Electrosurgical Connector Assembly

Abstract

An electrosurgical assembly for use with an electrosurgical controller is disclosed. The electrosurgical assembly includes a guidewire having a conductive mandrel extending along a shaft. The distal end of the shaft has an electrode electrically coupled to the mandrel, and the shaft has an electrical insulator positioned on the mandrel and extending to the proximal end. The electrosurgical assembly includes a connector. The connector includes a cable coupled to an electrosurgical controller, a housing coupled to the cable, the housing having a guidewire passage for receiving the shaft of the guidewire, and a conductive member within the housing electrically coupled to the cable. The conductive member has a conductive contact member. The conductive contact member is adjacent to the guidewire passage, penetrates the electrical insulator, and electrically contacts the mandrel when the shaft of the guidewire is in the guidewire passage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to medical devices and systems for use in percutaneous or interventional procedures, including surgical procedures. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to electrosurgical connectors, assemblies, and systems that use electrodes to incise or puncture body tissue or enable sensing of tissue activity.

Background Art

[0002] Catheters are often used to provide general access into a patient's body using minimally invasive techniques. In some examples, a catheter can be used to create a channel through a region of the body. One such example is transseptal puncture in cardiac procedures. The left atrium is a cardiac chamber that is difficult to access percutaneously. Although it is possible to reach the left atrium via the left ventricle and mitral valve, the catheter can be cumbersome to manipulate as it passes through two U-turns, and transseptal puncture is a technique for creating a small surgical access through the atrial septum, or the wall of the heart between the left and right atria, through which a catheter can be fed. The atrial septum is punctured and dilated using an instrument. Transseptal puncture allows for a direct route to the left atrium via the atrial septum and the systemic venous system. Larger and more complex medical devices can be passed into the right atrium. Historically, this technique has been used primarily exceptionally in mitral valvuloplasty and ablation in the left heart system. Today, the increasing interest in catheter ablation and its application to many other procedures means that transseptal puncture is a routine technique for interventional cardiologists and cardiac electrophysiologists.

[0003] Transseptal puncture is currently performed using a guidewire with electrodes energized by a suitable power source, such as an electrically coupled generator, in a manner similar to electrosurgical devices. A typical electrosurgical device delivers electrical energy to the area of ​​tissue to be affected by applying a potential difference or voltage difference between an active electrode on the patient's grounded body and a return electrode in a monopolar configuration, or between an active electrode on the device and a return electrode in a bipolar configuration. The electrosurgical device is typically held by the surgeon and connected via cables to a power source, such as an electrosurgical unit.

[0004] Electrosurgical devices conduct electrical energy through tissue between electrodes, thereby cutting or puncturing the tissue with a plasma formed on the energized electrodes. Tissue in contact with the plasma experiences rapid evaporation of cellular fluid, resulting in a cutting effect. Typically, cutting is performed using monopolar electrodes. Electrical signals can be applied to the electrodes as a series of high-frequency pulses, or typically as a continuous signal within the radio frequency (RF) range, to perform the cutting or puncture technique. The signals may include a variable set of parameters such as power or voltage level, waveform parameters such as frequency, pulse duration, and duty cycle, and other signal parameters that may be particularly appropriate or preferred for a given technique for forming the plasma. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0005] Example 1 is an electrosurgical assembly used with an electrosurgical controller, comprising: a guidewire having a conductive mandrel extending along a shaft from a proximal end to a distal end, the distal end having an electrode electrically coupled to the mandrel, and the shaft having an electrical insulator positioned on the mandrel and extending to the proximal end; a connector configured to be releasably coupled to the guidewire, the connector comprising a cable configured to be coupled to the electrosurgical controller; a housing coupled to the cable, the housing comprising a guidewire passage configured to receive the shaft of the guidewire; and a conductive member disposed within the housing and electrically coupled to the cable, the conductive member comprising a conductive contact member, the conductive contact member disposed adjacent to the guidewire passage, and the conductive contact member configured to penetrate the electrical insulator and electrically contact the mandrel when the shaft of the guidewire is positioned within the guidewire passage.

[0006] Example 2 is the electrosurgical assembly according to Example 1, wherein the housing includes a clamp connector configured to releasably hold the shaft of the guide wire, and the clamp connector includes a support member that biases the shaft relative to the contact member.

[0007] Example 3 is the electrosurgical assembly described in Example 2, wherein the clamp connector includes a spring coupled to the housing, and the spring is configured to bias the shaft with respect to the contact member.

[0008] Example 4 is an electrosurgical assembly according to Example 2 or 3, wherein the housing further includes a release button mechanically coupled to the clamp connector, the release button being movable from a first position to a second position relative to the housing, and the movement from the first position to the second position releases the guide wire from the clamp connector.

[0009] Example 5 is an electrosurgical assembly according to any one of Examples 1 to 4, wherein the contact member includes either a tapered edge configured to cut the electrical insulator in order to mechanically contact the mandrel, or a point configured to pierce the electrical insulator.

[0010] Example 6 is the electrosurgical assembly according to Example 5, wherein the contact member including the edge includes either a straight edge or a serrated edge. Example 7 is an electrosurgical assembly according to Example 5 or 6, wherein the contact members include a first contact member and a second contact member electrically coupled to the conductive member.

[0011] Example 8 is an electrosurgical assembly according to any one of Examples 1 to 7, wherein the guide wire includes multiple electrodes. Example 9 is an electrosurgical assembly according to any one of Examples 1 to 8, wherein the connector comprises a plurality of spaced conductive members, the cable comprises a plurality of lead conductors, each of the conductive members is electrically coupled to a corresponding lead conductor among the plurality of lead conductors, the guide wire comprises a plurality of mandrels, each of the mandrels is coupled to a corresponding electrode among the plurality of electrodes, and each of the conductive members is coupled to a corresponding mandrel among the plurality of mandrels.

[0012] Example 10 is an electrosurgical assembly according to any one of Examples 1 to 9, further comprising a plurality of ring connectors, each of the mandrels being electrically coupled to a corresponding ring connector, and the ring connectors being spaced longitudinally apart at the proximal end of the shaft.

[0013] Example 11 is the electrosurgical assembly described in Example 10, wherein the conductive members are spaced radially apart. Example 12 is an electrosurgical assembly according to any one of Examples 8 to 11, wherein the plurality of electrodes include an active electrode and a return electrode, and the guide wire member is configured to operate in bipolar mode.

[0014] Example 13 is an electrosurgical assembly according to any one of Examples 1 to 12, wherein the guidewire includes the proximal portion of the shaft and the housing is configured to receive the proximal portion of the shaft.

[0015] Example 14 is an electrosurgical assembly according to any one of Examples 1 to 13, wherein the guide wire passage includes one of a single opening and / or multiple openings for the guide wire passage.

[0016] Example 15 is an electrosurgical assembly according to any one of Examples 1 to 14, wherein the electrosurgical controller is either a radio frequency (RF) generator or an electroanatomical mapping (EAM) controller.

[0017] Example 16 is an electrosurgical assembly used with an electrosurgical controller, comprising: a guidewire having a conductive mandrel extending along a shaft from a proximal end to a distal end, the distal end having an electrode electrically coupled to the mandrel, and the shaft having an electrical insulator positioned on the mandrel and extending to the proximal end; a connector configured to be releasably coupled to the guidewire, the connector comprising a cable configured to be coupled to the electrosurgical controller; a housing coupled to the cable, the housing comprising a guidewire passage configured to receive the shaft of the guidewire; and a conductive member disposed within the housing and electrically coupled to the cable, the conductive member comprising a conductive contact member, the conductive contact member disposed adjacent to the guidewire passage, and the conductive contact member configured to penetrate the electrical insulator and electrically contact the mandrel when the shaft of the guidewire is positioned within the guidewire passage.

[0018] Example 17 is the electrosurgical assembly according to Example 16, wherein the housing includes a clamp connector configured to releasably hold the shaft of the guide wire, and the clamp connector includes a support member that biases the shaft relative to the contact member.

[0019] Example 18 is the electrosurgical assembly according to Example 17, wherein the contact member is a first contact member and the support member includes a second contact member that is electrically coupled to the electrical connector. Example 19 is an electrosurgical assembly according to Example 17, wherein the clamp connector includes a spring coupled to the housing, and the spring is configured to bias the shaft with respect to the contact member.

[0020] Example 20 is the electrosurgical assembly according to Example 17, wherein the housing further includes a release button mechanically coupled to the clamp connector, the release button being movable from a first position to a second position relative to the housing, the movement from the first position to the second position releasing the guide wire from the clamp connector.

[0021] Example 21 is the electrosurgical assembly according to Example 16, wherein the contact member includes either a tapered edge configured to cut the electrical insulator in order to mechanically contact the mandrel, or a point configured to pierce the electrical insulator.

