Electrode attachments for basket catheters

Abstract

To provide medical probes suitable for use to induce irreversible electroporation (IRE) of cardiac tissues.SOLUTION: The disclosed technology includes electrode attachments for a medical probe, including an electrode body configured to deliver electrical energy to biological tissues. Elongated member(s) of the medical probe can include one or more apertures, and the electrode(s) can include one or more electrode apertures to align with the apertures of the elongated member. A pin is placed in the aligned apertures to secure the electrode to the elongated member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2A

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] (CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to earlier-filed U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 514,504, filed July 19, 2023 (Attorney Docket No. BIO6842USPSP1-253757.000368), the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth herein.

[0002] FIELD OF THEINVENTION The present invention relates generally to medical devices, particularly to medical probes having electrodes, and more particularly, but not exclusively, to medical probes suitable for use to induce irreversible electroporation (IRE) of cardiac tissue. [Background technology]

[0003] Cardiac arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation (AF), occur when an area of ​​cardiac tissue abnormally conducts electrical signals to adjacent tissue. This disrupts the normal cardiac cycle and causes an asynchronous rhythm. Certain procedures that exist to treat arrhythmias include surgically destroying the source of the signals that cause the arrhythmia and destroying the conduction pathways of such signals. By selectively ablating cardiac tissue with the application of energy via a catheter, it is sometimes possible to stop or redirect the propagation of unwanted electrical signals from one part of the heart to another.

[0004] Many current ablation approaches in the art utilize radiofrequency (RF) electrical energy to heat tissue. RF ablation can have certain risks associated with thermal heating that can lead to tissue charring, burning, steam popping, phrenic nerve paralysis, pulmonary vein stenosis, and esophageal fistulas.

[0005] Cryoablation is an alternative approach to RF ablation that reduces the thermal risks typically associated with RF ablation. However, manipulating cryoablation devices and selectively applying cryoablation is generally more difficult compared to RF ablation, and thus cryoablation is not feasible in certain anatomical geometries that can be reached by electrical ablation devices.

[0006] Some ablation approaches use irreversible electroporation (IRE) to ablate cardiac tissue using a non-thermal ablation method. IRE delivers short pulses of high voltage to tissue, causing irreversible permeabilization of cell membranes. Delivery of IRE energy to tissue using multi-electrode probes has been previously proposed in the patent literature. Examples of systems and devices configured for IRE ablation are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2021 / 0169550(A1), 2021 / 0169567(A1), 2021 / 0169568(A1), 2021 / 0161592(A1), 2021 / 0196372(A1), 2021 / 0177503(A1), and 2021 / 0186604(A1), each of which is incorporated by reference into this specification and is attached in an appendix hereto.

[0007] Regions of cardiac tissue can be mapped by the catheter to identify abnormal electrical signals. Ablation can be performed using the same or a different medical probe. Some exemplary probes include multiple spines with electrodes positioned thereon. The electrodes are typically attached to the spines and fixed in place by soldering, welding, or using adhesives. However, due to the small size of the spines and electrodes, soldering, welding, or gluing the electrodes to the spines can be a difficult task, increasing manufacturing time and costs, and the electrodes may fail due to improper bonding or misalignment or distortion on the spine. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] Therefore, what is needed is a system and method for attaching electrodes to the spine of a basket assembly without requiring the use of soldering, welding, or adhesives. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a spine assembly is provided. The assembly may include an elongate member extending along a longitudinal axis member, the elongate member including a first opening along the length of the member. The assembly may include a first electrode slidable along the length of the member. The first electrode includes a first electrode opening. The assembly may include a first pin disposed within the first opening and the first electrode opening when the first opening and the first electrode opening are aligned along the length of the member.

[0010] The first pin may include a non-conductive material. The first electrode opening may have a non-conductive inner surface. A pin head of the first pin may have a chamfered profile.

[0011] The first pin may include a rivet having a base that is compressible to form a second head opposite the first head. The first and second heads of the rivet may be disposed on opposite sides of the first electrode.

[0012] The assembly can include a second electrode slidable along a length of the member. The second electrode can include a second electrode aperture. The assembly can include a second pin. The member can include a second aperture along a length of the member. The second pin can be disposed within the second aperture and the second electrode aperture when the second aperture and the second electrode aperture are aligned along the length of the member.

[0013] The assembly may include a second pin. The member may include a second opening. The first electrode may include a second electrode opening, and the second pin may be disposed within the second opening and the second electrode opening when the second opening and the second electrode opening are aligned along the length of the member. The assembly may include a first tab and a second tab. The first tab may include the first electrode opening, and the second tab may include the second electrode opening. The first tab and the second tab may be disposed at opposite ends of the first electrode in a direction along the length of the member. The second electrode opening may have a non-conductive inner surface.

[0014] The disclosed technology can include an expandable basket assembly. The assembly can include at least one spine extending along a longitudinal axis and configured to bend radially outward from the longitudinal axis. The spine can include a first spine opening and a second spine opening disposed along the length of the spine. The assembly can include a first electrode slidable along the length of the spine. The first electrode can include a first electrode opening and a second electrode opening. The assembly can include a first pin disposed within the first spine opening and the first electrode opening when the first spine opening and the first electrode opening are aligned along the length of the spine. The assembly can include a second pin disposed within the second spine opening and the second electrode opening when the second spine opening and the second electrode opening are aligned along the length of the spine.

[0015] The first pin and the second pin can include a non-conductive material. The first electrode opening and the second electrode opening can have a non-conductive inner surface. The first pin head of the first pin can have a chamfered contour and the second pin head of the second pin can have a chamfered contour. The first pin and the second pin can include a rivet compressible to form a chamfered end.

[0016] The assembly can include a first tab and a second tab. The first tab can include a first electrode opening and the second tab can include a second electrode opening. The first tab and the second tab can be disposed at opposite ends of the first electrode in a direction along the length of the spine. In some examples, the first tab and the second tab can be connected to and extend from the first electrode. The first electrode opening and the second electrode opening can have a non-conductive inner surface.

[0017] The disclosed technology can include an expandable basket assembly. The assembly can include at least one spine extending along a longitudinal axis. The spine can include a first spine opening along a length of the spine. The assembly can include a first electrode slidable along a length of the spine. The first electrode can include a first electrode opening. The assembly can include a first rivet disposed within the first spine opening and the first electrode opening when the first spine opening and the first electrode opening are aligned along the length of the spine.

[0018] The first rivet may include a non-conductive material. The first electrode opening may have a non-conductive inner surface. The rivet head of the first rivet may have a chamfered contour. The rivet may include a multi-piece component having a rivet top connectable to a rivet bottom. The rivet top and rivet bottom may be disposed on opposite sides of the first electrode when connected.

[0019] The assembly can include a second electrode slidable along the length of the spine, the second electrode including a second electrode opening. The assembly can include a second rivet. The spine can include a second spine opening along the length of the spine. The second rivet can be disposed within the second spine opening and the second electrode opening when the second spine opening and the second electrode opening are aligned along the length of the spine.

[0020] The assembly may include a second rivet. The spine may include a second spine opening. The first electrode may include a second electrode opening. The second rivet may be disposed within the second spine opening and the second electrode opening when the second spine opening and the second electrode opening are aligned along the length of the spine.

[0021] The assembly can include a first tab and a second tab. The first tab can include a first electrode opening and the second tab can include a second electrode opening. The first tab and the second tab can be disposed at opposite ends of the first electrode in a direction along the length of the spine. The second electrode opening can have a non-conductive inner surface.

[0022] The disclosed technology can include an expandable basket assembly. The assembly can include at least one spine extending along a longitudinal axis. The spine can include a first spine attachment along the length of the spine. The first spine attachment can be an opening or a location along the length of a slot along the length of the spine. The assembly can include a first electrode slidable along the length of the spine. The first electrode can include an extension insertable within the first spine attachment and compressible to form a compressed base.

[0023] The disclosed techniques may further include a method of attaching an electrode to an elongated member. The method may include disposing a first electrode on an end of the elongated member. The method may include sliding the first electrode along the length of the member until a first electrode opening of the first electrode is aligned with a first opening of the member. The method may include inserting a first pin into the first electrode opening and the first opening to secure the first electrode to the member. Disposing the first electrode on the end of the member may include disposing the end of the member in a slot of the first electrode. The member is slidable through the slot.

[0024] The method can include inserting a second pin into the second electrode opening and the second opening to secure the first electrode to the member. The first electrode opening can be disposed within the first tab and the second electrode opening can be disposed within the second tab. The first tab and the second tab can extend from a body of the first electrode.

[0025] The first pin can include a rivet having a first rivet head. The method can further include deforming a bottom of the first pin to secure the first pin within the first electrode opening and the first opening. The first pin can include a rivet having a first rivet head. The method can further include connecting the rivet bottom to the first pin to secure the first pin within the first electrode opening and the first opening.

[0026] Sliding the first electrode along the length of the member until the first electrode opening of the first electrode is aligned with the first opening of the member can include sliding the first electrode past the second opening. The method can further include disposing a second electrode on an end of the member. The method can further include sliding the second electrode along the length of the member until the second electrode opening of the second electrode is aligned with the second opening. The method can further include inserting a second pin through the first electrode opening and the second opening to secure the second electrode to the member.

[0027] The disclosed techniques may further include a method of attaching an electrode to a spine of a basket catheter. The method may include sliding a first electrode along the length of the spine until a first electrode opening of the first electrode is aligned with a first spine opening of the spine and a second electrode opening of the first electrode is aligned with a second spine opening of the spine. The method may include inserting a first pin into the first electrode opening and the first spine opening to secure the first electrode to the spine. The method may include inserting a second pin into the second electrode opening and the second spine opening.

