Endocardial mapping and ablation system utilizing a separately controlled ablation catheter and method

• US 5,578,007 A
• Filed: 05/11/1995
• Issued: 11/26/1996
• Est. Priority Date: 06/05/1992
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed (Boston Scientific Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Cardiac Pathways Corp. (Boston Scientific Corporation)
• Inventors: Imran, Mir A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Sykes, Angela D.
• Assistant Examiner(s): PEFFLEY, MICHAEL F
• Application Number:
  US08/439,663
• Time in Patent Office: 565 Days
• Field of Search: 606/41, 606/45-50, 606/39, 606/40, 606/7, 606/15, 606/16, 604/21, 604/22, 604/95, 604/96, 607/115, 607/116, 607/119, 607/122, 607/100-102, 128/642
• US Class Current: 604/95.05
• 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 18/1815 using microwaves
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00292 mounted on or guided by flexible, e.g. catheter-like, means
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/003 Steerable
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00867 shape memory effect for prostheses A61F2210/0014
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/0016 Energy applicators arranged in a two- or three dimensional array
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00196 reciprocating lengthwise
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00214 Expandable means emitting energy, e.g. by elements carried thereon
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00267 having a basket shaped structure
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00357 Endocardium
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00505 Urinary tract
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00839 Bioelectrical parameters, e.g. ECG, EEG
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 25/0147 with movable mechanical means, e.g. pull wires
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 25/0158 with magnetic or electrical means, e.g. by using piezo materials, electroactive polymers, magnetic materials or by heating of shape memory materials
• CPC Class Codes: C08L 2201/12 Shape memory

Abstract

Endocardial mapping and ablation system for introduction into a chamber of a heart formed by a wall and having a passage leading thereto. The system is comprised of a catheter probe having a distal extremity. A plurality of electrodes are carried by the distal extremity for mapping the wall of the chamber. An ablation catheter is provided having a distal extremity. The ablation catheter has control means whereby the distal extremity can be bent separately of movement of the catheter probe to come into close proximity to the wall of the heart. The distal extremity of the ablation catheter is provided with capabilities for ablating a portion of the wall of the heart to eliminate an arrythmia in the heart.

Claims

1. An ablation catheter for introduction into a chamber of the heart comprising a flexible elongate member having a distal extremity, said flexible elongate member having a centrally disposed lumen extending therethrough and having a longitudinal axis, said flexible elongate element having at least four additional lumens extending therethrough and generally surrounding the centrally disposed lumen, at least three of said additional lumens being spaced approximately 120°

apart, a flexible elongate element having a negative coefficient of expansion disposed in each of said three additional lumens and having a distal extremity, a ground return conductor disposed in another of said additional lumens, means connecting the distal extremities of the flexible elongate elements formed of a material having a negative coefficient of expansion to the ground return conductor and means including conductors connected to said flexible elongate elements of a material having a negative coefficient of expansion for supplying electrical energy to the same to cause bending of the distal extremity of the flexible elongate member with respect to the longitudinal axis.

2. A catheter as in claim 1 together with an electrode mounted on the distal extremity of the flexible elongate member and connected to the ground return, and a conductor disposed in the central lumen and connected to the electrode for supplying radio frequency energy to the electrode.

3. A catheter as in claim 1 together with a fiber optic disposed in the central lumen and means for delivering laser energy to the fiber optic to cause ablation.

4. A catheter as in claim 1 together with a retractable cannula disposed within the central lumen and means for delivering a chemical to the distal extremity of the retractable cannula through the central lumen.