spacing relative to the distal end which measures a plurality of electrode line diameters. The microstructure is formed by a plurality of microstructure elements which are arranged on the electrode line surface and which are distributed over the surface region both in the longitudinal direction and also in the peripheral direction and which have a component extending radially, wherein the microstructure elements are of a radial extent which is a fraction of the electrode line diameter.

Abstract: A method and device for sensing cardiac activity that includes a first plurality of electrodes forming a first electrode configuration to sense cardiac activity, a second plurality of electrodes forming a second electrode configuration to sense cardiac activity, and a third plurality of electrodes to deliver a stimulation pulse in response to the sensed cardiac activity. A microprocessor determines whether an escape interval associated with the delivered stimulation pulse is less than a rate limit interval, and a control circuit switches from the first plurality of electrodes to the second plurality of electrodes in response to the escape interval being less than the rate limit interval.

Abstract: A deflectable tip cardiac electrophysiology/ablation lumen catheter includes first and second passages, one of which communicates with an inflatable member or balloon. The second passage terminates in an opening or port downstream of the inflatable member. The second passage is adapted to introduce a liquid during an electrophysiology study while the inflatable member prevents backflow of an injected liquid or dye and blood, or is adapted to alternatively receive a guide wire therethrough.

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 probe that may be used to create circumferential lesions in body tissue and, in some implementations, may also be used to perform mapping functions. The probe includes a collapsible/expandable structure that supports electrodes or other operative elements against the body tissue.

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: The invention is directed to a mapping catheter useful for mapping tubular regions in and around the heart. The catheter comprises an elongated tubular catheter body. A mapping assembly is provided at the distal end of the catheter body. The mapping assembly comprises 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 electrodes are carried by the generally circular main region of the mapping assembly. A control handle is mounted at the proximal end of the catheter body. A contraction wire extends through the catheter body and non-conductive cover of the mapping assembly for contracting 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 method for measuring electrical activity within a tubular region of or near the heart, such as the pulmonary vein, is provided. The method comprises inserting into the heart a distal end of a catheter comprising 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 comprising a tubular structure having a continuous generally circular main region generally transverse and distal to the catheter body and having an outer circumference. The tubular structure has at least one electrode carried by the generally circular main region of the mapping assembly. The outer circumference of the generally circular main region is contacted with the inner circumference of the tubular region. The electrical activity within the tubular region is mapped with the at least one electrode along the generally circular main region.

Abstract: A catheter that is particularly useful for mapping electrical activity in the heart of a patient is provided. The catheter comprises an elongated catheter body having a lumen extending longitudinally therethrough. A control handle is attached to the proximal end of the catheter body and includes first and second members that are moveable relative to each other. The second member is attached to the catheter body. An inner member is slidably mounted in the lumen of the catheter body. The inner member comprises an elongated stiffening member that is surrounded by and connected to a non-conductive covering having a free distal end on which is mounted one or more electrodes. The proximal end of the inner member is attached to the first member of the control handle. Longitudinal movement of the first member relative to the second member results in longitudinal movement of the inner member relative to the catheter body to cause the inner member to extend out of and retract into the catheter body.

Abstract: An improved catheter is provided that is particularly useful for mapping the pulmonary vein and other tubular regions of or near the heart. The catheter comprises an elongated catheter body having a proximal end, a distal end and at least one lumen extending longitudinally therethrough. A mapping assembly is mounted at the distal end of the catheter body and comprises a stem and at least two spines. The spines are moveable between a collapsed position, where each spine has a distal end attached to the stem, and a free proximal end positioned generally against the stem, and an expanded position, where the free proximal end of each spine extends outwardly from the stem. Each spine carries at least one electrode.

Abstract: A multiple lumen catheter having a soft, tapered multiple lumen distal tip for insertion into a body vessel. One of the lumens is sized to pass over a guidewire such that the catheter can be inserted into the body vessel using the Seldinger technique. At least one medical implement lumen is used for placement or positioning of a biomedical sensor or other medical implement. For example, at least one optical fiber passing through the medical implement lumen may transmit and receive light at the distal tip for measuring oxygen saturation of the blood. The catheter may have a cylindrical catheter body to which the soft distal tip attaches. The soft tip reduces the possibility of vessel or tissue puncture and abrasion. The tip is constructed of a soft plastic or pliable material that yields easily when force is applied.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a multifunctional catheter handle. The handle comprises a handle body and a core mounted within the handle body. A piston is provided having a distal end mounted in the handle body and a proximal end extending outside the handle body, to which a catheter body can be attached. The piston is longitudinally moveable relative to the core and handle body. A first puller wire anchor is fixedly mounted to the core. A cam receiver is mounted in the handle body so that the cam receiver is longitudinally slidable relative to the piston and core. A second puller wire anchor is fixedly mounted to the cam receiver. A generally cylindrical cam is mounted distal to the cam receiver in surrounding relation to the piston and core. Rotation of the cam relative to the piston and core causes longitudinal movement of the cam receiver and second puller wire anchor.

