Method and system for atrial defibrillation

Abstract

A method and system for atrial defibrillation in a patient are provided. The method comprises introducing into the patient a catheter comprising an elongated catheter body having proximal and distal ends and at least one lumen therethrough, and a basket-shaped electrode assembly at the distal end of the catheter body. The electrode assembly has proximal and distal ends and comprises a plurality of spines connected at their proximal and distal ends, each spine comprising an elongated spine electrode along its length. The electrode assembly has an expanded arrangement wherein the spines bow radially outwardly and a collapsed arrangement wherein the spines are arranged generally along the axis of the catheter body. The method further comprises introducing the electrode assembly into the heart of the patient and applying defibrillation energy to the tissue through one or more of the elongated electrodes. The system comprises a catheter as described above in combination with an external defibrillator electrically connected to the catheter.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) [0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 040,977, filed Dec. 31, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,980,858, issued Dec. 27, 2005, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Atrial fibrillation (also called “AF” or “A Fib”) is the most common abnormal heart rhythm. It is a very fast, uncontrolled heart rhythm caused when the upper changes of the heart (the atria) quiver instead of beating. During atrial fibrillation, the upper chambers of the heart beat between 350 and 600 times per minute, causing the pumping function of the upper chambers to not work properly. As a result, blood is not completely emptied from the heart's chambers, causing it to pool and sometimes clot. In about 5 percent of patients with atrial fibrillation, clotted blood dislodges from the atria and results in a stroke. The American Heart Association estimates that, in the United States, atr...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012] The inventive method and system offer several advantages over existing methods and systems. First, the basket-shaped electrode assembly has a larger surface area than conventional catheters and permits better current distribution to cover a majority of both atria during treatment. The larger surface area also reduces the impedance and energy requirements. The ability of the electrode assembly to expand and contract permits adjustability of the electrodes and better contact with tissue. The electrode assembly can also be placed within the pulmonary artery for better current distribution in the left atrium.

Problems solved by technology

During atrial fibrillation, the upper chambers of the heart beat between 350 and 600 times per minute, causing the pumping function of the upper chambers to not work properly.

As a result, blood is not completely emptied from the heart's chambers, causing it to pool and sometimes clot.

In about 5 percent of patients with atrial fibrillation, clotted blood dislodges from the atria and results in a stroke.

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