[0028] The method can further include disposing an end of the spine in a spine slot of the first electrode, the spine being slidable through the spine slot. The first electrode opening can be disposed in the first tab and the second electrode opening can be disposed in the second tab. The first tab and the second tab can extend from the body of the first electrode.

[0029] The first pin and the second pin can be rivets and have a rivet head. The method can further include deforming a bottom of the first pin and the second pin to secure the pins within the first electrode opening and the first spine opening.

[0030] The first pin can include a rivet having a first rivet head. The second pin can include a rivet having a second rivet head. The method further includes connecting a first rivet bottom to the first pin to secure the first pin within the first electrode opening and the first spine opening. The method further includes connecting a second rivet bottom to the second pin to secure the second pin within the second electrode opening and the second spine opening.

[0031] Sliding the first electrode along the length of the spine until the first electrode opening of the first electrode is aligned with the first spine opening of the spine may include sliding the first electrode over the third spine opening and the fourth spine opening. The method may further include sliding the second electrode along the length of the spine until the third electrode opening of the second electrode is aligned with the third spine opening of the spine and the fourth electrode opening of the second electrode is aligned with the fourth spine opening of the spine. The method may further include inserting a third pin into the third electrode opening and the third spine opening to secure the second electrode to the spine. The method may further include inserting a fourth pin into the fourth electrode opening and the fourth spine opening.

[0032] The techniques of the present disclosure may further include a method of securing an electrode to an elongate member. The method may include sliding a first tab along the length of the spine until a first electrode opening of the first tab is aligned with a first spine opening of the spine. The method may include inserting a first pin into the first electrode opening and the first spine opening to secure the first tab to the spine. The method may include sliding a first electrode along the length of the spine until the first electrode contacts the first tab. The method may include sliding a second tab along the length of the spine until a second electrode opening of the second tab is aligned with a second spine opening of the spine. The method may include inserting a second pin into the second electrode opening and the second spine opening to secure the second tab to the spine.

[0033] The disclosed techniques may further include a method of attaching an electrode to a spine of a basket catheter. The method may include sliding a first electrode along a length of the spine until a first electrode opening of the first electrode is aligned with a first spine opening of the spine. The method may include inserting a first rivet into the first electrode opening and the first spine opening. The method may include riveting the first rivet to secure the first electrode to the spine.

[0034] The method may further include disposing an end of the spine in a spine slot of the first electrode. The spine may be slidable through the spine slot. Riveting the first rivet may include connecting a rivet bottom to the first rivet to secure the first electrode to the spine. Sliding the first electrode along the length of the spine until the first electrode opening of the first electrode is aligned with the first spine opening of the spine may include sliding the first electrode over the second spine opening. The method may further include sliding the second electrode along the length of the spine until the second electrode opening of the second electrode is aligned with the second spine opening. The method may further include inserting a second rivet into the second electrode opening and the second spine opening. The method may further include riveting the second rivet to secure the second electrode to the spine.

[0035] The techniques of the present disclosure may further include a method of securing an electrode to an elongate member. The method may include sliding a first electrode along the length of the spine until it reaches a spine attachment on the spine. The method may include compressing an extension of the first electrode to form a compressed base at an end of the extension, thereby securing the first electrode to the spine at the location of the spine attachment. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0036] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic, pictorial illustration of a medical system including a medical probe having a distal end including a medical probe having electrodes, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2A] FIG. 1 is a schematic, pictorial diagram showing a perspective view of a medical probe having electrodes in an extended configuration, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2B] FIG. 1 is a schematic pictorial diagram illustrating a side view of a medical probe in a folded configuration in accordance with the disclosed technology. [Figure 3A]FIG. 1 is a schematic pictorial diagram showing a top view of a spine and electrodes disposed thereon, in accordance with the techniques of the present disclosure. [Figure 3B] FIG. 1 is a schematic pictorial diagram showing a top view of a spine and electrodes positioned in their final installation position on the spine, in accordance with the techniques of the present disclosure. [Figure 3C] FIG. 1 is a schematic pictorial diagram showing a top view of an electrode attached to a spine with a pin, in accordance with the technology of the present disclosure. [Figure 3D] FIG. 3D is a schematic pictorial diagram showing a side view of an electrode attached to a spine as shown in FIG. 3C in accordance with the technique of the present disclosure. [Figure 3E] FIG. 4 is a schematic pictorial diagram showing an end view of the electrode of FIGS. 3A-3D, in accordance with the techniques of the present disclosure. [Figure 3F] FIG. 1 is a schematic pictorial diagram illustrating an exemplary pin in accordance with the techniques of this disclosure. [Figure 4A] FIG. 1 is a schematic pictorial diagram showing a top view of a spine and electrodes disposed thereon, in accordance with the techniques of the present disclosure. [Figure 4B] FIG. 1 is a schematic pictorial diagram showing a top view of a spine and electrodes positioned in their final installation position on the spine, in accordance with the techniques of the present disclosure. [Figure 4C] FIG. 1 is a schematic pictorial diagram showing a top view of an electrode attached to a spine with two pins, in accordance with the technology of the present disclosure. [Figure 4D] FIG. 4D is a schematic pictorial diagram showing a side view of an electrode attached to a spine as shown in FIG. 4C in accordance with the technique of the present disclosure. [Figure 4E] FIG. 5 is a schematic pictorial diagram showing an end view of the electrode of FIGS. 4A-4D, in accordance with the techniques of the present disclosure. [Figure 4F] FIG. 2 is a schematic pictorial diagram illustrating an exemplary pin in accordance with the techniques of this disclosure. [Figure 5A] FIG. 1 is a schematic pictorial diagram showing a top view of a spine and electrodes disposed thereon, in accordance with the techniques of the present disclosure. [Figure 5B] FIG. 1 is a schematic pictorial diagram showing a top view of a spine and electrodes positioned in their final installation position on the spine, in accordance with the techniques of the present disclosure. [Figure 5C]FIG. 1 is a schematic pictorial diagram showing a top view of an electrode attached to a spine with a pin having a rivet, in accordance with the technology of the present disclosure. [Figure 5D] FIG. 5D is a schematic pictorial diagram showing a side view of an electrode attached to a spine as shown in FIG. 5C in accordance with the technique of the present disclosure. [Figure 5E] FIG. 6 is a schematic pictorial diagram showing an end view of the electrode of FIGS. 5A-5D, in accordance with the techniques of the present disclosure. [Figure 5F] 1 is a schematic, pictorial diagram illustrating an exemplary deformable rivet in accordance with the techniques of the present disclosure. [Figure 5G] FIG. 1 is a schematic, pictorial diagram illustrating an exemplary multi-piece rivet in accordance with the techniques of the present disclosure. [Figure 6A] 1 is a schematic pictorial diagram showing an electrode having an extension and a compressible base in accordance with the disclosed technology; [Figure 6B] FIG. 1 is a schematic pictorial diagram showing an electrode having an extension attached to a spine in accordance with the disclosed technology. [Figure 6C] FIG. 1 is a schematic pictorial diagram illustrating an electrode having an extension with a rectangular cross-section, in accordance with the techniques of the present disclosure. [Figure 6D] FIG. 13 is a schematic pictorial diagram illustrating an electrode having an extension with a rectangular cross-section that slides along a slot in a spine in accordance with the disclosed technology. [Figure 7] 1 is a flow chart illustrating a method of attaching an electrode to an elongate member, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 1 is a flow chart illustrating a method of attaching electrodes to a spine of a basket catheter, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 1 is a flow chart illustrating a method of securing an electrode to an elongate member, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 1 is a flow chart illustrating a method of attaching electrodes to a spine of a basket catheter, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 1 is a flow chart illustrating a method of securing an electrode to an elongate member, according to one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0037] The following detailed description should be read with reference to the drawings, in which like elements in different drawings are numbered the same. The drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, depict selected embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The detailed description illustrates, by way of example and not by way of limitation, the principles of the invention. The description clearly enables one skilled in the art to make and use the invention and describes several embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives and uses of the invention, including what is currently contemplated to be the best mode for carrying out the invention.

[0038] As used herein, the term "about" or "approximately" with respect to any numerical value or range indicates suitable dimensional tolerances that allow a portion or collection of components to function for the intended purpose described herein. More specifically, "about" or "approximately" may refer to a range of values ​​of ±20% of the recited value, e.g., "about 90%" may refer to a range of values ​​of 71% to 110%. Additionally, as used herein, the terms "patient," "host," "user," and "subject" refer to any human or animal subject, and while use of the invention in human patients represents a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the system or method to human use. Similarly, the term "proximal" refers to a location closer to the operator or physician, while "distal" refers to a location farther from the operator or physician.

[0039] As discussed herein, the vascular system of a "patient," "host," "user," and "subject" may be that of a human or any animal. It should be understood that the animal may be of any of a variety of applicable types, including, but not limited to, mammals, veterinary animals, livestock animals, or pet animals, etc. As an example, the animal may be a laboratory animal (e.g., rats, dogs, pigs, monkeys, etc.) that is specifically selected to have certain characteristics similar to humans. It should be understood that the subject may be, for example, any applicable human patient.

[0040] As discussed herein, an "operator" may include a physician, surgeon, technician, scientist, or any other individual or delivery instrument associated with the delivery of a multi-electrode catheter for the treatment of drug-refractory atrial fibrillation to a subject.