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 implantable, substantially isodiametric, low resistance implantable lead having at least one electrode positioned in a stimulation/sensing portion of the lead as well as a method of manufacturing the same. At least the stimulation/sensing portion is unitized through partially surrounding and supporting insulation and conductive element(s) of the stimulation/sensing portion with a fused matrix of material having mechanical properties consistent with a body of the lead.

Abstract: A method is provided for electrical mapping of a pulmonary vein of a heart, including introducing into the heart a catheter having a curved section and a base section, the base section having a distal end attached to a proximal end of the curved section. At a location on the curved section, a first position signal is generated having fewer than six dimensions of position and orientation information. At a vicinity of the distal end of the base section, a second position signal is generated having six dimensions of position and orientation information. The method also includes measuring, at one or more locations on the curved section, an electrical property of the pulmonary vein.

Abstract: A first electrode is positioned within an artery proximate an implanted intravascular stent. A second electrode is positioned at a separate location relative the position of the first electrode. Electrical energy is then delivered between the first and the second electrodes to produce an electrical field adjacent the implanted intravascular stent. When a intravascular stent is implanted in a coronary artery, the delivery of the electrical energy is coordinated to cardiac cycles detected in sensed cardiac signals, where the delivery of the electrical energy between the first electrode and the second electrode occurs during a predetermined portion of the cardiac cycle.

Abstract: A probe that may be used to create circumferential lesions in body tissue and, in some implementations, may also be used to perform mapping functions. The probe includes a collapsible/expandable structure that supports electrodes or other operative elements against the body tissue.

Abstract: A guide catheter and medical lead are provided wherein the lead may be used as a pull wire to steer the guide catheter. The guide catheter is provided with a flexible distal segment and the lead is provided with a distal engaging member, which may also serve as an electrode. The distal engaging member interacts with the distal catheter end such that traction applied to the proximal lead end causes flexion of the distal segment of the catheter to advance the flexible distal segment between a non-flexed position and a flexed position, allowing the catheter to be steered around obstacles.

Abstract: A method for measuring electrical activity within a tubular region of or near the heart, such as the pulmonary vein, is provided. The method comprises inserting into the heart a distal end of a catheter comprising 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 comprising a tubular structure having a continuous generally circular main region generally transverse and distal to the catheter body and having an outer circumference. The tubular structure has at least one electrode carried by the generally circular main region of the mapping assembly. The outer circumference of the generally circular main region is contacted with the inner circumference of the tubular region. The electrical activity within the tubular region is mapped with the at least one electrode along the generally circular main region.

Abstract: An improved catheter is provided that is particularly useful for mapping the pulmonary vein and other tubular regions of or near the heart. The catheter comprises an elongated catheter body having a proximal end, a distal end and at least one lumen extending longitudinally therethrough. A mapping assembly is mounted at the distal end of the catheter body and comprises at least two spines. Each spine has a proximal end attached at the distal end of the catheter body and a free distal end. Each spine carries at least one electrode. The mapping assembly is moveable between an expanded arrangement, in which each spine extends radially outward from the catheter body and is generally U-shaped, and a collapsed arrangement in which each spine is disposed generally along a longitudinal axis of the catheter body.

Abstract: A device, system, and method for detecting vulnerable plaque in a blood vessel of a patient are disclosed. The device includes a catheter having at least one aperture, and a flexible guidewire within the aperture. The guidewire includes a coiled portion with at least one sensor for receiving information about the blood vessel and for determining presence of vulnerable plaque. The system includes a catheter and a flexible guidewire having a coiled configuration for positioning at least one sensor adjacent a blood vessel wall to allow the sensor to receive information for determining the presence of vulnerable plaque. The method includes steps for inserting a flexible guidewire into a lumen of the blood vessel; positioning a coiled guidewire with at least one sensor adjacent a blood vessel wall; receiving information about the blood vessel from the sensor and determining the presence of a vulnerable plaque based on the received information.

