Ablation catheter apparatus with one or more electrodes

Abstract

A radio frequency (RF) ablation catheter has a flexible distal end portion so that it can be deflected to position an antenna disposed in the distal end portion adjacent a tissue site to be treated. At least one electrical conductor is coupled to the antenna and extends through the catheter to the proximal end of the catheter to a connector at the proximal end of the catheter for connection to a power supply for the RF antenna. At least one electrode is disposed at the distal end portion of the catheter and electrically coupled to the proximal end connector for connection to a monitor. The electrode is of a flexible, electrically conductive material such as conductive polymer material. The electrode may be an electrocardiogram (ECG) electrode.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] The present application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 359,808 of concurrent ownership, filed on Feb. 22, 2006, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 306,757, filed Nov. 27, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,004,938, which claims the benefit of Provisional Application No. 60 / 334,199, filed Nov. 29, 2001 and the contents of each of these documents are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.BACKGROUND [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention generally relates to medical devices used for ablation of biological tissues, and more particularly to an ablation catheter apparatus incorporating one or more electrodes such as electrocardiogram (ECG) electrodes. [0004] 2. Related Art [0005] Ablation catheters apply energy to a biological tissue site which requires ablation. Such catheters may use various energy modes, such as radiofrequency, ultrasound, laser, cryogenic, and ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010] This arrangement avoids the problems of metallic electrodes and also provides electrodes which are of a flexible polymer material which can bend readily with the distal end portion of the catheter as it is shaped or bent to negotiate a path through a body vessel.

Problems solved by technology

Naked metallic electrodes installed wrongly can absorb ablation energy and become hot.

Hot electrodes can have adverse effects on the heart or other biological tissues or organs, such as blood clot formation, adherence to tissue, and tissue charring.

Naked metallic electrodes can also impede efficient delivery of energy and hinder ablation efficiency.

Additionally, metallic electrodes can separate from the catheter when it is bent, resulting in inaccurate or lost signals.

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