[0041] As discussed herein, the term "ablate" or "ablation", in the context of the devices and corresponding systems of the present disclosure, refers to components and structural features that are configured to reduce or prevent the generation of irregular cardiac signals within cells by utilizing non-thermal energy, such as irreversible electroporation (IRE), interchangeably referred to as pulsed electric field (PEF) and pulsed field ablation (PFA) throughout the present disclosure. In the context of the devices and corresponding systems of the present disclosure, ablation or ablation is used throughout the present disclosure in reference to non-thermal ablation of cardiac tissue in certain conditions, including, but not limited to, arrhythmias, atrial flutter ablation, pulmonary vein isolation, supraventricular tachycardia ablation, and ventricular tachycardia ablation. The term "ablate" or "ablation" also includes known methods, devices, and systems for achieving various forms of body tissue ablation, as will be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0042] As discussed herein, the terms "bipolar" and "monopolar", when used to refer to ablation schemes, describe different ablation schemes with respect to current paths and electric field distribution. "Bipolar" refers to an ablation scheme that utilizes a current path between two electrodes, both of which are placed at the treatment site. The current density and electric flux density are typically approximately equal at each of the two electrodes. "Monopolar" refers to an ablation scheme that utilizes a current path between two electrodes, where one electrode with a high current density and high electric flux density is positioned at the treatment site, and a second electrode with a relatively low current density and lower electric flux density is positioned remotely from the treatment site.

[0043] As discussed herein, the terms "biphasic pulse" and "monophasic pulse" refer to the respective electrical signals. A "biphasic pulse" refers to an electrical signal having a positive voltage phase pulse (referred to herein as a "positive phase") and a negative voltage phase pulse (referred to herein as a "negative phase"). A "monophasic pulse" refers to an electrical signal having only a positive phase or only a negative phase. Preferably, a system providing a biphasic pulse is configured to prevent application of a direct current voltage (DC) to a patient. For example, the average voltage of a biphasic pulse may be zero volts relative to ground or other common reference voltage. Additionally or alternatively, the system may include a capacitor or other protective component. When voltage amplitudes of a biphasic pulse and / or a monophasic pulse are described herein, it is understood that the expressed voltage amplitude is the absolute value of the approximate peak amplitude of each of the positive and / or negative voltage phases. Each phase of a biphasic pulse and a monophasic pulse preferably has a square shape with an essentially constant voltage amplitude during the majority of the phase duration. The phases of the biphasic pulse are separated in time by an interphase delay. The interphase delay duration is preferably less than or approximately equal to the duration of a phase of the biphasic pulse. The interphase delay duration is more preferably about 25% of the duration of a phase of the biphasic pulse.

[0044] As discussed herein, the terms "tubular" and "tube" are to be interpreted broadly and are not limited to right cylindrical structures, or structures that are strictly circular in cross section, or structures that are uniform in cross section throughout their length. For example, a tubular structure is generally illustrated as a substantially right cylindrical structure. However, a tubular structure may have a tapered or curved outer surface without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0045] The present disclosure relates to systems, methods, or uses and devices for IRE ablation of cardiac tissue to treat cardiac arrhythmias. Ablation energy is typically delivered to cardiac tissue by a distal portion of a catheter that can deliver the ablation energy along the tissue to be ablated. Some exemplary catheters include a three-dimensional structure at the distal portion and are configured to administer the ablation energy from various electrodes positioned on the three-dimensional structure. Ablation procedures incorporating such exemplary catheters can be visualized using X-ray fluoroscopy.

[0046] Ablation of cardiac tissue applying radio frequency (RF) energy and thermal techniques such as cryoablation to improve a failing heart is a well-known procedure. Typically, to successfully ablate using thermal techniques, cardiac potentials must be measured at various locations in the myocardium. In addition, temperature measurements during ablation provide data that allows for the effectiveness of the ablation. Typically, in ablation procedures using thermal techniques, electrode potentials and temperatures are measured before, during, and after the actual ablation. RF approaches may have risks that may lead to tissue charring, burning, steam popping, phrenic nerve paralysis, pulmonary vein stenosis, and esophageal fistula. Cryoablation is an alternative approach to RF ablation that can reduce some of the thermal risks associated with RF ablation. However, operating a cryoablation device and selectively applying cryoablation is generally more difficult compared to RF ablation. Thus, cryoablation is not feasible in certain anatomical geometries that can be reached by electrical ablation devices.

[0047] The present disclosure may include electrodes configured for RF ablation, cryoablation, and / or irreversible electroporation (IRE). IRE may be interchangeably referred to as pulsed electric field (PEF) ablation and pulsed field ablation (PFA) throughout this disclosure. IRE as discussed in this disclosure is a non-thermal cell death technique that can be used to ablate atrial arrhythmias. To ablate using IRE / PEF, biphasic voltage pulses are applied to destroy cellular structures in the myocardium. The biphasic pulses are non-sinusoidal waveforms and can be tailored to the target cells based on the electrophysiology of the cells. In contrast, to ablate using RF, a sinusoidal voltage waveform is applied to generate heat in the treatment area, indiscriminately heating all cells within the treatment area. Thus, IRE has the ability to spare adjacent heat-sensitive structures or tissues, which may be beneficial in reducing possible complications known with ablation or isolation modalities. Additionally or alternatively, monophasic pulses may be utilized.

[0048] Electroporation can be induced by applying a pulsed electric field to biological cells to cause the reversible (temporary) or irreversible (permanent) generation of pores in the cell membrane. Cells have a transmembrane electrostatic potential that increases above the resting potential upon application of the pulsed electric field. While the transmembrane electrostatic potential remains below a threshold potential, electroporation is reversible, meaning that the pores can close when the applied pulsed electric field is removed and the cell can self-repair and survive. If the transmembrane electrostatic potential increases above the threshold potential, electroporation is irreversible and the cell becomes permanently permeable. As a result, the cell dies due to loss of homeostasis, typically by apoptosis. In general, different types of cells have different threshold potentials. For example, cardiac cells have a threshold potential of approximately 500V / cm, while bone has a threshold potential of 3000V / cm. These differences in threshold potentials allow IRE to selectively target tissues based on the threshold potential.

[0049] The solutions of the present disclosure include systems and methods for applying electrical signals from a catheter electrode positioned in the vicinity of myocardial tissue to generate ablation energy for ablating the myocardial tissue. In some examples, the systems and methods may be effective for ablating target tissue by inducing irreversible electroporation. In some examples, the systems and methods may be effective for inducing reversible electroporation as part of a diagnostic procedure. Reversible electroporation occurs when electricity applied at the electrode falls below the electric field threshold of the target tissue, allowing cells to repair. Reversible electroporation does not kill cells, but allows the physician to see the effect of reversible electroporation on the electrical activation signal in the vicinity of the target location. Exemplary systems and methods for reversible electroporation are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2021 / 0162210, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety and attached to the appendix hereto.

[0050] The pulsed electric field and its effectiveness in inducing reversible and / or irreversible electroporation can be influenced by the physical parameters of the system and the biphasic pulse parameters of the electrical signal. The physical parameters can include electrode contact area, electrode spacing, electrode shape, etc. The examples presented herein generally include physical parameters adapted to effectively induce reversible and / or irreversible electroporation. The biphasic pulse parameters of the electrical signal can include voltage amplitude, pulse duration, pulse interphase delay, interpulse delay, total application time, delivered energy, etc. In some examples, the parameters of the electrical signal can be adjusted to induce both reversible and irreversible electroporation given the same physical parameters. Examples of various systems and methods of ablation, including IRE, are provided in U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2021 / 0169550(A1), 2021 / 0169567(A1), 2021 / 0169568(A1), 2021 / 0161592(A1), 2021 / 0196372(A1), 2021 / 0177503(A1), and 2021 / 0186604(A1), each of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety and attached in an appendix hereto.

[0051] Please refer to FIG. 1, which shows an exemplary catheter-based electrophysiology mapping and ablation system 10. The system 10 includes multiple catheters that are percutaneously inserted by a physician 24 through the vascular system of a patient 23 and into a cavity or vasculature of a heart 12. Typically, a delivery sheath catheter is inserted into the left or right atrium near a desired location of the heart 12. The multiple catheters can then be inserted into the delivery sheath catheter to reach the desired location. The multiple catheters may include catheters dedicated to sensing Intracardiac Electrogram (IEGM) signals, catheters dedicated to ablation, and / or catheters dedicated to both sensing and ablation. An exemplary catheter 14 configured to sense IEGMs is illustrated herein. The physician 24 brings the distal tip of the catheter 14 (i.e., in this case, the basket assembly 28) into contact with the heart wall to sense a target site within the heart 12. The catheter 14 with a distal basket assembly may be referred to as a basket catheter. For ablation, physician 24 similarly delivers the distal end of an ablation catheter to the target site for ablation.

[0052] The catheter 14 is an exemplary catheter including one, and preferably multiple, electrodes 26 optionally distributed across multiple spines 22 in a basket assembly 28 and configured to sense IEGM signals. The catheter 14 may further include a position sensor embedded in or near the basket assembly 28 for tracking the position and orientation of the basket assembly 28. Optionally and preferably, the position sensor is a magnetic-based position sensor including three magnetic coils for sensing three-dimensional (3D) position and orientation.

[0053] The magnetic-based position sensor may operate in conjunction with a location pad 25 that includes a plurality of magnetic coils 32 configured to generate a magnetic field within a predetermined working volume. The real-time position of the basket assembly 28 of the catheter 14 may be tracked based on the magnetic field generated by the location pad 25 and sensed by the magnetic-based position sensor. Details of magnetic-based position sensing technology are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,391,199, 5,443,489, 5,558,091, 6,172,499, 6,239,724, 6,332,089, 6,484,118, 6,618,612, 6,690,963, 6,788,967, and 6,892,091, each of which is attached in an appendix hereto.

