Irrigated ablation catheter having magnetic tip for magnetic field control and guidance

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention provide an irrigated ablation electrode assembly for use with an irrigated catheter device comprises at least one passageway for a fluid with an outlet disposed at an external surface of the electrode assembly; a permanent magnet; a shield separating the permanent magnet from the at least one passageway and from an exterior, the shield being substantially less oxidizable than the permanent magnet; and an electrode having an external electrode surface. A catheter guidance control and imaging system drives the permanent magnet to guide and control the catheter tip. In specific embodiments, the irrigation fluid flow paths through the electrode assembly are thermally insulated from the electrode and temperature sensor. The irrigation fluid is directed at target areas where coagulation is more likely to occur. One or more monitoring electrodes are provided for mapping or other monitoring functions.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 948,362, filed on Nov. 30, 2007, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 434,200, filed May 16, 2006, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] a. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention pertains generally to ablation catheters and electrode assemblies. More particularly, the present invention is directed toward ablation electrode assemblies for use in the human body having a magnetic tip for magnetic field control and guidance, a mechanism for irrigating targeted areas, and mapping characteristics. [0004] b. Background Art [0005] Electrophysiology catheters are used for an ever-growing number of procedures. For example, catheters are used for diagnostic, therapeutic, and ablative procedures, to name just a few examples. Typically, the catheter is manip...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011] Embodiments of the present invention provide an irrigated catheter configured to provide better electrode surface cooling and more accurate electrode tip temperature measurement, and having a magnetic tip that can be magnetically guided and controlled. The irrigated catheter may further include one or more monitoring or measuring electrodes for mapping or the like. The irrigation fluid is directed at target areas where coagulation is more likely to occur so as to minimize blood coagulation and the associated problems. In some embodiments, the invention further provides for significant improvements over known irrigation catheters, including those disclosed by Wittkampf and Nakagawa et al., by providing a multiple piece irrigated ablation electrode assembly that has the advantages of irrigating the target area while simultaneously improving the operation, temperature response, temperature monitoring and / or control mechanisms of the ablation assembly, so as to prevent unwanted, unnecessary tissue damage and blood coagulation.

[0012] The present invention is directed to improved irrigated ablation electrode assemblies and methods useful in conjunction with irrigated catheter and pump assemblies and RF generator assemblies designed to monitor and control the ablation process while minimizing blood coagulation and unnecessary tissue damage, and with catheter guidance control and imaging systems designed to guide and control the magnetic tips of the electrode assemblies and perform mapping and other imaging functions.

Problems solved by technology

However, introduction of this irrigation solution may inhibit the ability to accurately monitor and / or control the temperature of the ablation assembly during use.

This direct flow through the distal electrode tip lowers the temperature of the distal tip during operation, rendering accurate monitoring and control of the ablative process more difficult.

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