Device and method for ablation of cardiac tissue
First Claim
1. A method for ablation of myocardial tissue defining opposing surfaces separated by a thickness, the method comprising:
- providing a hand-held instrument having a hollow needle;
selecting one of the opposing surfaces for penetration by the needle;
selecting a desired line of ablation on the selected surface of the myocardial tissue;
applying the needle to the tissue at a portion of the desired line of ablation such that it penetrates the selected surface and into the thickness;
delivering a predetermined amount of fluid into the penetrated tissue to facilitate ablation of the tissue along the desired lesion line; and
applying radiofrequency ablation through the needle.
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Abstract
Methods for delivering precise amounts of fluid into cardiac tissue for the purpose of facilitating ablation of the tissue along a desired lesion line. One method injects fluid through a hollow needle. The injected fluid can be a highly conductive fluid injected in conjunction with radiofrequency ablation to create an ablative virtual electrode. The injected conductive fluid can provide deeper and narrower conduction paths and resulting lesions. Radiofrequency ablation can be performed at the same time as the fluid injection, using the injection device as an electrode, or subsequent to the fluid injection, using a separate device. In some methods, the injected fluid is a protective fluid, injected to protect tissue adjacent to the desired lesion line. Fluid delivery can be endocardial, epicardial, and epicardial on a beating heart. The present methods find one use in performing maze procedures to treat atrial fibrillation.
372 Citations
27 Claims
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1. A method for ablation of myocardial tissue defining opposing surfaces separated by a thickness, the method comprising:
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providing a hand-held instrument having a hollow needle; selecting one of the opposing surfaces for penetration by the needle; selecting a desired line of ablation on the selected surface of the myocardial tissue; applying the needle to the tissue at a portion of the desired line of ablation such that it penetrates the selected surface and into the thickness; delivering a predetermined amount of fluid into the penetrated tissue to facilitate ablation of the tissue along the desired lesion line; and applying radiofrequency ablation through the needle. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A method for ablation of myocardial tissue comprising:
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providing a hand-held instrument having an injection port for injecting fluid into myocardial tissue; selecting a desired linear line of ablation on a surface of the myocardial tissue; applying the injection port through the surface and into the tissue at a portion of the desired line of ablation; delivering a predetermined amount of fluid into the myocardial tissue to facilitate ablation of the tissue along the desired lesion line; and applying radiofrequency ablation through the injection device. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27)
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Specification