[0054] The system 10 includes one or more electrode patches 38 positioned for skin contact on the patient 23 to establish a positional reference for the location pads 25 and impedance-based tracking of the electrodes 26. For impedance-based tracking, a current is directed to the electrodes 26 and sensed at the electrode skin patch 38, so that the location of each electrode can be triangulated via the electrode patch 38. Details of impedance-based position tracking techniques are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 7,536,218, 7,756,576, 7,848,787, 7,869,865, and 8,456,182, each of which is attached as an appendix hereto.

[0055] Recorder 11 displays electrograms 21 captured by the body surface ECG electrodes 18 and intracardiac electrograms (IEGMs) captured by electrodes 26 of catheter 14. Recorder 11 may include pacing capability for pacing the cardiac rhythm and / or may be electrically connected to a stand-alone pacer.

[0056] The system 10 may include an ablation energy generator 50 adapted to deliver ablation energy to one or more electrodes at the distal tip of a catheter configured for ablation. The energy generated by the ablation energy generator 50 may include, but is not limited to, radio frequency (RF) energy or pulsed field ablation (PFA) energy, including unipolar or bipolar high voltage direct current pulses, such as may be used to effect irreversible electroporation (IRE), or a combination thereof.

[0057] The patient interface unit (PIU) 30 is an interface configured to establish electrical communication between the catheters, the electrophysiological equipment, a power source, and a workstation 55 that controls the operation of the system 10. The electrophysiological equipment of the system 10 may include, for example, multiple catheters, location pads 25, body surface ECG electrodes 18, electrode patches 38, an ablation energy generator 50, and a recorder 11. Optionally and preferably, the PIU 30 additionally includes processing capabilities to implement real-time calculations of the catheter positions and perform ECG calculations.

[0058] The workstation 55 includes a processor unit having a memory, a memory or storage device loaded with appropriate operating software, and a user interface function. The workstation 55 may optionally provide multiple functions including: (1) modeling the endocardial anatomical structures in three dimensions (3D) and rendering a model or anatomical map 20 for display on the display device 27; (2) displaying activation sequences (or other data) compiled from recorded electrograms 21 in a representative visual representation or image superimposed on the rendered anatomical map 20 on the display device 27; (3) displaying real-time locations and orientations of multiple catheters within the cardiac chambers; and (5) displaying sites of interest, such as where ablation energy has been applied, on the display device 27. One commercially available product embodying elements of the system 10 is available as the CARTO™ 3 system, available from Biosense Webster, Inc., 31 Technology Drive, Suite 200, Irvine, CA 92618, USA.

[0059] Figure 2A is a schematic pictorial diagram showing a perspective view of a medical probe 39 having an electrode 26 in an extended configuration, such as by being advanced out of a tubular shaft lumen 80 at the distal end of a tube 31, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2B shows a medical probe 39 having an electrode 26 in a collapsed configuration within a tube 31. In the extended configuration (Figure 2A), one or more spines 22 bend radially outward, and in the collapsed configuration (Figure 2B), the spines 22 are generally aligned along a longitudinal axis 86 of a tubular shaft 84.

[0060] 2A, the medical probe 39 includes a number of flexible spines 22 that may be formed on and connected at the ends of a tubular shaft 84. During a medical procedure, a medical professional 34 may deploy the medical probe 39 by extending the tubular shaft 84 from the tube 31 and transitioning the medical probe 39 out of the tube 31 to an expanded configuration. The spines 22 may have an elliptical (e.g., circular) or rectangular (which may appear flat) cross-section and may include a flexible, resilient material (e.g., a shape memory alloy such as nickel-titanium, also known as Nitinol) that forms struts, as described in more detail herein.

[0061] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure, the basket assembly 28 shown in FIGS. 2A-2B, which is formed from a single sheet of planar material and has spines 22 that converge at a central intersection, is provided for illustrative purposes only, and the techniques of the present disclosure may be applicable to other configurations of the basket assembly 28. For example, the techniques of the present disclosure may be applicable to a basket assembly 28 formed from a single spine 22 or multiple spines 22, with each spine 22 attached to both ends. In other examples, the basket assembly 28 may include a central hub that connects multiple spines 22 together at the distal end of the basket assembly 28. In still other examples, the basket assembly 28 may include a single spine 22 configured to form a spiral, multiple spines 22 configured to form a spiral, multiple spines 22 configured to form one or more tripods, or any other shape of the basket assembly 28. Thus, although FIGS. 2A-2B show a particular configuration of the basket assembly 28, the techniques of the present disclosure should not be construed as so limited. Similarly, the basket assembly 28 may be formed by laser cutting a cylindrical hollow stock material whereby the laser is mounted to rotate about (and translate relative to) the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical stock during cutting. It will be understood that a catheter device including the basket assembly 28 (as shown herein) may be referred to as a basket catheter.

[0062] The spines 22 can be formed from a single sheet of planar material to form a general star shape. In other words, the spines 22 can be formed from a single sheet of planar material such that the spines 22 converge toward a central intersection. The intersection can be a solid piece of material or can include one or more openings.

[0063] As will be appreciated, the spine 22 may be electrically insulated from the electrode 26 to prevent arcing from the electrode 26 to the spine 22. For example, an insulating jacket may be disposed between the spine(s) 22 and the electrode(s) 26, although one skilled in the art will appreciate that other insulating coverings are contemplated. For example, an insulating coating may be applied to the spine 22, the electrode 26, or both. The insulating jacket may be made from a biocompatible electrically insulating material such as polyamide-polyether (Pebax) copolymer, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), urethane, polyimide, parylene, silicone, or the like. In some examples, the insulating material may include biocompatible polymers, including but not limited to polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyglycolic acid (PGA), poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) copolymer (PLGA), polycaprolactone (PCL), poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV), poly-L-lactide, polydioxanone, polycarbonate, and polyanhydride, with the ratio of specific polymers selected to control the degree of inflammatory response. The insulating jacket may also include one or more additives or fillers, such as, for example, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), boron nitride, silicon nitride, silicon carbide, aluminum oxide, aluminum nitride, zinc oxide, and the like.

[0064] In the embodiments described herein, the electrodes 26 may be configured to deliver ablation energy (RF and / or IRE) to tissue within the heart 12. In addition to using the electrodes 26 to deliver ablation energy, the electrodes may be used to determine the location of the medical probe 39 and / or to measure physiological properties such as local surface potentials at respective locations on the tissue within the heart 12. The electrodes 26 may be biased such that a greater portion of the electrodes 26 faces outward from the medical probe 39 such that the electrodes 26 deliver a greater amount of electrical energy outward from the medical probe 39 (i.e., toward the heart 12 tissue) than inward toward the medical probe 39.

[0065] Examples of materials that are ideally suited for forming the electrodes 26 include gold, platinum, and palladium (and their respective alloys). These materials also have high thermal conductivity, which allows the minimal heat generated on the tissue (i.e., due to the ablation energy delivered to the tissue) to be conducted through the electrode to the back side of the electrode (i.e., the portion of the electrode inside the spine) and then to the blood pool within the heart 12.

[0066] 3A-3F are schematic pictorial diagrams illustrating an electrode 326 and its engagement with a medical probe 39. FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate a process of assembly and mounting of an electrode 326 onto a member of a medical probe 39, such as onto a spine 22 of the medical probe 39. The electrode 326 illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3F can be similar to the electrode 26 described above. In FIG. 3A, the electrode 326 is not fully mounted, but has been partially slid along the spine 22. The spine 22 can include an opening 322 disposed along a length L1 of the spine 22 that corresponds to the intended location of the electrode 326. The opening 322 can be aligned with an electrode opening 328 on the electrode 326 when the electrode 326 is mounted in its assembled position. FIG. 3B illustrates the electrode 326 slid into its mounted position such that the opening 322 is aligned with the electrode opening 328. At this point, the pin 350 can be inserted into the aligned opening 322 / electrode opening 328 to connect the electrode 326 in its final position on the spine 22 (see FIG. 3C).

[0067] Assembly in the manner shown and described in FIGS. 3A-3D (as well as described below with respect to FIGS. 4A-4D and 5A-5D) allows the medical probe 39 to be assembled without the use of a particular locking mechanism that may make it difficult to install more than one electrode along the spine 22. For example, referring to FIG. 2A for illustration, a particular implementation of a basket catheter includes more than one electrode along the length L1 of one spine. To install the most distal electrode, the electrode must be slid past the proximal electrode placement location. A system that includes attachment features (e.g., tabs, etc.) formed directly on the spine to engage the electrode would make it difficult to advance the most distal electrode past the proximal electrode placement location. The present design allows for easier placement of the most distal electrode because the locking mechanism on the spine 22 itself is an opening, e.g., opening 322, through which the most distal electrode can be easily slid. Thus, it will be understood that each spine 22 can have one electrode, two electrodes, etc., and each of the electrodes can be attached to the spine 22 according to any of the embodiments described in this disclosure.