[0022] Example 22 is the electrosurgical assembly according to Example 21, wherein the contact member including the edge includes either a straight edge or a serrated edge. Example 23 is the electrosurgical assembly described in Example 16, wherein the guide wire includes multiple electrodes.

[0023] Example 24 is the electrosurgical assembly according to Example 23, wherein the connector includes a plurality of conductive members spaced apart from each other, the cable includes a plurality of lead conductors, each of the conductive members is electrically coupled to a corresponding one of the plurality of lead conductors, the guide wire includes a plurality of mandrels, each of the mandrels is coupled to a corresponding one of the plurality of electrodes, and each of the conductive members is connectable to a corresponding one of the plurality of mandrels.

[0024] Example 25 is the electrosurgical assembly according to Example 23, further including a plurality of ring connectors, each of the mandrels being electrically coupled to a corresponding ring connector, the ring connectors being longitudinally spaced at the proximal end of the shaft.

[0025] Example 26 is the electrosurgical assembly according to Example 25, wherein the conductive members are radially spaced apart. Example 27 is the electrosurgical assembly according to Example 16, wherein the guide wire includes a proximal portion of the shaft, and the housing is configured to receive the proximal portion of the shaft.

[0026] Example 28 is the electrosurgical assembly according to Example 16, wherein the guide wire passage includes one of a single opening and a plurality of openings for the guide wire passage. Example 29 is an electrosurgical system, comprising an electrosurgical controller, a guide wire having a conductive mandrel extending from a proximal end to a distal portion along a shaft, wherein the distal portion has an electrode electrically coupled to the mandrel, the shaft has an electrical insulator disposed on the mandrel and extending to the proximal end, a guide wire, and a connector configured to releasably couple to the guide wire. The connector comprises a cable configured to couple to the electrosurgical controller, and a housing coupled to the cable, the housing having a guide wire passage configured to receive the shaft of the guide wire. The conductive member is disposed in the housing and electrically coupled to the cable, the conductive member having a conductive blade member disposed adjacent to the guide wire passage, the conductive blade member configured to penetrate the electrical insulator and electrically contact the mandrel when the shaft of the guide wire is disposed in the guide wire passage.

[0027] Example 30 is the electrosurgical system according to Example 29, wherein the electrosurgical controller is one of a radio frequency (RF) generator and an electroanatomical mapping (EAM) controller.

[0028] Example 31 is the electrosurgical system according to Example 30, wherein the electrosurgical controller is an RF generator, and the electrode is configured to operate in one of a monopolar mode and a bipolar mode.

[0029] Example 32 is the electrosurgical system according to Example 30, wherein the electrosurgical controller is an EAM system, and the guide wire includes a plurality of electrodes at the distal portion of the shaft. Example 33 is an electrosurgical connector for use with an electrosurgical controller and a guidewire having a conductive mandrel extending along a shaft from a proximal end to a distal end, wherein the distal end has an electrode electrically coupled to the mandrel, and the shaft has an electrical insulator positioned on the mandrel and extending to the proximal end, and the electrosurgical connector is configured to be releasably coupled to the guidewire An electrosurgical connector comprising: a connector, the connector comprising: a cable configured to be coupled to the electrosurgical controller; a housing coupled to the cable, the housing comprising: a

[0030] Example 34 is an electrosurgical connector according to Example 33, wherein the conductive contact member includes a plurality of conductive blade members, the housing includes a clamp connector configured to releasably hold the shaft of the guide wire, and the clamp connector biases the shaft relative to the plurality of blade members.

[0031] Example 35 is an electrosurgical connector according to Example 34, wherein the clamp connector includes a spring coupled to the housing, and the spring is configured to bias the shaft relative to the blade member.

[0032] Although several embodiments are disclosed, further embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description illustrating and describing exemplary embodiments of the invention. Therefore, the drawings and detailed description should be considered illustrative and not restrictive. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0033] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary system for treating a patient, such as the patient's heart or vascular system, the exemplary system including a controller, a guidewire member, and an electrical connector. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary assembly that includes a guide wire member that can be coupled to an electrical connector for use with the controller of the exemplary system in Figure 1. [Figure 3A] Figure 3A is a schematic diagram illustrating various embodiments of the features of the electrical connector in the exemplary assembly shown in Figure 2. [Figure 3B] Figure 3B is a schematic diagram illustrating various embodiments of the features of the electrical connector in the exemplary assembly shown in Figure 2. [Figure 3C] Figure 3C is a schematic diagram illustrating various embodiments of the features of the electrical connector in the exemplary assembly shown in Figure 2. [Figure 3D] Figure 3D is a schematic diagram illustrating various embodiments of the features of the electrical connector of the exemplary assembly shown in Figure 2. [Figure 3E] Figure 3E is a schematic diagram illustrating various embodiments of the features of the electrical connector in the exemplary assembly shown in Figure 2. [Figure 4A] Figure 4A is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of the features of the electrical connector in the exemplary assembly shown in Figure 2. [Figure 4B] Figure 4B is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of the features of the electrical connector in the exemplary assembly shown in Figure 2. [Figure 5A] Figure 5A is a schematic diagram illustrating another embodiment of the features of the electrical connector of the exemplary assembly in Figure 2. [Figure 5B]Figure 5B is a schematic diagram illustrating another embodiment of the features of the electrical connector in the exemplary assembly of Figure 2. [Figure 6A] Figure 6A is a schematic diagram illustrating another embodiment of the features of the electrical connector of the exemplary assembly in Figure 2. [Figure 6B] Figure 6B is a schematic diagram illustrating another embodiment of the features of the electrical connector of the exemplary assembly in Figure 2. [Figure 7A] Figure 7A is a schematic diagram illustrating another embodiment of the features of the electrical connector of the exemplary assembly in Figure 2. [Figure 7B] Figure 7B is a schematic diagram illustrating another embodiment of the features of the electrical connector of the exemplary assembly in Figure 2. [Figure 8A] Figure 8A is a schematic diagram illustrating the exemplary configuration of the housing features of the electrical connector in the exemplary assembly shown in Figure 2. [Figure 8B] Figure 8B is a schematic diagram illustrating the exemplary configuration of the housing features of the electrical connector in the exemplary assembly shown in Figure 2. [Figure 8C] Figure 8C is a schematic diagram illustrating the exemplary configuration of the housing features of the electrical connector in the exemplary assembly shown in Figure 2. [Figure 8D] Figure 8D is a schematic diagram illustrating the exemplary configuration of the housing features of the electrical connector in the exemplary assembly shown in Figure 2. [Figure 9A] Figure 9A is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of another feature of the housing of the electrical connector of the exemplary assembly shown in Figure 2. [Figure 9B] Figure 9B is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of another feature of the housing of the electrical connector of the exemplary assembly in Figure 2. [Figure 9C] Figure 9C is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of another feature of the housing of the electrical connector of the exemplary assembly shown in Figure 2. [Figure 9D] Figure 9D is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of another feature of the housing of the electrical connector of the exemplary assembly shown in Figure 2. [Figure 9E] Figure 9E is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of another feature of the housing of the electrical connector of the exemplary assembly in Figure 2. [Figure 9F] Figure 9F is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of another feature of the housing of the electrical connector of the exemplary assembly shown in Figure 2. [Figure 9G] Figure 9G is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of another feature of the housing of the electrical connector of the exemplary assembly in Figure 2. [Figure 9H] Figure 9H is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of another feature of the housing of the electrical connector of the exemplary assembly in Figure 2. [Figure 10A] Figure 10A is a schematic diagram illustrating another embodiment of the features of the electrical connector of the exemplary assembly shown in Figure 2. [Figure 10B] Figure 10B is a schematic diagram illustrating another embodiment of the electrical connector features of the exemplary assembly shown in Figure 2. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the features of the enclosure shown in Figure 9B.

[0034] While the present invention may accept various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments are shown in the drawings as examples and are described in detail below. However, the intention is not to limit the present invention to the specific embodiments described. Rather, the present invention is intended to encompass all modifications, equivalents, and alternative forms that fall within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0035] For the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the principles of this disclosure, examples shown in the drawings described below are provided for reference. The illustrated embodiments disclosed herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit this disclosure to the exact forms disclosed for carrying out the inventions described below. Rather, these exemplary embodiments are selected and illustrated so that those skilled in the art can use the teachings. Using some (e.g., all) of the features in one example across all examples does not exceed the scope of this disclosure. Accordingly, no single figure should be construed as having any dependency or requirement relating to any single component or combination of components shown therein. In addition, various components shown in the figures may be integrated in the examples with various other components shown therein (or components not shown), all of which are within the scope of this disclosure.