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 device for the mapping of cardiac arrhythmia foci including a catheter body having a distal end, first and second point electrodes, which are secured in the surface of the catheter body and which form a first bipolar pair of electrodes, and third and fourth point electrodes, which are secured in the surface of the catheter body and which form a second bipolar pair of electrodes, wherein a line passing between the third and fourth point electrodes is within about 45 degrees of being perpendicular to a line passing through the first and second point electrodes and wherein all four point electrodes are secured to that portion of the surface of the catheter body forming no more than half of the circumference of the surface of the catheter body when viewed from the distal tip of the catheter so that all four electrodes can be in contact with the cardiac tissue at the same time during a cardiac procedure.

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 of making a flexible elongate member includes the steps of providing a core wire having a proximal region and a distal region, attaching an electrical device to the distal region of the core wire, the electrical device being electrically connected to at least one electrical conductor. A substantially cylindrical electrical connector is formed from a substrate having a first edge and a second edge, the first edge and the second edge of the substrate being bonded substantially flush to each other, the electrical connector including a plurality of conductive bands and a plurality of electrically conductive runners interconnected to the plurality of bands. An electrically conductive bond is formed between the electrical conductors and the plurality of electrically conductive runners. The substantially cylindrical electrical connector is attached to the proximal region of the core wire.

Abstract: A bi-furcated medical electrical lead that is adapted to be implanted in the cardiac venous system is disclosed. The lead includes a bifurcated distal portion having first and second elongated members, or fingers. In one embodiment, the first elongated member, or thumb portion, is adapted to be positioned within the coronary sinus or great cardiac vein. The second elongated member, or finger portion, of the bifurcated distal tip, may be positioned within a branch vessel of the coronary sinus such as the posterior vein or middle cardiac vein. The thumb portion may carry at least one electrode for pacing and/or sensing, and may carry additional electrodes for multi-polar pacing applications, whereas the finger portion may carry a defibrillation electrode. Portions of the pacing/sensing electrodes may be insulated so that electrical stimulation is only delivered to myocardial tissue.

Abstract: A catheter system includes an outer catheter having a lumen and an inner catheter sized to fit within and slide through the lumen of the outer catheter. Both catheters may be introduced into an anatomical site through a single introduction path. At the distal-end region of each catheter is an electrode system. One electrode system is for mapping the site; the other is for ablating the site. The distal-end regions of one or both of the catheters may be linear shaped, circular shaped, or radially expandable. When the catheter system is deployed the electrode systems carried by the distal-end regions of the mapping catheter and the ablation catheter are movable relative to each other and tend to lie in planes substantially parallel to each other. Another catheter system includes two separate electrode systems on a single expandable member shaped so that both electrode systems come in contact with separate sites.

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 catheter for sensing electrical events about a selected annulus region of the heart and for treating tissue in the selected annulus region has a handle assembly, and a shaft having a proximal end coupled to the handle assembly. The catheter also has a mapping element provided adjacent its distal end, and an ablation element positioned spaced apart along the shaft from the mapping element. The mapping element is first positioned at the desired treatment location in the selected annulus region and the desired treatment location is mapped. The ablation element is then positioned at the desired treatment location by moving the mapping element away from the desired treatment location, and the desired treatment location is ablated.

Abstract: A system and method for interfacing a brain with a machine. An exemplary embodiment of the present invention employs a vascular approach in which one or more nano-electrodes are deployed in vasculature having a close geometric relationship with proximal innervation. Each nano-electrode is preferably deployed in a blood vessel so that its sensing end is at or near a nerve passing close to or intersecting the blood vessel. The sensing end of each nano-electrode is adapted so as to be carried along in the blood stream so as to position the sensing end at a desired point within the blood vessel. An array of nano-electrodes of varying lengths can be used to monitor multiple nerves or neurons along a blood vessel.

Abstract: A remotely bi-directional deflectable electrophysiology/ablation catheter of the type intended for placing into an interior passage of the heart is disclosed. The distal end of this elongated tubular catheter has a pair of tension/compression members each with a flattened end portion connected to the distal electrode and extending through the catheter casing and attached to a user moveable actuator for effecting the tension/compression thereon for remotely curling the distal end of the catheter. Spaced ring electrodes are provided adjacent the distal electrode. A permanent bend is pre-formed in the casing and tension/compression members adjacent the ring electrodes about an axis perpendicular to the elongated tension/compression members.

Abstract: A guide catheter and medical lead are provided wherein the lead may be used as a pull wire to steer the guide catheter. The guide catheter is provided with a flexible distal segment and the lead is provided with a distal engaging member, which may also serve as an electrode. The distal engaging member interacts with the distal catheter end such that traction applied to the proximal lead end causes flexion of the distal segment of the catheter to advance the flexible distal segment between a non-flexed position and a flexed position, allowing the catheter to be steered around obstacles.