[0068] 3E, which shows an exploded electrode 326, the electrode 326 can have a rectangular cross-section, as shown, or another cross-sectional geometry, such as an elliptical (e.g., circular) cross-section. The electrode opening 328 can have a non-conductive inner surface 330. For example, the inside of the opening that receives the pin 350 can be coated with a biocompatible, electrically insulating material, such as Pebax copolymer, PET, urethane, polyimide, parylene, silicone, PEEK, PGA, PLGA, PCL, PHBV, poly-L-lactide, polydioxanone, polycarbonate, and the like. Insulating the junction between the pin 350 and the electrode opening 328 can protect the pin 350 from becoming an electrical conducting point, so that the entire top surface of the electrode 326 remains an ablation surface. The electrode 326 can be placed through a spine slot 332, which can be sized and shaped to receive the spine 22. Thus, the electrode 326 can slide down the length L1 of the spine 22 via the engagement of the spine 22 in the spine slot 332. In some examples, the inner surface of the spine slot 332 can have a coating, such as silicone, to provide additional friction between the electrode 326 and the spine 22. In an alternative embodiment, the periphery of the spine opening 322 can be coated with a non-conductive material, and the pin 350 and electrode opening 328 can remain conductive. The goal is to keep the electrode 326 and spine 22 electrically insulated from one another, but the contacting surfaces (i.e., the pin 350, electrode opening, and spine opening 322) can be swapped such that there is an insulating connection between the surfaces.

[0069] With reference to FIG. 3F, the pin 350 can be made from a non-conductive material. For example, the pin 350 can be made from a biocompatible, electrically insulating material such as Pebax copolymer, PET, urethane, polyimide, parylene, silicone, PEEK, PGA, PLGA, PCL, PHBV, poly-L-lactide, polydioxanone, polycarbonate, and the like. Alternatively, the pin 350 can be made from a metallic material or another potentially conductive material. In these examples, the pin 350 can be coated with the non-conductive material. Again, the non-conductivity can protect the pin 350 from becoming an electrically conductive point, and thus the entire top surface of the electrode 326 remains an ablation surface. The pin 350 can include features that help secure the pin 350 inside the electrode opening 328. For example, the pin 350 can be a ball lock pin, a helical pin, a spring pin, and the like. In some examples, the pin 350 can be a rivet, as described herein with respect to FIGS. 5A-5G.

[0070] In some examples, the head of the pin 350 can have a chamfered profile to provide an atraumatic profile (see FIG. 3D). In some examples, the head of the pin 350 can extend above the surface of the electrode 326, as shown in FIG. 3D. In other examples, the head of the pin 350 can be recessed into the body of the electrode. For example, the electrode opening 328 can also include a countersink to accommodate and recess the head of the pin 350.

[0071] 4A-4F are schematic pictorial diagrams illustrating an electrode 426 and its engagement with a medical probe 39. FIG. 4A-4C illustrates a process of assembly and attachment of an electrode 426 onto a member of a medical probe 39, for example, onto a spine 22 of the medical probe 39. The electrode 426 illustrated in FIG. 4A-4F can be similar to the electrodes 26 and 326 described above. The electrode 426 in FIG. 4A-4F provides two attachment points to the spine 22. Referring to FIG. 4A, the electrode 426 is not fully attached but has been slid partially down the length L1 of the spine 22. The spine 22 can include a first spine opening 422 disposed along the length L1 of the spine 22 and can include a second spine opening 423 disposed along the length L1 of the spine 22. The electrode 426 can include a first electrode opening 428 and a second electrode opening 429. The distance L2 between the first spine opening 422 and the second spine opening 423 can be the same as the distance L3 between the first electrode opening 428 and the second electrode opening 429. FIG. 4B shows the electrode 426 slid into its installed position such that the first electrode opening 428 is aligned with the first spine opening 422 and the second electrode opening 429 is aligned with the second spine opening 423. At this point, the first pin 450 can be inserted into the aligned first spine opening 422 / first electrode opening 428 and the second pin 451 can be inserted into the aligned second spine opening 423 / second electrode opening 429 (see FIG. 4C).

[0072] Referring again to FIG. 4A, in some examples, the electrode 426 can include tabs extending from the electrode body so that the pins 450 / 451 do not interfere with the ablation surface of the electrode 426. The side view of FIG. 4D also shows an example of this layout, where the electrode 426 is disposed between a first tab 434 that includes a first electrode opening 428 and a second tab 436 that includes a second electrode opening 429. The first tab 434 and the second tab 436 can have a shorter profile than the body of the electrode 426, such that when the pins 450 / 451 are inserted into their respective openings, the heads of the pins 450 / 451 do not extend above the top surface of the electrode 426. In some examples, the first tab 434 and the second tab 436 can be attached to or integral with the electrode 426. For example, the first tab 434 and the second tab 436 can extend as wings from the ends of the electrode 426. In this example, the electrode 426 can be slid into its respective opening with the tabs and then secured. In another example, the first tab 434 and the second tab 436 can be separate components with the electrode 426 secured between the two. For example, the most distal of the two tabs (e.g., tab 434 in FIG. 4A ) can be slid into its respective spine opening 422 and secured with pin 450. The electrode 426 can be slid to contact the distal tab 434 and then the proximal tab (tab 436 in FIG. 4A ) can be slid into its respective spine opening 423 and secured with pin 451.

[0073] 4E, which shows an exploded electrode 426, the electrode 426 can have a rectangular cross-section, as shown, or another cross-sectional geometry, such as an elliptical (e.g., circular) cross-section. In some examples, the electrode opening 428 / 429 can have a non-conductive inner surface 430. For example, the inside of the opening that receives the pin 450 / 451 can be coated with a biocompatible, electrically insulating material, such as Pebax copolymer, PET, urethane, polyimide, parylene, silicone, PEEK, PGA, PLGA, PCL, PHBV, poly-L-lactide, polydioxanone, polycarbonate, and the like. Insulating the joint between the pin 450 / 451 and the electrode opening 428 / 429 can protect the pin 450 / 451 from becoming a conductive point. The electrode 426 can be placed through a spine slot 432, which can be sized and shaped to receive the spine 22. Thus, the electrode 426 can slide downward along the length L1 of the spine 22 via engagement of the spine 22 in the spine slot 432. In some examples, the inner surface of the spine slot 432 can have a coating, such as silicone, to provide additional friction between the electrode 426 and the spine 22.

[0074] Referring to FIG. 4F, the pins 450 / 451 can be made of a non-conductive material. For example, the pins 450 / 451 can be made of a biocompatible, electrically insulating material such as Pebax copolymer, PET, urethane, polyimide, parylene, silicone, PEEK, PGA, PLGA, PCL, PHBV, poly-L-lactide, polydioxanone, polycarbonate, and the like. Alternatively, the pins 450 / 451 can be made of a metallic material or another potentially conductive material. In these examples, the pins 450 / 451 can be coated with the non-conductive material. Again, the non-conductivity can protect the pins 450 / 451 from becoming electrically conductive points, so that the surface of the electrode 426 remains the ablation surface. The pins 450 / 451 can include features that help secure the pins 450 / 451 inside the electrode openings 428 / 429. For example, pin 450 / 451 can be a ball lock pin, a helical pin, a spring pin, etc. In some examples, pin 450 / 451 can be a rivet, as described with respect to Figures 5A-5G.

[0075] In some examples, the heads of the pins 450 / 451 can have a chamfered profile to provide an atraumatic profile (see FIG. 4D). In some examples, the heads of the pins 450 / 451 can extend from the surface of the respective tabs 432 / 434, as shown in FIG. 4D. In other examples, the heads of the pins 450 / 451 can be recessed into the body of their respective tabs 432 / 434. For example, the electrode openings 428 / 429 can also include countersinks to receive and lower the heads of the pins 450 / 451.

[0076] 5A-5G are schematic pictorial diagrams illustrating an electrode 526 and its engagement with a medical probe 39. FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate a process of assembly and attachment of an electrode 526 onto a member of a medical probe 39, such as onto a spine 22 of the medical probe 39. The electrode 526 illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5G can be similar to the electrodes 26, 326, and 426 described above. In FIG. 5A, the electrode 526 is not fully attached, but has been partially slid along the spine 22. The spine 22 can include an opening 522 disposed along a length L1 of the spine 22 that corresponds to the intended location of the electrode 526. The opening 522 can be aligned with an electrode opening 528 on the electrode 526 when the electrode 526 is installed in its assembled position. FIG. 5B illustrates the electrode 526 slid into its installed position such that the opening 522 is aligned with the electrode opening 528. A pin, in this case a rivet 550, can be inserted into the aligned opening 522 / electrode opening 528 to connect the electrode 526 in its final position on the spine 22 (see FIG. 5C).

[0077] 5E, which shows an exploded electrode 526, the electrode 526 can have a rectangular cross-section as shown, or another cross-sectional geometry, such as an elliptical (e.g., circular) cross-section. In some examples, the electrode opening 528 can have a non-conductive inner surface 530. For example, the inside of the opening that receives the rivet 550 can be coated with a biocompatible, electrically insulating material, such as Pebax copolymer, PET, urethane, polyimide, parylene, silicone, PEEK, PGA, PLGA, PCL, PHBV, poly-L-lactide, polydioxanone, polycarbonate, and the like. Insulating the joint between the rivet 550 and the electrode opening 528 can protect the rivet 550 from becoming an electrically conducting point, so that the entire top surface of the electrode 526 remains an ablation surface. The electrode 526 can be placed through a spine slot 532, which can be sized and shaped to receive the spine 22. Thus, the electrode 526 can slide downward along the length L1 of the spine 22 via engagement between the spine 22 and the spine slot 532. In some examples, the inner surface of the spine slot 532 can have a coating, such as silicone, to provide additional friction between the electrode 526 and the spine 22.