[0036] Figure 1 illustrates an embodiment of a medical system, such as an interventional or percutaneous system 100 for treating a patient. The system 100 includes a controller 102 and an electrosurgical controller 102 electrically coupled to the guidewire member 104 via an electrical connector 106 that is mechanically and electrically coupled to the guidewire member 104. In some embodiments, the system includes a controller switch, such as a foot switch 110, and a grounding pad electrode or an indifferent (dispersive) patch electrode 112 for use of the guidewire member in a monopolar configuration. In some embodiments, the guidewire member is implemented in a bipolar configuration without an indifferent patch electrode. Optionally, the system 100 may include a sheath and an expander positioned on the guidewire member 104.

[0037] The guidewire member 104 includes a long shaft 120 having a proximal guidewire portion 122 and a distal guidewire member portion 124 on axis A. The electrode assembly 126 is positioned at the distal guidewire member portion 124. The shaft 120 includes a long mandrel that is electrically coupled to the electrode assembly 126 and extends to the proximal guidewire member portion 122. An insulating member 128 is positioned on the mandrel. In one embodiment, the insulating member 128 covers the entire guidewire member 104 except for the electrode assembly 126. For example, the insulating member initially covers the entire mandrel at the proximal portion 122. In some embodiments, the guidewire member 104 has a length of about 180 or 230 centimeters and a diameter of about 0.89 millimeters.

[0038] The electrical connector 106 includes a long cable 140 containing lead conductors. The cable 140 includes a proximal end 142 coupled to an electrical plug 144 and a distal end 146 coupled to a housing 148. The lead conductors are electrically coupled to the electrical plug 144, and the electrical plug 144 is configured to be electrically and mechanically coupled to a receptacle 160 of the controller 102. The housing 148 is configured to receive a proximal end 122 of an insulated guidewire member and includes components for mechanically coupling to the guidewire member 104 and for electrically coupling the lead conductors of the cable 140 to a mandrel and electrode assembly 126. In various embodiments, the cable 140 includes a plurality of lead conductors, and the plug 144 includes a plurality of corresponding pins configured to be electrically coupled to the receptacle 160 of the controller 102. For example, the cable 140 may include lead conductors corresponding to each electrode of the electrode assembly 126. In such embodiments, the housing includes components configured to electrically couple the mandrel to the corresponding lead conductors of the cable 140. In one particular embodiment, the electrical connector 106 is approximately 3 meters long.

[0039] Mandrels or other electrical paths may be formed as conductive arms, wires, traces, other conductive elements, and other electrical paths formed from electrically conductive materials such as metals, which in some embodiments may include stainless steel, titanium, gold, silver, platinum, nitinol, or any other suitable material. The electrical insulator 128 is formed from a biocompatible material. In some embodiments, the electrical insulator 128 is formed from a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). For example, the TPE may be polyether block amide (PEBA), available from Arkema, SA (Colombes, France) under the trade name PEBAX, or from Evonik Industries, AG (Essen, Germany) under the trade name VESTAMID E. In some embodiments, the electrical insulator is a heat-shrinkable material such as TPE, or includes polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

[0040] The controller 102 provides and receives electrical signals from the electrode assembly 126 via the electrical connector 106, or provides electricity to electrodes of the electrode assembly 126 and receives other electrical signals from other electrodes of the electrode assembly 126. For example, in various embodiments, the controller 102 is a radio frequency (RF) generator, and the electrode assembly 126 includes RF electrodes. In various embodiments, the controller 102 is an electroanatomical mapping (EAM) console, and the electrode assembly includes sensing electrodes. In yet another embodiment, the controller 102 is a multi-purpose controller that includes multiple functions such as an RF generator and an EAM console.

[0041] In embodiments where the controller 102 operates as an RF generator, the system 100 may operate as a perforation system used in cardiac or vascular procedures to advance toward and perforate a target location in the patient's body, such as a target location in the patient's heart or a location within a blood vessel. For example, the guidewire member 104 may be configured as a perforation device for use in transseptal perforation procedures. In other examples, the perforation device may be applied to intraventricular perforation or venous recanalization procedures. In the example of transseptal perforation, the sheath is advanced through a blood vessel, such as the femoral vein, into the right atrium of the patient's heart. The perforation device and dilator are guided through the sheath into the right atrium. When the sheath is adjacent to a target location in the right atrium, such as the fossa ovale of the atrial septum, the perforation device is advanced from the sheath and used to create a perforation at the target location. The dilator may be advanced from the sheath to expand the perforation.

[0042] In embodiments where the controller 102 operates as an RF generator, the controller 102 further includes a receptacle 162 configured to receive a plug from an indifferent patch electrode 112 and a receptacle 164 configured to receive a plug from a foot switch 110. In various embodiments, the controller 102 may include controls such as power control, a display, or indicator lights for selecting the amount of RF energy, and may be configured to work in conjunction with a set of RF instruments or electrosurgical instruments, in addition to the guidewire member 102 and the electrical connector 106.

[0043] During the monopolar operation of the controller 102, which is configured as an RF generator, a first electrode, often referred to as the active electrode, is provided on the electrode assembly 126 of the guidewire member 104, while a second electrode, often referred to as the indifferent electrode or neutral electrode, is provided in the form of an indifferent patch electrode 112 located on the patient. For example, the indifferent patch electrode 112 is typically located on the back, buttocks, thigh, or other appropriate anatomical location during the procedure. The controller 102 selectively delivers monopolar RF energy, thereby forming an electrical circuit of RF energy through the patient between the active electrode and the grounding pad dispersion electrode. When the active electrode of the guidewire member 104 is positioned adjacent to the fovea ovalis, the controller 102 can be selectively activated via a foot switch 110 or the like, thereby applying RF energy to perforate the fovea ovalis.

[0044] In one example, unit 102 supplies RF energy to the active electrode as a signal having a frequency in the range of 100 kHz to 10 MHz. Typically, this energy is applied in the form of pulse bursts. Each burst typically has a duration ranging from 10 microseconds to 1 millisecond. Each individual pulse in each burst typically has a duration of 0.1 to 10 microseconds, and the interval between pulses is 0.1 to 10 microseconds. Actual pulses are often sinusoidal or square waves and are biphase, alternating between positive and negative amplitudes.

[0045] In embodiments where the controller 102 operates as an EAM console, the system 100 may be operated to map the patient's anatomical structures, such as the heart. For example, the guidewire member 104 may be configured as a mapping catheter and further include an electrode assembly 126. The electrode assembly 126 includes detection electrodes, such as multiple detection electrodes, configured to be used to collect electrical signals used to generate a detailed three-dimensional geometric anatomical map or representation of the cardiac chambers, and an electroanatomical map in which the cardiac electrical activity of interest is superimposed on the geometric anatomical map via an EAM system coupled to the controller 102. The guidewire member 104 may be introduced into and advanced into the heart through the patient's vascular system in the same manner as described above. The EAM system can track the position of various components of the system 110, such as the electrode assembly 126 of the guidewire member 104, via tracking or navigation sensors, and may be operated to generate high-fidelity three-dimensional anatomical and electroanatomical maps of the heart, including parts of the heart such as the cardiac chambers of interest or other structures of interest such as the fossa ovale. A clinician may map the region of the heart in the fossa ovalis to determine the area to puncture the fossa ovalis. In one exemplary example, the EAM system may include the RHYTHMIA® HDx mapping system, commercially available from Boston Scientific Corporation. For example, in a multifunctional system, the sensing electrodes of electrode assembly 126 may be electrically coupled to controller 102 via electrical connector 106 to map the heart when controller 102 is configured with mapping functionality. Plug 144 may include multiple pins, each pin of which may correspond to a lead conductor of cable 140 associated with a mandrel on shaft 120 of guidewire member 104.In one embodiment of the multifunction controller, when the controller is configured with EAM functionality, the controller 102 may be configured to receive electrical signals from tracking or navigation sensors and detection electrodes of electrode assembly 126, and when the controller 102 is configured with puncture functionality, the controller 102 may be configured to deliver RF energy to RF electrodes of electrode assembly 126 at a target location in the heart, thereby puncturing or ablating that location.

[0046] Guidewires, often used in typical systems, feature a shaft with PTFE insulation on a mandrel, with the mandrel exposed from beneath the insulation at the distal end of the shaft. The exposed mandrel is supplied to an electrical connector to which the mandrel is electrically coupled to the cable. Often, there is a sharp change in diameter at the transition between the exposed mandrel and the insulated shaft of the guidewire. The tip of the expander may get caught at this transition, which can lead to awkward handling and even damage to the insulation or the expander.

