System and method for assessing coupling between an electrode and tissue
First Claim
1. A system for assessing a degree of coupling between a first electrode and a tissue in a body, comprising:
- a complex impedance sensor; and
,an electronic control unit configured to acquire values for first and second components of a complex impedance between said first electrode and said tissue responsive to one or more signals output by said complex impedance sensor and to calculate a first coupling index responsive to said values and a first variable parameter associated with said system, said first coupling index indicative of a degree of coupling between said first electrode and said tissue.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A system and method for assessing a degree of coupling between an electrode and tissue in a body is provided. Values for first and second components of a complex impedance (e.g., resistance and reactance or impedance magnitude and phase angle) between the electrode and the tissue are obtained. These values are used together with a standardization value indicative of a deviation from a reference standard by a parameter associated with at least one of the body, the electrode and another component of the system to calculate a coupling index that is indicative of a degree of coupling between the electrode and the tissue. The coupling index may be displayed to a clinician in a variety of ways to indicate the degree of coupling to the clinician. The system and method find particular application in ablation of tissue by permitting a clinician to create lesions in the tissue more effectively and safely.
275 Citations
24 Claims
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1. A system for assessing a degree of coupling between a first electrode and a tissue in a body, comprising:
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a complex impedance sensor; and
,an electronic control unit configured to acquire values for first and second components of a complex impedance between said first electrode and said tissue responsive to one or more signals output by said complex impedance sensor and to calculate a first coupling index responsive to said values and a first variable parameter associated with said system, said first coupling index indicative of a degree of coupling between said first electrode and said tissue. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A method for assessing a degree of coupling between a first electrode and a tissue in a body, comprising:
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acquiring values for first and second components of a complex impedance between said first electrode and said tissue response to one or more signals output by a complex impedance sensor; and
,calculating a first coupling index responsive to said values and a first variable parameter associated with a system controlling said first electrode, said first coupling index indicative of a degree of coupling between said first electrode and said tissue. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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Specification