[0078] 5F and 5G, the rivet 550 can be made of or include a non-conductive material. For example, the rivet 550 can be made of a biocompatible, electrically insulating material such as Pebax copolymer, PET, urethane, polyimide, parylene, silicone, PEEK, PGA, PLGA, PCL, PHBV, poly-L-lactide, polydioxanone, polycarbonate, etc. Alternatively, the rivet 550 can be made of a metallic material or another potentially conductive material. In these examples, the rivet 550 can be coated with the non-conductive material. Again, the non-conductivity can protect the rivet 550 from becoming an electrically conductive point, so that the entire top surface of the electrode 526 remains an ablation surface.

[0079] 5F, the rivet 550 can have a first rivet head 552 and a bottom portion that can be compressed to form a second head 554 opposite the first rivet head 552. To assemble this type of deformable rivet 550, the rivet 550 can be inserted into the aligned opening 522 / electrode opening 528 and then compressed such that the bottom portion of the rivet 550 is deformed to form the second head 554. Once the second head 554 is formed, the electrode 526 is secured to the spine 22. The first rivet head 552 and / or the second rivet head 554 can have an atraumatic contour, as shown in FIG. 5F.

[0080] 5G, the rivet 550 can be a multi-piece component with a rivet top 556 connectable to a rivet bottom 558. The rivet top 556 can have a first rivet head 552, and the rivet bottom 558 can have a second rivet head 554. The rivet top 556 can engage with the rivet bottom 558 to form a fixed rivet 550 to connect the electrode 526 to the spine 22. For example, the rivet bottom 558 can have an opening at an end opposite its head 554 that is larger than the bottom end of the rivet top 556 such that the rivet top 556 can be inserted into the rivet bottom 558. To assemble, the rivet top 556 can be inserted into the aligned opening 522 / electrode opening 528, and then the rivet bottom 558 can slide over and engage the bottom portion of the rivet top 556 to secure the electrode 526 to the spine 22. The first rivet head 552 and the second rivet head 554 can have an atraumatic contour, as shown in FIG. 5G. In some examples, to account for the larger rivet base 558, the electrode opening 528 in the electrode 526 can have an oversized portion 534 (see FIG. 5E) at one end to account for the larger diameter of the rivet base 558.

[0081] 6A-6D are schematic pictorial diagrams showing an electrode 626 having an extension 634 with a compressible base, according to the disclosed technique. In other examples described herein, an opening in the electrode for receiving a pin or rivet is described. In this example shown in FIGS. 6A-6D, the extension 634 can be inserted into the spine attachment 622 of the spine 22 and then compressed to secure the electrode 626, so that the electrode 626 can function as its own pin and rivet. The spine attachment 622 can be an opening, whereby the end 650 of the extension 634 can be inserted into the opening and then compressed to form a compressed base 654, in a manner similar to the second head 554 of the rivet described above. FIG. 6A shows the electrode 626 with the extension 634 compressed. FIG. 6B shows the electrode 626 secured to the spine 622 by the end of the extension 634 being compressed onto a base 654 that is compressed onto the spine 622 .

[0082] In some examples, the spine attachment 622 can be a slot 624 that extends a length L4 along the length L1 of the spine 22. The extension 634 of the electrode 626 can have a rectangular cross-section with a width 660 that matches the width 662 of the slot 624. The extension 634 can be inserted into the end of the slot 624 and then slid to a desired location along the length L1 of the spine, and then the extension 634 can be compressed to secure the electrode 626 to the spine 22 at that location. In some examples, the end 650 of the extension 634 can have a larger footprint, or a larger width 664, than the remainder of the extension 634. Thus, the extension 634 can be constrained within the slot 624 as it is slid to its location along the spine 22.

[0083] 7 is a flow chart illustrating a method 700 of attaching an electrode (e.g., electrodes 26, 326, 426, and / or 526) to an elongate member, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Method 700 may include disposing 702 a first electrode on an end of an elongate member. The elongate member may be, for example, any of the spines 22 described herein. In some examples, disposing the first electrode on the end of the member may include disposing the end of the member in a slot (e.g., spine slot 332) of the first electrode. The member may be slidable through the slot.

[0084] The method 700 may include sliding 704 the first electrode along the length of the member until the first electrode opening of the first electrode is aligned with the first opening of the member. The method 700 may include inserting 706 a first pin (e.g., pin 350, pin 450 / 451, and / or rivet 550) through the first electrode opening and the first opening to secure the first electrode to the member.

[0085] The method 700 can end after the inserting step 706. In other examples, additional steps can be performed according to examples described herein. For example, in some examples, the method 700 can include inserting a second pin into the second electrode opening and the second opening to secure the first electrode to the member via another pin.

[0086] 8 is a flow chart illustrating a method 800 of attaching an electrode (e.g., electrode 26, 326, 426, and / or 526) to a spine (e.g., spine 22) of a basket catheter, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The method 800 may include sliding 802 a first electrode along a length (e.g., L1) of the spine until (i) a first electrode opening (e.g., 428) of the first electrode is aligned with a first spine opening (e.g., 422) of the spine and (ii) a second electrode opening (e.g., 429) of the first electrode is aligned with a second spine opening (e.g., 423) of the spine. In some examples, the electrode 428 may include tabs (e.g., first tab 434 and second tab 436) that include the electrode openings. In this case, sliding 802 the first electrode along the length of the spine may include (i) sliding the electrode until a first electrode opening on the first tab 434 is aligned with the first spine opening and a second electrode opening on the second tab 436 is aligned with the first spine opening.

[0087] The method 800 may include inserting 804 a first pin (e.g., pin 350, pin 450, and / or rivet 550) into the first electrode opening and the first spine opening to secure the first electrode to the spine. The method 800 may include inserting 806 a second pin (e.g., pin 350, pin 451, and / or rivet 550) into the second electrode opening and the second spine opening.

[0088] Method 800 may end after inserting step 806. In other examples, additional steps may be performed according to examples described herein. For example, in some examples, method 800 may include sliding the second electrode along the length of the spine until (iii) a third electrode opening of the second electrode is aligned with a third spine opening of the spine, and (iv) a fourth electrode opening of the second electrode is aligned with a fourth spine opening of the spine. Method 800 may further include inserting a third pin into the third electrode opening and the third spine opening to secure the second electrode to the spine (e.g., step 804 may be repeated for the second electrode). Method 800 may further include inserting a fourth pin into the fourth electrode opening and the fourth spine opening to secure the second electrode to the spine (e.g., step 806 may be repeated for the second electrode).

[0089] FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating a method 900 of securing an electrode (e.g., electrodes 26, 326, 426, and / or 526) to an elongate member according to an embodiment of the present invention. The method 900 can be performed to secure an electrode using tabs (e.g., first tab 434 and second tab 436) separate from the electrode. The method 900 can include sliding 902 the first tab along the length of the spine until a first electrode opening of the first tab is aligned with a first spine opening of the spine. The method 900 can include inserting 904 a first pin into the first electrode opening and the first spine opening to secure the first tab to the spine. The method 900 can include sliding 906 the first electrode along the length of the spine until the first electrode contacts the first tab. The method 900 may include sliding 908 the second tab along the length of the spine until the second electrode opening of the second tab is aligned with the second spine opening of the spine. The method 900 may include inserting 910 a second pin through the second electrode opening and the second spine opening to secure the second tab to the spine.

[0090] FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating a method 1000 of attaching an electrode (e.g., electrode 26, 326, 426, and / or 526) to a spine (e.g., spine 22) of a basket catheter according to an embodiment of the present invention. The method 1000 may include sliding 1002 a first electrode along the length of the spine until a first electrode opening of the first electrode is aligned with a first spine opening of the spine. The method 1000 may include inserting 1004 a first rivet (e.g., rivet 550) into the first electrode opening and the first spine opening. The method 1000 may include riveting 1006 the first rivet to secure the first electrode to the spine. The method 1000 may end after the riveting step 1006. In other examples, additional steps may be performed according to examples described herein.

[0091] FIG. 11 is a flow chart illustrating a method 1100 of securing an electrode (e.g., electrodes 26, 326, 426, 526, and / or 626) to an elongate member, according to an embodiment of the invention. The method 1100 can include sliding 1102 a first electrode along the length of the spine until it reaches a spine attachment on the spine. In some examples, the spine attachment can be a single opening along the length of the spine. In other examples, the spine attachment can be a slot or track along the length of the spine, and the spine attachment can be a location along the length of the slot, including the end or any location along the length of the slot. The method 1100 can include compressing 1104 an extension of the first electrode to form a compressed base at the end of the extension, thereby securing the first electrode to the spine at the location of the spine attachment.

[0092] The techniques of the present disclosure described herein can be further understood according to the following sections.

[0093] Clause 1. A spine assembly comprising: an elongated member extending along a longitudinal axis member, the elongated member including a first opening along the length of the member; a first electrode slidable along the length of the member, the first electrode including a first electrode opening; and a first pin disposed within the first opening and the first electrode opening when the first opening and the first electrode opening are aligned along the length of the member.

[0094] Clause 2. The assembly of clause 1, wherein the first pin comprises a non-conductive material.

[0095] Clause 3. The assembly of clause 1 or 2, wherein the first electrode opening includes a non-conductive inner surface.

[0096] Clause 4. An assembly according to any of clauses 1 to 3, wherein the pin head of the first pin has a chamfered profile.

[0097] Clause 5. An assembly as described in any of clauses 1 to 4, wherein the first pin comprises a rivet having a base that is compressible to form a second head opposite the first head.

[0098] Clause 6. The assembly of clause 5, wherein the first head and the second head of the rivet are disposed on opposite sides of the first electrode.