[0047] Figure 2 shows an exemplary intervention assembly 200 for use with an electrosurgical controller such as controller 102. The assembly 200 includes a guide wire 204 and an electrical connector 206. The guide wire 204 is releasably connectable to the electrical connector 206.

[0048] The guidewire 204 includes a shaft 210 having a proximal shaft portion 212 and a distal shaft portion 214. The shaft 210 includes a conductive mandrel 220 having a proximal mandrel end 222 to a distal mandrel portion 224. The distal shaft portion 214 includes an electrode 226 that is electrically coupled to the mandrel 220 at the distal mandrel portion 224, and the electrode 226 is exposed on the shaft 210. The proximal shaft portion 212 includes an electrical insulator 230 that is positioned on the mandrel 220 and covers the entire proximal mandrel end 222.

[0049] The electrical connector 206 includes a long cable 240 coupled to a housing 260. The cable 240 includes a long lead conductor 250. The cable 240 includes a proximal end 242 coupled to an electrical plug 244 and a distal end 246 coupled to the housing 260. The lead conductor 250 is electrically coupled to the electrical plug 244, and the electrical plug 244 is configured to be electrically and mechanically coupled to the controller 102. The housing 260 is configured to be coupled to the guide wire 204. The housing 260 includes a guide wire passage 262 configured to receive a proximal end 212 of a shaft 210, such as the proximal end of a shaft 210 including the proximal end of a mandrel 222. A conductive member 270 is located within the housing 260 and is electrically coupled to the lead conductor 250 of the cable 240. The conductive member 270 includes a contact member 272 adjacent to the guide wire passage 262. The conductive member 270 and the contact member 272 are made of a conductive material. The contact member 272 is configured to penetrate the electrical insulator 230 and mechanically contact the mandrel 220 when the proximal portion 212 of the shaft 210 is positioned in the guidewire passage 262. The contact member 272 is also called the blade member 272. The conductive member 270 provides an electrical connection between the mandrel 220 and the lead conductor 250 in the guidewire passage 262.

[0050] In various embodiments, the housing 260 further includes a clamp connector 276 configured to releasably hold the proximal portion 212 of the shaft 210 in a guide wire passage 262. In some embodiments, the clamp connector 276 includes or is combined with a blade member 272. The clamp connector 276 includes a support member 278 for biasing the proximal portion 212 of the shaft 210 toward the blade member 272. In various embodiments, the clamp connector 276 includes a spring 280 coupled to the housing 260, and the spring 280 is configured to flexibly bias the support member 278 toward the proximal portion 212 of the shaft 210 toward the blade member 272. In some embodiments, the clamp connector 276 includes or is combined with a release button 284 located in the housing 260. In the illustrated embodiment, the release button 284 is mechanically coupled to the clamp connector 276 and is movable from a first position to a second position relative to the housing 260. When the clamp connector 276 holds the proximal portion 212 of the shaft 210, the release button 284 is positioned in a first position, and the button 284 is moved to a second position to allow the release of the proximal portion 212 of the shaft 210 within the guide wire passage 262.

[0051] Figures 3A to 3E show various embodiments of the blade member 272. The blade member 272 is constructed from a conductive material and is electrically coupled to the lead conductor 250 of the cable 240. The blade member 272 is further configured to be positioned on the conductive mandrel 220 and to mechanically penetrate, such as by cutting or piercing, the electrical insulator 230 that covers the entire proximal end 222 of the guide wire 204, and to make mechanical contact with the mandrel 220. The conductive blade member 272, which is in mechanical contact with the conductive mandrel 220, forms an electrical connection between the electrode 226 of the guide wire 204 and the lead conductor 250 of the cable 240. Embodiments other than those shown are also possible. For example, the embodiments in Figures 3A to 3E show tapered or sharp edges, such as razor or pin-like edges. The blade member 272 does not include a tapered edge in some embodiments, and in some embodiments includes uniform or expanded dimensions, but is still sufficient to penetrate the electrical insulator 230 and to push through or otherwise penetrate the electrical insulator 230 by contacting the mandrel 220.

[0052] Figure 3A shows a first embodiment of the blade member as blade member 300. The blade member 300 is configured with a sharp edge 302 on the opposite side of a proximal edge 304 that is coupled to a conductive member electrically coupled to a cable. The blade member 300 is configured similarly to a razor blade in that the sharp edge 302 is configured to cut through the electrical insulator 230 and mechanically contact the mandrel 220, and when the straight sharp edge 302 is pressed against the proximal portion 212 of the shaft 210, the proximal edge 304 distributes the force applied to the blade member 300. The blade member 300 is suitable for forming a straight cut in the electrical insulator 230 and is therefore suitable for cutting the shaft 210 longitudinally or perpendicular to the axis of the shaft 210. For example, the sharp edge 302 of the blade member may be configured to be positioned longitudinally, along the axis, or perpendicular to the shaft of the couplingable shaft 210.

[0053] Figure 3B shows a second embodiment of the blade member as blade member 320. The blade member 320 has a pointed tip 322 opposite a proximal end 324 that is coupled to a conductive member electrically coupled to the cable. The blade member 320 is configured to pierce or perforate the electrical insulator 230 and to mechanically contact the mandrel 220, and the proximal edge 324 distributes the force applied to the blade member 320 as the pointed tip 322 is pressed against the proximal portion 212 of the shaft 210. In various embodiments, the pointed tip 322 causes less damage to the electrical insulator 230 than other configurations of the blade member and may be useful when the guidewire is often removed from and reinserted into the housing 260 during the procedure.

[0054] Figure 3C shows a third embodiment of the blade member as blade member 340. Blade member 340 is configured as a notched blade having multiple straight, sharp edges 342, 344 and a proximal edge 346 at angles of less than 180 degrees. Each sharp edge 342, 344 is configured such that the straight, sharp edges 342, 344 cut through the electrical insulator 230 and make mechanical contact with the mandrel 220, while the proximal edge 346 is configured similarly to a razor blade in that it distributes the force applied to blade member 340 when the sharp edges 342, 344 are pressed against the proximal portion 212 of the shaft 210. Blade member 340 can form multiple contact points with the mandrel 220 and improve stability when holding the guide wire 204 within the housing 260. For example, the notched blade of blade member 340 is suitable for making cuts in the shaft 210 in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the shaft 210.

[0055] Figure 3D shows a fourth embodiment of the blade member as blade member 360. Blade member 360 is configured as a concave curved blade having a rounded sharp edge 362. Depending on the selected radius of curvature of the rounded sharp edge 362 and the diameter of the mandrel 220 at the proximal portion 212 of the shaft 210, the rounded shaft edge 362 can provide increased mechanical contact compared to other embodiments of the blade member. The increased contact with the mandrel 220 can provide improved stability when holding the guide wire 204 within the housing 260. Blade member 360 is suitable for making cuts in the shaft 210 in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the shaft 210.

[0056] Figure 3E shows another embodiment of the blade member as blade member 380. Blade member 380 is configured as a sharp-edged blade 382 similar to the sharp-edged blade 302, but has a serrated or sawtoothed edge rather than a straight-edged blade as shown in Figure 3A. The serrated sharp edge 382 is on the opposite side of the proximal edge 384 which is coupled to the conductive member. Blade member 380 is configured to cut the electrical insulator 230 and to mechanically contact the mandrel 220, and the proximal edge 384 distributes the force applied to blade member 380 when the sharp edge 382 is pressed against the proximal portion 212 of the shaft 210. Blade member 380 is suitable for forming a straight cut in the electrical insulator 230 and is therefore suitable for cutting the shaft 210 longitudinally in the direction of the shaft's axis or perpendicular to the axis. For example, the sharp edge 382 of the blade member may be configured to be positioned longitudinally, along the axis, or perpendicular to the shaft 210. In some embodiments, a serrated or sawtoothed blade is useful when the edge is moved laterally along the insulator rather than simply descending into the insulator. A serrated or sawtoothed edge may be applied to other configurations of the blade member, such as a notched blade 342 or a rounded edge 362. For example, the straight, sharp edge shown in the notched blade 340 may be replaced by a notched blade with a serrated edge, and the rounded blade 362 shown in the concave curved blade 360 ​​may be replaced by a rounded blade with a serrated edge.

[0057] Figures 4A and 4B show one embodiment of the features of an electrical connector 400 for use with an intervention assembly of an electrical connector 400 that can be coupled to a guidewire or an electrosurgical system 100. Figure 4A is a schematic side view of part of the connector 400 and shows a housing 402 including a guidewire passage 404. Figure 4B is a schematic front view of the connector 400 and shows the housing 402 and the guidewire passage 404. The guidewire 410 is positioned in the guidewire passage 404. The guidewire 410 includes a proximal portion 412 of a shaft 414. The proximal portion 412 includes an electrical insulator 416 positioned on a mandrel 418, and the electrical insulator 416 covers the entire proximal portion 412 of the mandrel before the guidewire 410 is inserted into the guidewire passage 404. The mandrel 418 is conductively coupled to an electrode exposed at the distal end of the guidewire 410.

