Irrigated ablation electrode having proximal direction flow
First Claim
1. An ablation electrode for use with an irrigated ablation catheter assembly comprising:
- an outer body portion including an outer surface, a proximal portion with a proximal end and a distal portion with a distal end;
an inner cavity defined within the outer body portion, the inner cavity including a central longitudinal axis;
a first passageway that extends from the inner cavity to the outer surface towards the proximal end of the electrode at a first acute angle with respect to the central longitudinal axis; and
a second passageway that extends from the inner cavity to the outer surface towards the distal end of the electrode at a second acute angle with respect to the central longitudinal axis;
wherein the first passageway and the second passageway axially overlap.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention relates to improved ablation electrodes and catheter assemblies, as well as methods useful in conjunction with irrigated ablation catheters. Embodiments of the present invention further relate to an irrigated catheter having irrigation fluid directed at target areas where coagulation is more likely to occur to help minimize blood coagulation and the associated problems. The present invention further relates to an ablation electrode having an outer body with a proximal portion and a distal portion an inner cavity and at least one passageway that extends to an opening on the outer surface of the electrode, wherein the passageway is directed towards the proximal portion and/or proximal end of the electrode forming an acute angle with a longitudinal axis of the electrode.
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Citations
17 Claims
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1. An ablation electrode for use with an irrigated ablation catheter assembly comprising:
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an outer body portion including an outer surface, a proximal portion with a proximal end and a distal portion with a distal end; an inner cavity defined within the outer body portion, the inner cavity including a central longitudinal axis; a first passageway that extends from the inner cavity to the outer surface towards the proximal end of the electrode at a first acute angle with respect to the central longitudinal axis; and a second passageway that extends from the inner cavity to the outer surface towards the distal end of the electrode at a second acute angle with respect to the central longitudinal axis; wherein the first passageway and the second passageway axially overlap. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. An ablation catheter assembly comprising:
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an electrode having an outer body portion including an outer surface, a proximal portion with a proximal end and a distal portion with a distal end, an inner cavity defined within the outer body portion, the inner cavity including a central longitudinal axis, a first passageway that extends from the inner cavity to the outer surface towards the proximal end of the electrode at a first acute angle with respect to the central longitudinal axis, and a second passageway that extends from the inner cavity to the outer surface towards the distal end of the electrode at a second acute angle with respect to the central longitudinal axis, wherein the first passageway and the second passageway axially overlap; and a catheter shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the outer surface of the proximal portion and the catheter shaft meet at an intersection, and the first passageway is configured to direct fluid flow through the first passageway toward a region adjacent the intersection. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. An ablation system comprising:
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a catheter assembly including; an electrode having a proximal portion with a proximal end and a distal portion with a distal end, and a catheter shaft including a proximal end and a distal end; a fluid source configured to be connected to the catheter assembly; and an energy source configured to be connected to the catheter assembly; wherein the electrode has an outer body portion, including an outer surface, an inner cavity defined within the outer body portion, the inner cavity including a central longitudinal axis, a first passageway that extends from the inner cavity towards the proximal end of the electrode at a first acute angle with respect to the central longitudinal axis, and a second passageway that extends from the inner cavity towards the distal end of the electrode at a second acute angle with respect to the central longitudinal axis, wherein the first passageway and the second passageway axially overlap; further wherein the distal end of the catheter shaft is configured to be connected to the electrode. - View Dependent Claims (17)
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Specification