SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TARGETING CATHETER ELECTRODES

• US 20110112396A1
• Filed: 11/09/2009
• Published: 05/12/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 11/09/2009
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Neuro-Kinesis Corporation
• Original Assignee: Magnetecs Incorporated
• Inventors: Johnson, David, Kim, Steven, Shachar, Yehoshua, Farkas, Leslie, Marx, Bruce
• Application Number:
  US12/615,176
• Publication Number:
  US 20110112396A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/424
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/1492 having a flexible, catheter-like structure, e.g. for heart ablation A61B18/1477 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00577 Ablation
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00839 Bioelectrical parameters, e.g. ECG, EEG
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/043 in a linear array
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 34/70 Manipulators specially adapted for use in surgery
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 34/73 Manipulators for magnetic surgery
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/283 Invasive

Abstract

A system and method is described for a catheter guidance system which allows an operator to use a mapping catheter to specify tissue target locations for the automatic guidance of a second therapeutic catheter. The operator places a mapping catheter at a desired location, and commands the catheter guidance system by either selecting a point on that catheter or one of the catheter electrode electrocardiograms. The operator may target the selected dynamic location, or tissue contact beyond that location on a specific side of the mapping catheter.

Claims

1. A method for catheter guidance, comprising:

introducing a mapping catheter into a patient;

moving said mapping catheter within the patient to bring an electrode provided to said mapping catheter in contact with tissues at various locations to generate a desired map;

identifying a target location from said map and placing an electrode of said mapping catheter proximate to said target location; and

introducing a therapeutic catheter into the patient and guiding said therapeutic catheter to a location of said electrode.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising guiding said therapeutic catheter past said location of said electrode.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein said mapping catheter is guided using magnetic fields.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein said therapeutic catheter is guided using magnetic fields.

5. A system for catheter guidance, comprising:

a mapping catheter having at least one electrode proximate to a distal end of said mapping catheter;

therapeutic catheter;

a first catheter guidance and control system that moves said mapping catheter to bring said at least one electrode in contact with tissues at various locations to generate a desired map; and

a second catheter guidance and control system that moves a distal end portion of said therapeutic catheter to a location of said at least one electrode.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein said therapeutic catheter comprises an ablation catheter.

7. The system of claim 5, wherein said second catheter guidance and control system comprises a magnetic guidance and control system that uses a plurality of electromagnets to control a position of a magnet provided to a distal end of said therapeutic catheter.

8. The system of claim 5, wherein said first catheter guidance and control system comprises a magnetic guidance and control system that uses a plurality of electromagnets to control a position of a magnet provided to a distal end of said mapping catheter.

9. The system of claim 5, wherein said second catheter guidance and control system automatically moves a distal end portion of said therapeutic catheter to a location of said at least one electrode.