[0058] The guide wire passage 404 is defined by a conical wall 406 or a wall that tapers from an opening 408 in the housing 402. The housing 402 includes a clamp connector 430 positioned in the guide wire passage 404. The clamp connector 430 includes a plurality of conductive members 440a, 440b, 440c, and 440d formed from a conductive material and radially spaced around the conical wall 406. The conductive members 440 are coupled together to a conductive extension member 442 which is mechanically and electrically coupled to the lead conductors of the cable. Each of the plurality of conductive members 440 is coupled to a corresponding blade member 444a, 444b, 444c, and 444d, and is formed integrally with the blade member, for example, in the illustrated embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the blade member 444 is a blade member with a straight, sharp edge. In another embodiment, the blade member includes a pointed tip. In the illustrated embodiment, the size of the guidewire passage 404 is based on the guidewire 410, and therefore narrows from an opening 408 with a diameter generally larger than the outer diameter of the proximal portion 412 of the guidewire 410 to a diameter generally smaller than the outer diameter of the proximal portion of the mandrel 418. More specifically, the radial spacing of the tips of the blade members 444 narrows from a diameter generally larger than the outer diameter of the proximal portion 412 of the guidewire 410 at the opening 408 of the guidewire passage 404 to a diameter generally smaller than the outer diameter of the proximal portion of the mandrel 418.

[0059] As the proximal portion 412 of the guidewire 410, which has an intact electrical insulator 416, is inserted into the guidewire passage 404 of the housing 402 along the longitudinal axis of the guidewire 410, the blade member 444 comes into contact with the electrical insulator 416. The size and spacing of the blade member 444 relative to the guidewire 410, the electrical insulator 416, and the mandrel 418 are such that as the guidewire 410 is fed into the guidewire passage 404, the blade member 444 cuts through the insulator 416 and comes into mechanical contact with the mandrel 418. The guidewire 410 is held in place by frictional fitting between conductive members 440 acting as support members. The blade member 444, which is in mechanical contact with the mandrel 418, provides an electrical connection between the mandrel 418 and the lead conductor in the cable which is conductively coupled to the conductive member via a clamp connector 430.

[0060] Figures 5A and 5B illustrate one embodiment of the features of an axial load electrical connector 500 for use with an intervention assembly of an electrical connector 500 that can be coupled to a guidewire or an electrosurgical system 100. Figure 5A is a schematic diagram showing a portion of the connector 500 having a housing 502 and a guidewire passage 504 in an open configuration relative to a guidewire 510 in the guidewire passage 504. Figure 5B is a schematic diagram showing a portion of the connector 500 in a locked configuration relative to the guidewire 510 in the guidewire passage 504. The guidewire 510 includes a proximal portion 512 of a shaft 514. The proximal portion 512 includes an electrical insulator 516 positioned on a mandrel 518, which covers the entire proximal portion 512 of the mandrel before the guidewire 510 is inserted into the guidewire passage 504. The mandrel 518 is conductively coupled to an electrode exposed at the distal end of the guidewire 510.

[0061] The guide wire passage 504 is defined by an opening 506 in the housing 502 and a wall 508 within the housing 502. In the illustrated embodiment, as the guide wire passage 504 extends into the housing 502, the wall 508 of the guide wire passage 504 includes a wide cylindrical section 530 adjacent to the opening 506, a narrowing conical or tapered section 532, and a narrow cylindrical section 534. The narrow cylindrical section 534 further defines a wing recess 536 having a distal linear section that tapers proximal to the cylindrical section 534. A clamp connector 540 is positioned in the guide wire passage 504. In the illustrated embodiment, the clamp connector 540 is made of a conductive material and includes a base member 542 coupled to a plurality of longitudinally extending conductive members 544a, 544b that are radially spaced apart in the guide wire passage 504. The clamp connector 540 is mechanically and electrically coupled to an extension member 546 which is mechanically and electrically coupled to the lead conductors of the cable. Each of the plurality of conductive members 544a, 544b is coupled to the corresponding blade members 548a, 548b. The blade members 548 extend radially along the guide wire 510. Various embodiments include at least one wing extension lock 550 (e.g., a wing extension lock 550 located on the conductive member 544a) in the clamp connector 540. The housing 502 includes a push button 560, such as a push button having a first end 562 located in a wing recess 536. A spring 570 is located in the narrow cylindrical section between the housing 502 and the clamp connector 540 and biases the clamp connector 540 toward the opening 506.

[0062] In the open configuration shown in Figure 5A, the conductive member 544 is positioned in contact with the conical portion 532 of the wall 508. The blade members 548, which extend radially inward from the conductive member 544, are spaced apart from each other at a distance generally larger than the diameter of the proximal portion 512 of the guide wire 510. When the proximal portion 512 of the guide wire 510 is inserted into the guide wire passage 506 along the longitudinal axis of the guide wire 510, the proximal end of the guide wire presses against the clamp connector 540, such as the base member 542, and compresses the spring 570, thereby moving the clamp connector 540 away from the opening 506 of the housing 502. The conductive member 544 moves along the shape of the tapered conical portion 532 of the wall 508, thereby moving the blade members 548 toward the guide wire 510. The wing extension lock 550 also moves longitudinally toward the wing recess 536.

[0063] As the guide wire 510 is pushed further into the guide wire passage 504, the electrical connector 500 transitions to the lock configuration shown in Figure 5B. In the lock configuration, the spring 570 is fully compressed in the narrow cylindrical section 534 of the guide wire passage 504, and the wing extension lock 550 engages in the wing recess 536, preventing the spring 570 from pushing the clamp connector 540 toward the opening 506. The shape of the wall 508 biases the blade member toward the guide wire 510, causing the blade member 548 to penetrate the electrical insulator 516 and mechanically contact the mandrel 518 of the guide wire 510. The clamp connector 540 is configured such that the blade member 548 is spaced approximately the same as or less than the diameter of the mandrel 518 at the proximal section 512 of the shaft 514. The guide wire 510 is held in place by the frictional fitting between the conductive member blade member 548, which acts as a support member. The blade member 548, which is in mechanical contact with the mandrel 518, provides an electrical connection between the mandrel 518 and the lead conductor in the cable, which is electrically coupled to the conductive member via the clamp connector 540.

[0064] In the locked position, a push button 560 is pressed down to release the guide wire 510 from the housing 502. The first end 562 of the push button, located within the wing recess 536, deflects the wing extension lock 550 from the wing recess 536 into the guide wire passage 506. When the wing extension lock 550 is disengaged, a spring 570 biases the clamp connector 540 forward under tension, thereby causing the conductive member 544 to radially extend away from the guide wire 510. In some embodiments, the clamp connector 540 is formed of a conductive shape memory material such as nitinol, or includes a spring to bias the conductive member 544 to its extended position at rest.

[0065] Figures 6A and 6B show one embodiment of the features of a lateral load electrical connector 600 for use with an intervention assembly of an electrical connector 600 that can be coupled to a guide wire or an electrosurgical system 100. Figure 6A is a schematic diagram showing a portion of the connector 600 having a housing 602 and a guide wire passage 604 in an open configuration relative to a guide wire 610 in the guide wire passage 604. Figure 6B is a schematic diagram showing a portion of the connector 600 in a locked configuration relative to the guide wire 610 in the guide wire passage 604. The guide wire 610 includes a shaft 614. The shaft 614 includes an electrical insulator 616 placed on a mandrel 618, the electrical insulator 616 covering the entire mandrel 618 before the guide wire 610 is inserted into the guide wire passage 604. The mandrel 618 is conductively coupled to an electrode exposed at the distal end of the guide wire 610. The features of the axial load connector 500 in Figures 5A and 5B are similar to those of the lateral load electrical connector 600.

