Method and apparatus for epicardial left atrial appendage isolation in patients with atrial fibrillation
First Claim
1. A catheter apparatus for use in the isolation of a left atrial appendage (LAA) on a patient comprising:
- a catheter shaft having a central axis and a distal tip section, the tip section being deflectable whereby the tip section can be selectively curved away from the central axis;
a probe slidably disposed within the catheter shaft, the probe having a distal end and being selectively movable axially within the catheter shaft, whereby the distal end can be extended outward from the catheter shaft and brought into contact with the LAA;
a handle member sized to slidably receive the catheter shaft; and
a control mechanism positioned upon the handle member and coupled to the catheter shaft and the probe wherein the control mechanism controls axial movement and deflection of the catheter shaft with respect to the handle member and movement of the probe with respect to the catheter shaft.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A catheter apparatus is provided for isolation of the left atrial appendage (LAA) having a catheter shaft, a probe disposed within the catheter shaft, and a control mechanism coupled to both the catheter shaft and the probe. The catheter shaft includes a main body with a distal tip section. The tip section can be deflected from the shaft'"'"'s central axis in a controlled manner. The probe can be extended outward from the catheter shaft and has a distal end that is brought into contact with the LAA. The control mechanism controls the catheter shaft'"'"'s rotational and longitudinal movement, the tip section'"'"'s degree of deflection, and the probe'"'"'s axial movement with respect to the catheter shaft. Preferably, the distal end is able to form a pre-stressed loop selected to have a size allowing it to substantially encircle the LAA'"'"'s base. A method for epicardial isolation of the LAA is also provided.
134 Citations
19 Claims
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1. A catheter apparatus for use in the isolation of a left atrial appendage (LAA) on a patient comprising:
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a catheter shaft having a central axis and a distal tip section, the tip section being deflectable whereby the tip section can be selectively curved away from the central axis; a probe slidably disposed within the catheter shaft, the probe having a distal end and being selectively movable axially within the catheter shaft, whereby the distal end can be extended outward from the catheter shaft and brought into contact with the LAA; a handle member sized to slidably receive the catheter shaft; and a control mechanism positioned upon the handle member and coupled to the catheter shaft and the probe wherein the control mechanism controls axial movement and deflection of the catheter shaft with respect to the handle member and movement of the probe with respect to the catheter shaft. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method for epicardial isolation of a left atrial appendage (LAA) on a patient comprising:
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introducing a catheter apparatus through an incision in the patient'"'"'s chest, navigating the catheter apparatus to the LAA; advancing a probe from the catheter apparatus; substantially circumscribing a base of the LAA with the probe to epicardially isolate the LAA; and disengaging a distal end of the probe from the catheter apparatus. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification