Indifferent electrode pad systems and methods for tissue ablation

Abstract

Systems and methods for transmitting energy through patient tissue involve the use of an indifferent pad assembly in conjunction with an ablation probe. Systems may include an electrical surgical unit having a power output connector, a first power return connector, and a second power return connector. Systems may also include an ablation probe coupleable with the power output connector of the electrical surgical unit, and an indifferent pad assembly having a conductive mechanism coupled with an electrical and thermal insulator mechanism, and a wire assembly coupled with the conductive mechanism. The wire assembly can include a first connector coupleable with the first power return connector of the electrical surgical unit, and a second connector coupleable with the second power return connector of the electrical surgical unit.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a nonprovisional of, and claims the benefit of priority to, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 318,474 filed Mar. 29, 2010 (docket no. 87512-784699; previously 021063-003500US). This application is also related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ filed Mar. 29, 2011 (docket no. 87512-798150; previously 021063-004100US) and U.S. Pat. No. 7,288,090, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Embodiments of the present invention related to medical devices and methods, and in particular to cardiac ablation systems and methods.[0003]Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common clinical condition, and presents a substantial medical issue to aging populations. AF is costly to health systems, and can cause complications such as thrombo-embolism, heart failure, electrical and structural remodeling of the heart, and even death.[0004]For many years, the main treatment for atr...

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Benefits of technology

[0008]Embodiments of the present invention encompass ablation systems and methods involving the use of a flexible indifferent electrode pad assembly. In some cases, the indifferent electrode pad assembly is shaped to fit in the pericardial space and conform to the posterior portion of the left atrium and right atrium. The pad assembly can include a conductive surface on the side of the pad that faces the atria, in combination with an electrical and thermal insulator. Relatedly, the pad can provide a return path in the pericardial space. The conductive surface can be electrically coupled with a thin flexible cable that connects to an Electrical Surgical Unit (ESU) to return current originating from a separate ablation device or probe. The pad assembly can operate to prevent or inhibit potential damage to the esophagus and to other non-cardiac tissues or devices, for example by isolating thos

Problems solved by technology

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common clinical condition, and presents a substantial medical issue to aging populations.

AF is costly to health systems, and can cause complications such as thrombo-embolism, heart failure, electrical and structural remodeling of the heart, and even death.

This procedure was found to be highly efficacious but was associated with a high morbidly rate.

However, some monopolar approac

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