[0066] The guide wire passage 604 is defined by an opening 606 in the housing 602 and a wall 608 within the housing 602. In the illustrated embodiment, as the guide wire passage 604 extends into the housing 602, the wall 608 of the guide wire passage 604 includes a narrowing conical or tapered section 632 and a cylindrical section 634, the conical or tapered section 632 approaching the opening 606. The cylindrical section 634 further defines a wing recess 636 having a distal linear section that tapers proximal to the cylindrical section 634. A clamp connector 640 is positioned in the guide wire passage 604. In the illustrated embodiment, the clamp connector 640 is made of a conductive material and includes a base member 642 coupled to a plurality of longitudinally extending conductive members 644a, 644b that are radially spaced apart in the guide wire passage 604. The clamp connector 640 is mechanically and electrically coupled to an extension member 646, which is mechanically and electrically coupled to the lead conductors of the cable. Each of the plurality of conductive members 644a, 644b is coupled to the corresponding blade members 648a, 648b. The blade member 648 runs along the conductive member 644 and extends radially along the guide wire 610. Various embodiments include the clamp connector 640 having at least one wing extension lock 650 (e.g., a wing extension lock 650 located on the conductive member 644a). The housing 602 includes a push button 660, such as a push button having a first end 662 located in a wing recess 636. A spring 670 is located in the narrow cylindrical section between the housing 602 and the clamp connector 640 and biases the clamp connector 640 toward the opening 606.

[0067] In the open configuration shown in Figure 6A, the conductive member 644 is positioned in contact with the conical portion 632 of the wall 608. The blade members 648, which extend radially inward from the conductive member 644, are spaced apart from each other at a distance generally larger than the diameter of the proximal portion 612 of the guide wire 610. When the proximal portion 612 of the guide wire 610 is inserted into the guide wire passage 606 along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the guide wire 610, or from the side, the side of the guide wire presses against the clamp connector 640, such as the base member 642, and compresses the spring 670, thereby moving the clamp connector 640 away from the opening 606 of the housing 602. The conductive member 644 moves along the shape of the tapered conical portion 632 of the wall 608, thereby moving the blade members 648 toward the guide wire 610. The wing extension lock 650 also moves longitudinally toward the wing recess 636.

[0068] As the guide wire 610 is pushed further into the guide wire passage 604, the electrical connector 600 transitions to the locked configuration shown in Figure 6B. In the locked configuration, the spring 670 is fully compressed within the cylindrical portion 634 of the guide wire passage 604, and the wing extension lock 650 engages with the wing recess 636, thereby preventing the spring 670 from pushing the clamp connector 640 toward the opening 606. The shape of the wall 608 biases the blade member toward the guide wire 610, causing the blade member 648 to penetrate the electrical insulator 616 and mechanically contact the mandrel 618 of the guide wire. The clamp connector 640 is configured such that the blade member 648 is spaced approximately the same as or smaller than the diameter of the mandrel 618 at the proximal portion 612 of the shaft 614. The guide wire 610 is held in place by the frictional fitting between the blade member 648 of the conductive member acting as a support member. The blade member 648, which is in mechanical contact with the mandrel 618, provides an electrical connection between the mandrel 618 and the lead conductor in the cable, which is electrically coupled to the conductive member via the clamp connector 640.

[0069] In the locked position, the push button 660 is pressed down to release the guide wire 610 from the housing 602. The first end 662 of the push button, located in the wing recess 636, deflects the wing extension lock 650 from the wing recess 636 into the guide wire passage 606. When the wing extension lock 650 is disengaged, the spring 670 biases the clamp connector 640 forward under tension, thereby causing the conductive member 644 to radially spread away from the guide wire 610.

[0070] Figures 7A and 7B illustrate one embodiment of the features of an electrical connector 700 for use with an intervention assembly of an electrical connector 700 that can be coupled to a guidewire or an electrosurgical system 100. Figure 7A is a schematic diagram showing a partial cross-sectional side view of the connector 700 having a housing 702 and a guidewire passage 704, which is in a locking configuration with respect to a guidewire 710 in the guidewire passage 704. Figure 7B is a schematic diagram showing a partial cross-sectional top view of the connector 700 in a locking configuration with respect to a guidewire 710 in the guidewire passage 704. The guidewire 710 includes a shaft 714. The proximal portion 712 includes an electrical insulator 716 located on a mandrel 718, which covers the entire mandrel 718 before the guidewire 710 is inserted into the guidewire passage 704. The mandrel 718 is conductively coupled to an electrode exposed at the distal end of the guidewire 710.

[0071] The guide wire passage 704 is defined by an opening 706 in the housing 702 and a wall 708 within the housing 702. In the illustrated embodiment, the guide wire 710 is received axially within the opening 706 of the guide wire passage 704. In the illustrated embodiment, the wall 708 of the guide wire passage 704 defines a cylindrical passage in the housing 702 having a second opening 730 opposite the first opening 706. A conductive member 740 is positioned in the guide wire passage 704 along the side of the wall 708. In the illustrated embodiment, the conductive member 740 is coupled to a linear edge blade member 750 perpendicular to the axial guide wire passage 704. The conductive member 740 is mechanically and electrically coupled to the lead conductor of the cable. The housing 702 includes a push button 760, such as a push button, having a first end 762 coupled to the conductive member 740. The spring 770 is positioned in the housing 702 between the housing wall and the conductive member 740, and biases the conductive member connector 740 to the opposite side of the guide wire passage 704. Pressing down the push button 760 compresses the spring 770, thereby moving the conductive member 740 away from the guide wire passage 704.

[0072] To insert the guide wire 710 into the guide wire passage 704, the push button 760 is pressed down and the conductive member 740 is moved out of the path of the guide wire passage 704. Once the guide wire 710 is inserted into the guide wire passage 704, the push button 760 can be released and the spring 770 biases the guide wire 710 against the wall 708 of the guide wire passage 704, which acts as a support member, thereby biasing the blade member 750 into the electrical insulator 716. The blade member 750 penetrates the electrical insulator 716 and mechanically contacts the mandrel 718 of the guide wire 710. The guide wire 710 is held in place relative to the connector 700 by frictional fitting between the blade member 750 acting as a support member and the wall 708. The blade member 750, which is mechanically in contact with the mandrel 718, provides an electrical connection between the mandrel 718 and the lead conductor in the cable which is electrically coupled to the conductive member 740. To release the guide wire 710 from the connector 700, the push button 760 is pressed down and the blade member 750 is moved away from the guide wire 710, thereby releasing the frictional mating.

[0073] Figures 8A to 8D show four of several common enclosure embodiments having specific guidewire passages. Guidewire passages can be characterized as either open or closed, and as either lateral or axially loaded. Guidewire passage configurations can be implemented in enclosure designs.

[0074] Figure 8A shows a first embodiment of a housing 800 characterized as a closed and axially loaded housing. The housing 800 includes a proximal side 802, a distal side 804, and two longitudinal sides 806, 808. The housing 800 further includes a guidewire passage 810 having an opening 812 on the distal side 804. A conductive member having a bladed member is positioned in the guidewire passage 810. The guidewire passage 810 does not include an opening on the proximal side 802 or on the longitudinal sides 806, 808. In this embodiment, access to the guidewire passage 810 is through a single opening 812. The proximal portion of the guidewire is axially loaded within the closed guidewire passage 810. The conductive member penetrates the proximal portion of the shaft. In some embodiments, the closed and axially loaded configuration of the housing 800 is implemented to penetrate at a precise location on the shaft.

[0075] Figure 8B shows a second embodiment of the housing 820 characterized as a closed and side-loaded housing. The housing 820 includes a proximal side 822, a distal side 824, and two longitudinal sides 826, 828. The housing 820 further includes a guidewire passage 830 having a first opening 832 on the distal side 824 and a second opening 834 on the longitudinal side 826. The first opening 832 may be either a side opening or an axial opening, and the second opening 834 may be either a side opening or an axial opening. A conductive member having a blade member is positioned in the guidewire passage 830. In this embodiment, the guidewire passage 830 does not include an opening on the proximal side 822. In this embodiment, access to the guidewire passage 810 is via side openings and axial openings such as openings 832, 834. The proximal portion of the guidewire is loaded into the guidewire passage 810 via a side opening, an axial opening, or a combination of both side and axial openings. The conductive member penetrates the proximal portion of the shaft. In some embodiments, the closing and lateral load configuration of the housing 820 is implemented to penetrate at a precise location on the shaft.

[0076] Figure 8C shows a third embodiment of the housing 868400 characterized as an open and axially loadable housing. The housing 840 includes a proximal side 842, a distal side 844, and two longitudinal sides 846, 848. The housing 840 further includes a guidewire passage 850 having an opening 852 on the distal side 844 and an opening 854 on the proximal side 842. In this embodiment, the guidewire passage 850 passes through the housing 840. A conductive member having a bladed member is positioned in the guidewire passage 850. In this embodiment, the guidewire passage 850 does not include openings on the longitudinal sides 846, 848. In this embodiment, access to the guidewire passage 850 is through either opening 852, 854. The guidewire may be axially loaded into the open guidewire passage 850, generally along the shaft, rather than just at its proximal end. The open and axially loaded embodiment of the housing 860 includes a conductive member mounted so as to penetrate the guide wire not only at the proximal portion of the guide wire but also at a selected position on the shaft.