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 generally circular main region generally transverse and distal to the catheter body and having an outer circumference and a generally straight distal region distal to the main region, wherein the tubular structure comprises a non-conductive cover over at least the main region of the mapping assembly. A support member having shape-memory is disposed within 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 catheter for sensing electrical events about a selected annulus region of the heart and for treating tissue in the selected annulus region has a handle assembly, and a shaft having a proximal end coupled to the handle assembly. The catheter also has a mapping element provided adjacent its distal end, and an ablation element positioned spaced apart along the shaft from the mapping element. The mapping element is first positioned at the desired treatment location in the selected annulus region and the desired treatment location is mapped. The ablation element is then positioned at the desired treatment location by moving the mapping element away from the desired treatment location, and the desired treatment location is ablated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a probe assembly for mapping and ablating pulmonary vein tissue and method of using the same. The probe assembly includes an expandable and collapsible basket assembly having multiple splines. One or more of the splines carry one or more electrodes adapted to sense electrical activity in the pulmonary vein tissue. The basket assembly defines an interior, and a microporous expandable and collapsible body is disposed in the interior of the basket assembly and defines an interior adapted to receive a medium containing ions. An internal electrode is disposed within the interior of the body and is adapted to transmit electrical energy to the medium containing ions.

Abstract: An apparatus having a support structure, a plurality of longitudinally spaced conductive regions, and an actuation device including at least one electrical contact located within the support structure and movable between respective positions where the one electrical contact is in electrical connection with one of the spaced conductive regions.

Abstract: A first electrode is positioned within an artery proximate an implanted intravascular stent. A second electrode is positioned at a separate location relative the position of the first electrode. Electrical energy is then delivered between the first and the second electrodes to produce an electrical field adjacent the implanted intravascular stent. When a intravascular stent is implanted in a coronary artery, the delivery of the electrical energy is coordinated to cardiac cycles detected in sensed cardiac signals, where the delivery of the electrical energy between the first electrode and the second electrode occurs during a predetermined portion of the cardiac cycle.

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: A catheter assembly and method 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 assembly includes a catheter body and at least one electrode. The catheter body includes a proximal portion, an intermediate portion and a distal portion. The intermediate portion extends from the proximal portion and defines a longitudinal axis. The distal portion extends from the intermediate portion and forms a substantially closed loop transverse to the longitudinal axis. The at least one electrode is disposed along the loop. With this configuration, the loop is axially directed into contact with the chamber wall about the vessel ostium. Upon energization, the electrode ablates a continuous lesion pattern about the vessel ostium, thereby electrically isolating the vessel from the chamber.

Abstract: A catheter assembly and method 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 assembly includes a catheter body and at least one electrode. The catheter body includes a proximal portion, an intermediate portion and a distal portion. The intermediate portion extends from the proximal portion and defines a longitudinal axis. The distal portion extends from the intermediate portion and forms a substantially closed loop transverse to the longitudinal axis. The at least one electrode is disposed along the loop. With this configuration, the loop is axially directed into contact with the chamber wall about the vessel ostium. Upon energization, the electrode ablates a continuous lesion pattern about the vessel ostium, thereby electrically isolating the vessel from the chamber.

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 first electrode is positioned within an artery proximate an implanted intravascular stent. A second electrode is positioned at a separate location relative the position of the first electrode. Electrical energy is then delivered between the first and the second electrodes to produce an electrical field adjacent the implanted intravascular stent. When a intravascular stent is implanted in a coronary artery, the delivery of the electrical energy is coordinated to cardiac cycles detected in sensed cardiac signals, where the delivery of the electrical energy between the first electrode and the second electrode occurs during a predetermined portion of the cardiac cycle.

Abstract: A guide wire for measuring physiological characteristics inside a body includes a sensor (14) for monitoring the physical variable and for forming an output signal characteristic for the value of the physical variable. The sensor is connected to a first electrical potential of an electronic unit (22) via an electrical wire (11) extending along the guide wire. An internal body electrode (17) is connected to the sensor (14) and is in contact with body fluids surrounding the sensor circuit. The guide wire (10) is inserted into a vessel of the body (25), and a second electrode (21) is applied near the internal body electrode, and the sensor circuit is powered by a second potential of the electronic unit (22) via a part of the body.

Abstract: An intravascular electrode arrangement 10 includes a first and a second electrode line 12, 14 adapted for placement in blood vessels such as veins or arteries, each having at least one stimulation and/or sensing electrode in the region of the distal end of the respective electrode line, wherein there are longitudinal guides 18, 18′, 18″, 18′″ provided externally on the first electrode line 12, 12′, 12″, 12′″ for the second electrode line 14.

Abstract: Catheter lesion diagnostics are disclosed.