[0099] Clause 7. An assembly described in any of clauses 1 to 6, further comprising a second electrode slidable along the length of the member, the second electrode including a second electrode opening, and a second pin, the member having a second opening along the length of the member, the second pin being positioned within the second opening and the second electrode opening when the second opening and the second electrode opening are aligned along the length of the member.

[0100] Clause 8. An assembly as described in any of clauses 1 to 6, further comprising a second pin, the member comprising a second opening, the first electrode comprising a second electrode opening, and the second pin being positioned within the second opening and the second electrode opening when the second opening and the second electrode opening are aligned along the length of the member.

[0101] Clause 9. The assembly of clause 8, further comprising a first tab and a second tab, the first tab comprising a first electrode opening and the second tab comprising a second electrode opening.

[0102] Clause 10. The assembly of clause 9, wherein the first tab and the second tab are disposed at opposite ends of the first electrode in a direction along the length of the member.

[0103] Clause 11. An assembly according to any of clauses 8 to 10, wherein the second electrode opening comprises a non-conductive inner surface.

[0104] Clause 12. An assembly according to any of clauses 8 to 11, wherein the first tab and the second tab are attached to and extend from the first electrode.

[0105] Clause 13. An expandable basket assembly comprising: at least one spine extending along a longitudinal axis and configured to bend radially outward from the longitudinal axis, the spine including a first spine opening and a second spine opening disposed along a length of the spine; a first electrode slidable along the length of the spine, the first electrode including a first electrode opening and a second electrode opening; a first pin disposed within the first spine opening and the first electrode opening when the first spine opening and the first electrode opening are aligned along the length of the spine; and a second pin disposed within the second spine opening and the second electrode opening when the second spine opening and the second electrode opening are aligned along the length of the spine.

[0106] Clause 14. The assembly of clause 13, wherein the first pin and the second pin comprise a non-conductive material.

[0107] Clause 15. The assembly of clause 13 or 14, wherein the first electrode opening and the second electrode opening comprise non-conductive inner surfaces.

[0108] Clause 16. An assembly according to any of clauses 13 to 15, wherein the first pin head of the first pin has a chamfered profile and the second pin head of the second pin has a chamfered profile.

[0109] Clause 17. An assembly according to any of clauses 13 to 16, wherein the first pin and the second pin include a rivet compressible to form a chamfered end.

[0110] Clause 18. The assembly of clause 13, further comprising a first tab and a second tab, the first tab comprising the first electrode opening and the second tab comprising the second electrode opening.

[0111] Clause 19. The assembly of clause 18, wherein the first tab and the second tab are disposed at opposite ends of the first electrode in a direction along the length of the spine.

[0112] Clause 20. The assembly of clause 18 or 19, wherein the first electrode opening and the second electrode opening comprise non-conductive inner surfaces.

[0113] Clause 21. An assembly according to any of clauses 18 to 20, wherein the first tab and the second tab are attached to and extend from the first electrode.

[0114] Clause 22. An expandable basket assembly comprising: at least one spine extending along a longitudinal axis, the spine having a first spine opening along a length of the spine; a first electrode slidable along the length of the spine, the first electrode including a first electrode opening; and a first rivet disposed within the first spine opening and the first electrode opening when the first spine opening and the first electrode opening are aligned along the length of the spine.

[0115] Clause 23. The assembly of clause 22, wherein the first rivet comprises a non-conductive material.

[0116] Clause 24. The assembly of clause 22 or 23, wherein the first electrode opening includes a non-conductive inner surface.

[0117] Clause 25. An assembly according to any of clauses 22 to 24, wherein the rivet head of the first rivet is provided with a chamfered profile.

[0118] Clause 26. An assembly according to any of clauses 22 to 25, wherein the rivet may comprise a multi-piece component with a rivet top connectable to a rivet bottom.

[0119] Clause 27. The assembly of clause 26, wherein the rivet top and rivet bottom are disposed on opposite sides of the first electrode when connected.

[0120] Clause 28. An assembly described in any of clauses 22 to 27, further comprising a second electrode slidable along the length of the spine, the second electrode including a second electrode opening, and a second pin, the spine having a second spine opening along the length of the spine, and the second rivet being positioned within the second spine opening and the second electrode opening when the second spine opening and the second electrode opening are aligned along the length of the spine.

[0121] Clause 29. An assembly as described in any of clauses 22 to 27, further comprising a second rivet, the spine comprising a second spine opening, the first electrode comprising a second electrode opening, the second rivet being disposed within the second spine opening and the second electrode opening when the second spine opening and the second electrode opening are aligned along the length of the spine.

[0122] Clause 30. The assembly of clause 29, further comprising a first tab and a second tab, the first tab comprising the first electrode opening and the second tab comprising the second electrode opening.

[0123] Clause 31. The assembly of clause 30, wherein the first tab and the second tab are disposed at opposite ends of the first electrode in a direction along the length of the spine.

[0124] Clause 32. An assembly according to any of clauses 30 to 31, wherein the first tab and the second tab are attached to and extend from the first electrode.

[0125] Clause 33. An assembly according to any of clauses 27 to 29, wherein the second electrode opening comprises a non-conductive inner surface.

[0126] Clause 34. An expandable basket assembly comprising: at least one spine extending along a longitudinal axis, the spine comprising a first spine attachment along a length of the spine; and a first electrode slidable along a length of the spine, the first electrode being insertable within the first spine attachment and comprising an extension compressible to form a compressed base.

[0127] Clause 35. The assembly of clause 34, wherein the first spine attachment is an opening along the length of the spine.

[0128] Clause 36. An assembly as described in clause 34, wherein at least one spine has a slot along at least a portion of the length of the spine, and the first spine attachment is a position along the length of the spine at which the first electrode is fixed to the at least one spine.

[0129] Clause 37. An assembly according to any of clauses 34 to 36, wherein the extension comprises a non-conductive material.

[0130] Clause 38. A method of attaching an electrode to an elongate member, the method comprising: placing a first electrode on an end of the elongate member; sliding the first electrode along the length of the member until a first electrode opening in the first electrode is aligned with a first opening in the member; and inserting a first pin into the first electrode opening and the first opening to secure the first electrode to the member.

[0131] Clause 39. The method of clause 38, wherein disposing the first electrode on an end of the member includes disposing the end of the member in a slot of the first electrode, the member being slidable through the slot.

[0132] Clause 40. The method of clause 38 or 39, further comprising inserting a second pin through the second electrode opening and the second opening to secure the first electrode to the member.

[0133] Clause 41. The method of clause 40, wherein the first electrode opening is disposed within the first tab and the second electrode opening is disposed within the second tab, the first tab and the second tab being disposed on opposite sides of the body of the first electrode.

[0134] Clause 42. The method of any of clauses 38 to 41, wherein the first pin may include a rivet having a first rivet head, and the method further includes deforming a bottom of the first pin to secure the first pin within the first electrode opening and the first opening.

[0135] Clause 43. The method of any of clauses 38 to 41, wherein the first pin may include a rivet having a first rivet head, the method further including connecting a rivet bottom to the first pin and fixing the first pin within the first electrode opening and the first opening.

[0136] Clause 44. The method of any of clauses 38 to 43, wherein sliding the first electrode along the length of the member until the first electrode opening of the first electrode is aligned with the first opening of the member includes sliding the first electrode over the second opening, the method further including positioning a second electrode on an end of the member, sliding the second electrode along the length of the member until the second electrode opening of the second electrode is aligned with the second opening, and inserting a second pin into the first electrode opening and the second opening to secure the second electrode to the member.

[0137] Clause 45. A method of attaching an electrode to a spine of a basket catheter, the method comprising: sliding a first electrode along the length of the spine until a first electrode opening of the first electrode is aligned with a first spine opening of the spine and a second electrode opening of the first electrode is aligned with a second spine opening of the spine; inserting a first pin into the first electrode opening and the first spine opening to secure the first electrode to the spine; and inserting a second pin into the second electrode opening and the second spine opening.

[0138] Clause 46. The method of clause 45, further comprising positioning an end of the spine within a spine slot of the first electrode, the spine being slidable through the spine slot.

[0139] Clause 47. The method of clause 45 or 46, wherein the first electrode opening is disposed within the first tab and the second electrode opening is disposed within the second tab, and the first tab and the second tab extend to opposite ends of the body of the first electrode.

[0140] Clause 48. The method of any of clauses 45 to 47, wherein the first pin and the second pin are rivets having a rivet head, and the method further comprises deforming a bottom of the first pin and the second pin to secure the pins within their respective openings.

[0141] Clause 49. The method of any of clauses 45 to 48, wherein the first pin may include a rivet having a first rivet head and the second pin may include a rivet having a second rivet head, the method further comprising connecting the first rivet bottom to the first pin to secure the first pin within the first electrode opening and the first spine opening, and connecting the second rivet bottom to the second pin to secure the second pin within the second electrode opening and the second spine opening.

[0142] Clause 50. The method of any of clauses 45 to 49, wherein sliding the first electrode along the length of the spine until the first electrode opening of the first electrode aligns with the first spine opening of the spine includes sliding the first electrode over the third spine opening and the fourth spine opening, the method further including sliding the second electrode along the length of the spine until the third electrode opening of the second electrode aligns with the third spine opening of the spine and the fourth electrode opening of the second electrode aligns with the fourth spine opening of the spine, inserting a third pin into the third electrode opening and the third spine opening to secure the second electrode to the spine, and inserting a fourth pin into the fourth electrode opening and the fourth spine opening.