[0077] Figure 8D shows a fourth embodiment of the housing 860 characterized as an open and side-loaded housing. The housing 860 includes a proximal side 862, a distal side 864, and two longitudinal sides 866, 868. The housing 860 further includes a guidewire passage 870 having a first opening 872 on the distal side 864, a second opening 874 on the proximal side 864, and a third opening 896 on the longitudinal side 876. The first opening 892 is an axial opening, the second opening 894 is a side opening, and the second opening 864 is another axial opening opposite to the first axial opening 892. A conductive member having a blade member is positioned in the guidewire passage 870. In this embodiment, access to the guidewire passage 870 is through the side opening 876 and the axial openings 872, 874. The guide wire is loaded into the guide wire passage 870 through a side opening, an axial opening, or a combination of both side and axial openings. An open and side-loaded embodiment of the housing 860 includes a conductive member mounted to pass through the guide wire not only in the proximal portion of the guide wire but also at a selected position on the shaft.

[0078] Figures 9A–9H show eight of several common connection mechanisms for conductive members of a housing guidewire passage for mechanically and electrically contacting the mandrel through the electrical insulator of the guidewire. The connection mechanisms can be implemented using various embodiments of the guidewire passage and blade members in the housing design. In some embodiments, insertion of the guidewire into the guidewire passage facilitates penetration of the electrical insulator. In some embodiments, penetration occurs after the guidewire has been inserted into the guidewire passage. In some embodiments, for a guidewire removed from the housing guidewire passage, the electrical insulator is broken at locations other than the penetration site. In some embodiments, for a guidewire removed from the housing guidewire passage, the electrical insulator is retained along the shaft at locations other than the penetration site.

[0079] Figure 9A shows a schematic diagram of a housing 900 having a guide wire passage 902 and a connecting mechanism 904 including a blade member 906, wherein the blade member penetrates a guide wire 908 that has been loaded using lateral motion. For example, a button is pressed so that the guide wire 908 is inserted into the guide wire passage 902, and then the blade member 906 penetrates the electrical insulator laterally and makes mechanical contact with the mandrel. The blade member 902 is coupled to a conductive member that electrically connects to the cable. Other implementations of the connecting mechanism 904, such as a vise or chuck, or a pneumatic catcher, may be applied. The connecting mechanism can generally be implemented using any embodiment of the blade member with an open or closed or axially or laterally loaded guide wire passage, and the penetration may be implemented so as to either break the electrical insulator or retain the electrical insulator other than the penetration point.

[0080] Figure 9B shows a schematic diagram of a housing 910 having a guide wire passage 912 and a connecting mechanism 914 including a blade member 916, wherein the blade member 916 passes through a guide wire 918 that has been loaded using rotational motion. For example, the knob is turned so that the guide wire 918 is inserted into the guide wire passage 912, and then the blade member 916 rotates to pass through the electrical insulator and makes mechanical contact with the mandrel. The blade member 912 is coupled to a conductive member that electrically connects to the cable. The connecting mechanism 914 can generally be implemented with any embodiment of the blade member having a closed and axially or laterally loaded guide wire passage, and the penetration may occur after the guide wire 918 has been inserted into the guide wire passage 912 and may be implemented either to break the electrical insulator or to retain the electrical insulator other than the penetration site.

[0081] Figure 11 illustrates an embodiment of the housing 910 as a housing 970 with a guide wire passage 972 and a rotatable connecting mechanism 974 including a plurality of blade members 976, including a concave curved blade such as the blade member 360 in Figure 3D. The blade members 976 can expand and open in a first configuration, thereby allowing the guide wire to enter and exit the connecting mechanism 974, and can contract in a second configuration, thereby forming a pupil that holds the guide wire so as to penetrate the electrical insulator and mechanically contact the mandrel. The connecting mechanism 970 can be implemented such that when a knob is rotated in a first direction, the blade members can rotate from a first configuration to a second configuration. When the knob is rotated in the opposite direction, the blade members 976 rotate from the second configuration to the first configuration.

[0082] Figure 9C shows a schematic diagram of a housing 920 having a guide wire passage 922 and a connecting mechanism 924 including a blade member 926. The blade member 926 penetrates the guide wire 928 using a clamping motion, such as a forward clamping motion, when the guide wire 928 is being loaded into the passage 922. For example, the guide wire 928 presses against the connecting mechanism 924 when it is inserted into the guide wire passage 922. When the guide wire 928 presses against the connecting member 924, the blade member 926 closes, thereby penetrating the electrical insulator and making mechanical contact with the mandrel. The blade member 926 is coupled to a conductive member that electrically connects to the cable. The connecting mechanism 924 can generally be implemented with any embodiment of the blade member having a closed and axially or laterally loaded guide wire passage, and the penetration can be implemented so as to occur while the guide wire is inserted into the guide wire passage and to either break the electrical insulator or retain the electrical insulator other than the penetration point.

[0083] Figure 9D shows a schematic diagram of a housing 930 having a guide wire passage 932 and a connecting mechanism 934 including a blade member 936, wherein the fixed blade member 936 penetrates the guide wire 938 when the guide wire 938 is being loaded into the passage 932. For example, the guide wire 938 presses against the blade member 936 when it is inserted into the guide wire passage 932. When the guide wire 938 presses against the blade member 936, the blade member 936 penetrates the electrical insulator and makes mechanical contact with the mandrel. The blade member 936 is coupled to a conductive member that electrically connects to the cable. The connecting mechanism 934 can generally be implemented using any embodiment of the blade member with an open or closed and axially or laterally loaded guide wire passage, and the penetration can be implemented so as to occur while the guide wire is inserted into the guide wire passage and to either break the electrical insulator or retain the electrical insulator other than the penetration point.

[0084] Figure 9E shows a schematic diagram of a housing 940 in which multiple sections, such as halves 942 and 944, are joined together in a connecting mechanism 946 to form a guide wire passage, and one or more sections include a blade member 948. For example, a guide wire is positioned in one of the sections, and the connecting mechanism is joined together such that the blade member 948 is pressed against the guide wire. The blade member 948 is coupled to a conductive member that is electrically connected to the cable. The connecting mechanism 946 can generally be implemented with any embodiment of the blade member having an open or closed and lateral load guide wire passage, and the penetration may be implemented after the guide wire is inserted into the housing 940 and to either break the electrical insulation or retain the electrical insulation other than the penetration site.

[0085] Figures 9F to 9G show schematic diagrams of a housing 950 having a guide wire passage 952 and a connecting mechanism 954 including a blade member 956 configured as a sharp, bendable element such as a wire stretched across the guide wire passage 952. The guide wire 958 is inserted into the guide wire passage 952. Figure 9F shows a side view of the housing 950 with the guide wire 958 inserted into the guide wire passage 952, and Figure 9G shows a rear view of the housing 950 with the guide wire 958 inserted into the guide wire passage 952. As the guide wire 956 is inserted into the guide wire passage 952, the sharp element of the blade member 956 slices the electrical insulator from the shaft, thereby exposing and mechanically contacting the mandrel. In several possible configurations, the sharp element may be stretched across the guide wire passage 952. The axially inserted guidewire 958 is configured to pass alongside or through one or more elements. In some embodiments, the elements are spaced apart from each other at a distance less than the diameter of the mandrel in the proximal portion of the shaft. As the guidewire is inserted into the guidewire passage 952, the guidewire 958 may push the elements aside or pull them apart, and the stretched elements are biased against the shaft, thereby slicing the electrical insulation. When the guidewire 938 presses against the elements of the blade member 956, the blade member 956 penetrates the electrical insulation and makes mechanical contact with the mandrel. The elements are formed from a conductive material. The blade member 956 is coupled to a conductive member that electrically connects to the cable. The connection mechanism 954 may be implemented with an open or closed and axially or laterally loaded guidewire passage, and the penetration occurs while the guidewire is inserted into the guidewire passage, generally breaking the electrical insulation at the proximal end.

[0086] Figure 9H illustrates a housing 960 having a guidewire passage 962, viewed from the rear of the guidewire passage 962, and includes a connector 964 which is an alternative embodiment of the connector 954 of the housing 950. For example, if the elements are spaced apart or configured to allow the guidewire to pass axially along the elements of the housing 950, Figure 9H illustrates a blade member 966 having elements spaced a sufficiently close distance apart, and the elements are not curved sufficiently to allow the guidewire 968 to pass axially through the blade member 966 of the guidewire passage 962. For example, the sharp elements of the blade member 966 form a screen that penetrates the proximal end of the guidewire 968 but does not penetrate the longitudinal side of the guidewire 968. When the guidewire 968 presses against the elements of the blade member 966, the blade member 966 penetrates the electrical insulator and mechanically contacts the mandrel of the proximal end of the guidewire 968. The elements are formed from a conductive material. The blade member 966 is coupled to a conductive member that electrically connects to the cable. The connection mechanism 964 can be implemented with a closed and axially or laterally load-loaded guidewire passage, and the penetration is performed while the guidewire is inserted into the guidewire passage, and generally does not damage the electrical insulation on the longitudinal side surface of the proximal end.