[0143] Clause 51. A method of securing an electrode to an elongate member, the method comprising: sliding a first tab along a length of a spine until a first electrode opening of the first tab is aligned with a first spine opening of the spine; inserting a first pin into the first electrode opening and the first spine opening to secure the first tab to the spine; sliding the first electrode along the length of the spine until it contacts the first tab; sliding a second tab along the length of the spine until a second electrode opening of the second tab is aligned with a second spine opening of the spine; and inserting a second pin into the second electrode opening and the second spine opening to secure the second tab to the spine.

[0144] Clause 52. The method of clause 51, further comprising positioning an end of the spine within a spine slot of the first electrode, the spine being slidable through the spine slot.

[0145] Clause 53. The method of clause 51 or 52, wherein the first pin and the second pin are rivets having rivet heads, and the method further comprises deforming a bottom of the first pin and the second pin to secure the pins within their respective electrode openings.

[0146] Clause 54. A method of attaching an electrode to a spine of a basket catheter, the method comprising: sliding a first electrode along a length of the spine until a first electrode opening of the first electrode is aligned with a first spine opening of the spine; inserting a first rivet into the first electrode opening and the first spine opening; and riveting the first rivet to secure the first electrode to the spine.

[0147] Clause 55. The method of clause 54, further comprising positioning an end of the spine within a spine slot of the first electrode, the spine being slidable through the spine slot.

[0148] Clause 56. The method of clause 54 or 55, wherein riveting the first rivet includes connecting a rivet bottom to the first rivet to secure the first electrode to the spine.

[0149] Clause 57. The method of any of clauses 54 to 56, wherein sliding the first electrode along the length of the spine until the first electrode opening of the first electrode aligns with the first spine opening of the spine includes sliding the first electrode over the second spine opening, the method further including sliding the second electrode along the length of the spine until the second electrode opening of the second electrode aligns with the second spine opening, inserting a second rivet into the second electrode opening and the second spine opening, and riveting the second rivet to secure the second electrode to the spine.

[0150] Clause 58. A method of securing an electrode to an elongate member, the method comprising: sliding a first electrode along a length of a spine until it reaches a spine attachment on the spine; and compressing an extension of the first electrode to form a compressed base at an end of the extension, thereby securing the first electrode to the spine at the location of the spine attachment.

[0151] Clause 59. The method of clause 58, wherein the spine attachment is an opening in the spine.

[0152] Clause 60. The method of clause 58, wherein the spine attachment is a position along a slot extending at least a portion of the length of the spine.

[0153] Clause 61. The method of clause 60, wherein the extension has a rectangular cross-section and a first width thereof corresponds to a second width of the slot.

[0154] The above embodiments are cited by way of example, and the present invention is not limited to what has been specifically shown and described hereinabove. Rather, the scope of the present invention includes both combinations and subcombinations of the various features previously described herein, as well as variations and modifications thereof not disclosed in the prior art that would occur to one skilled in the art upon reading the above description.

[0155] [Embodiment] (1) A spine assembly comprising: an elongate member extending along a longitudinal axis member, the elongate member including a first opening along a length of the member; a first electrode slidable along the length of the member, the first electrode including a first electrode opening; a first pin disposed within the first opening and the first electrode opening when the first opening and the first electrode opening are aligned along the length of the member; A spine assembly comprising: (2) The assembly of embodiment 1, wherein the first pin comprises a non-conductive material. (3) The assembly described in embodiment 1, wherein the first electrode opening includes a non-conductive inner surface. (4) The assembly of embodiment 1, wherein the pin head of the first pin has a chamfered profile. (5) The assembly of claim 1, wherein the first pin comprises a rivet having a bottom portion compressible to form a second head opposite the first head.

[0156] (6) The assembly of claim 5, wherein the first head and the second head of the rivet are disposed on opposite sides of the first electrode. (7) a second electrode slidable along the length of the member, the second electrode including a second electrode opening; and a second pin; the member includes a second opening along the length of the member; An assembly as described in embodiment 1, wherein the second pin is positioned within the second opening and the second electrode opening when the second opening and the second electrode opening are aligned along the length of the member. (8) The assembly of embodiment 1, further comprising a second pin, the member having a second opening, the first electrode having a second electrode opening, and the second pin disposed within the second opening and the second electrode opening when the second opening and the second electrode opening are aligned along the length of the member. (9) The assembly of embodiment 8, further comprising a first tab and a second tab, the first tab comprising the first electrode opening and the second tab comprising the second electrode opening. (10) The assembly of embodiment 9, wherein the first tab and the second tab are located at opposite ends of the first electrode in a direction along the length of the member.

[0157] (11) The assembly of embodiment 8, wherein the second electrode opening includes a non-conductive inner surface. (12) The assembly of embodiment 8, wherein the first tab and the second tab are attached to and extend from the first electrode. (13) An expandable basket assembly, comprising: at least one spine extending along a longitudinal axis and configured to bend radially outward from the longitudinal axis, the spine including a first spine opening and a second spine opening disposed along a length of the spine; a first electrode slidable along the length of the spine, the first electrode including a first electrode opening and a second electrode opening; a first pin disposed within the first spine opening and the first electrode opening when the first spine opening and the first electrode opening are aligned along the length of the spine; a second pin disposed within the second spine opening and the second electrode opening when the second spine opening and the second electrode opening are aligned along the length of the spine; An expandable basket assembly comprising: (14) The assembly of embodiment 13, wherein the first pin and the second pin comprise a non-conductive material. (15) The assembly of embodiment 13, wherein the first electrode opening and the second electrode opening include non-conductive inner surfaces.

[0158] (16) The assembly of embodiment 13, further comprising a first tab and a second tab, the first tab comprising the first electrode opening and the second tab comprising the second electrode opening. (17) The assembly of embodiment 16, wherein the first tab and the second tab are disposed at opposite ends of the first electrode in a direction along the length of the spine. (18) An expandable basket assembly, comprising: at least one spine extending along a longitudinal axis, the spine comprising a first spine opening along a length of the spine; a first electrode slidable along the length of the spine, the first electrode including a first electrode opening; a first rivet disposed within the first spine opening and the first electrode opening when the first spine opening and the first electrode opening are aligned along the length of the spine; An expandable basket assembly comprising: (19) The assembly of claim 18, wherein the first rivet comprises a non-conductive material. (20) The assembly of embodiment 18, wherein the first electrode opening includes a non-conductive inner surface.

Claims

1. 1. A spine assembly comprising: an elongate member extending along a longitudinal axis member, the elongate member including a first opening along a length of the member; a first electrode slidable along the length of the member, the first electrode including a first electrode opening; a first pin disposed within the first opening and the first electrode opening when the first opening and the first electrode opening are aligned along the length of the member; A spine assembly comprising:

2. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first pin comprises a non-conductive material.

3. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first electrode opening includes a non-conductive inner surface.

4. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the pin head of the first pin comprises a chamfered profile.

5. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first pin comprises a rivet with a base that is compressible to form a second head opposite the first head.

6. The assembly of claim 5 , wherein the first head and the second head of the rivet are disposed on opposite sides of the first electrode.

7. a second electrode slidable along the length of the member, the second electrode including a second electrode opening; a second pin; the member includes a second opening along the length of the member; 2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the second pin is disposed within the second opening and the second electrode opening when the second opening and the second electrode opening are aligned along the length of the member.

8. 2. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising a second pin, the member comprising a second opening, the first electrode comprising a second electrode opening, the second pin disposed within the second opening and the second electrode opening when the second opening and the second electrode opening are aligned along the length of the member.

9. 9. The assembly of claim 8, further comprising a first tab and a second tab, the first tab comprising the first electrode opening and the second tab comprising the second electrode opening.

10. The assembly of claim 9 , wherein the first tab and the second tab are disposed on opposite ends of the first electrode in a direction along the length of the member.

11. The assembly of claim 8 , wherein the second electrode opening includes a non-conductive inner surface.

12. The assembly of claim 8 , wherein the first tab and the second tab are attached to and extend from the first electrode.

13. 1. An expandable basket assembly comprising: at least one spine extending along a longitudinal axis and configured to bend radially outward from the longitudinal axis, the spine including a first spine opening and a second spine opening disposed along a length of the spine; a first electrode slidable along the length of the spine, the first electrode including a first electrode opening and a second electrode opening; a first pin disposed within the first spine opening and the first electrode opening when the first spine opening and the first electrode opening are aligned along the length of the spine; a second pin disposed within the second spine opening and the second electrode opening when the second spine opening and the second electrode opening are aligned along the length of the spine; An expandable basket assembly comprising:

14. The assembly of claim 13 , wherein the first pin and the second pin comprise a non-conductive material.

15. The assembly of claim 13 , wherein the first electrode opening and the second electrode opening include a non-conductive inner surface.

16. 14. The assembly of claim 13, further comprising a first tab and a second tab, the first tab comprising the first electrode opening and the second tab comprising the second electrode opening.

17. 17. The assembly of claim 16, wherein the first tab and the second tab are disposed on opposite ends of the first electrode in a direction along the length of the spine.

18. 1. An expandable basket assembly comprising: at least one spine extending along a longitudinal axis, the spine comprising a first spine opening along a length of the spine; a first electrode slidable along the length of the spine, the first electrode including a first electrode opening; a first rivet disposed within the first spine opening and the first electrode opening when the first spine opening and the first electrode opening are aligned along the length of the spine; An expandable basket assembly comprising:

19. The assembly of claim 18 , wherein the first rivet comprises a non-conductive material.

20. The assembly of claim 18 , wherein the first electrode opening includes a non-conductive inner surface.

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