[0087] Figures 10A and 10B illustrate the features of electrical connectors 1000 and 1050 for use with interventional assemblies of electrical connectors that can be coupled to a guidewire or electrosurgical system 100. In some embodiments, the guidewire member of the assembly includes a plurality of electrodes provided in an electrode assembly, and the plurality of electrodes receive or transmit separate electrical signals from other electrodes in the electrode assembly. In some embodiments, the electrode assembly includes an active electrode and a return electrode for the configuration of the guidewire member in a bipolar configuration. The electrode assembly may include a plurality of spaced electrodes, or a plurality of spaced sets or groups of spaced electrodes, on the distal portion of the guidewire member. Each of the plurality of electrodes is electrically coupled to a corresponding long mandrel extending along the shaft to the proximal end of the guidewire. In one example, each electrode of the spaced electrodes corresponds to a separate single mandrel. In another example, multiple electrodes may be coupled to a mandrel. Other configurations are also possible. The mandrels are insulated from each other within the shaft using an insulating polymer sheath or the like, and the entire proximal portion of the shaft is covered with an electrical insulator. Connectors 1000 and 1050 are shown in two embodiments for use in assemblies having multiple electrode-mandrel guidewires.

[0088] Figure 10A shows a schematic side view of a connector 1000 that can be coupled to multiple electrode-mandrel guidewires 1010, such as a guidewire having multiple mandrels radially spaced apart at its proximal end. In the illustrated embodiment, the guidewire 1010 includes a shaft 1014. The shaft 1014 includes an electrical insulator 1016 arranged on multiple mandrels 1018a to 1018n, and the electrical insulator 1016 covers the entire mandrel 1018 before the guidewire 1010 is inserted into the connector 1000. The mandrels 1018 are electrically insulated from each other within the shaft 1014, and each mandrel 1018a to 1018n is conductively coupled to the associated electrode exposed at the distal end of the guidewire 1010.

[0089] The connector 1000 includes a housing 1002 and a guide wire passage 1004. In the illustrated embodiment, the guide wire 1010 is inserted axially into the guide wire passage 1004. A plurality of conductive members 1030 are arranged within the guide wire passage 1004. Conductive members 1030a to 1030n correspond to mandrels 1018a to 1018n. Each conductive member 1030a to 1030n is electrically coupled to the corresponding lead conductor of the cable. The cable may include a proximal plug with pins for each lead conductor to separately provide or deliver electrical signals to the controller. Blade members 1032a to 1032n are electrically and mechanically coupled to the associated conductive members 1030a to 1030n. The blade members 1032a to 1032n are spaced radially apart and positioned within the guidewire passage 1004 so as to penetrate the electrical insulator 10 and mechanically contact the associated mandrels 1018a to 1018n of the guidewire 1010. The guidewire 1010 is held in place by frictional fitting between the blade members 1032 acting as support members. The blade members 1032 that mechanically contact the associated mandrel 1018 provide an electrical connection between the mandrel 1018 and the lead conductors of the cable conductively coupled to the conductive member 1030. In some embodiments, the guidewire 1010 is specifically molded on the shaft 1014 or includes a visual indicator so as to fit the blade members 1032 into the guidewire passage 1004 in a manner that appropriately connects them to the associated mandrel 1018. The connector 1000 may incorporate various clamp connectors and push buttons, thereby locking and releasing, or otherwise allowing the blade member 1032 to penetrate the electrical insulator 1016. Using multiple radially spaced mandrels 1018, the housing 1002 may be configured as an open or closed housing.

[0090] Figure 10B shows a schematic side view of a connector 1050 capable of coupling to multiple electrode-mandrel guidewires 1060, such as a guidewire, having multiple mandrels, each having a connector 1070 longitudinally spaced apart at its proximal end. In the illustrated embodiment, the guidewire 1060 includes a proximal portion 1062 of a shaft 1064. The proximal portion 1062 includes an electrical insulator 1066 arranged on multiple mandrels 1068a to 1068n, and the electrical insulator 1066 covers the entire proximal portion 1062 of the mandrels before the guidewire 1060 is inserted into the guidewire passage of the connector 1050. The mandrels 1068 are electrically insulated from each other within the shaft 1064, and each mandrel 1068a to 1068n is conductively coupled to the associated electrode exposed at the distal end of the guidewire 1060. Furthermore, each mandrel 1068a to 1068n is electrically coupled to associated connectors 1070a to 1070n that are longitudinally spaced apart from each other at the proximal portion 1062 of the guidewire 1060. The connector 1070 may extend radially around a shaft 1064, such as a ring conductor, which is positioned beneath the electrical insulator 1066 before the guidewire 1010 is inserted into the connector 1050.

[0091] The connector 1050 includes a housing 1052 and a guide wire passage 1054. In the illustrated embodiment, the guide wire 1060 is inserted axially into the guide wire passage 1054. The guide wire passage 1054 may include an opening 1056 at one end and a stopper 1058 at the opposite end. A plurality of conductive members 1080 are arranged in the guide wire passage 1054. Conductive members 1080a to 1080n correspond to mandrels 1068a to 1068n. Each conductive member 1080a to 1080n is electrically coupled to the corresponding lead conductor of the cable. The cable may include a proximal plug with pins for each lead conductor to separately provide or transmit electrical signals to the controller. Blade members 1082a to 1082n are electrically and mechanically coupled to the associated conductive members 1080a to 1080n. The blade members 1082a to 1082n are spaced longitudinally apart and positioned within the guide wire passage 1054 so as to penetrate the electrical insulator 1066 and mechanically contact the associated radial connectors 1070a to 1070n corresponding to the mandrels 1068a to 1068n of the guide wire 1060. In some embodiments, the blade members are spaced radially and longitudinally apart. In the illustrated embodiment, the guide wire 1060 is inserted into the guide wire passage 1054 until its proximal tip 1072 contacts the stopper 1058, thereby properly aligning the blade member 1082 with the associated radial connector 1070. The guide wire 1060 is held in place by frictional fitting between the blade members 1082 acting as support members. The blade member 1082, which mechanically contacts the associated mandrel 1068, provides an electrical connection between the mandrel 1068 and the lead conductor of the cable, which is electrically coupled to the conductive member 1080. The connector 1050 may incorporate various clamp connectors and push buttons, thereby locking and releasing, or otherwise allowing the blade member 1082 to pass through the electrical insulator 1066.

[0092] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments described without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For example, while the embodiments described above refer to specific features, the scope of the invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features, and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is intended to encompass all such alternative forms, modifications, and variations included in the claims, along with all their equivalents.

Claims

1. An electrosurgical assembly used with an electrosurgical controller, A guidewire having a conductive mandrel extending along a shaft from a proximal end to a distal end, wherein the distal end has an electrode electrically coupled to the mandrel, and the shaft has an electrical insulator positioned on the mandrel and extending to the proximal end, A connector configured to be releasably coupled to the guide wire, Equipped with, The aforementioned connector is A cable configured to be connected to the electrosurgical controller, A housing connected to the cable, the housing having a guide wire passage configured to receive the shaft of the guide wire, A conductive member disposed within the housing and electrically coupled to the cable, wherein the conductive member has a conductive contact member, the conductive contact member is disposed adjacent to the guide wire passage, and the conductive contact member is configured to penetrate the electrical insulator and electrically contact the mandrel when the shaft of the guide wire is placed within the guide wire passage, An electrosurgical assembly equipped with the following features.

2. The electrosurgical assembly according to claim 1, wherein the housing includes a clamp connector configured to releasably hold the shaft of the guide wire, and the clamp connector includes a support member that biases the shaft relative to the contact member.

3. The electrosurgical assembly according to claim 2, wherein the clamp connector includes a spring coupled to the housing, and the spring is configured to bias the shaft with respect to the contact member.

4. The electrosurgical assembly according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the housing further includes a release button mechanically coupled to the clamp connector, the release button being movable from a first position to a second position relative to the housing, the movement from the first position to the second position releasing the guide wire from the clamp connector.

5. The electrosurgical assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the contact member includes one of a tapered edge configured to cut the electrical insulator in order to mechanically contact the mandrel, and a point-shaped portion configured to pierce the electrical insulator.

6. The electrosurgical assembly according to claim 5, wherein the contact member including the edge includes one of a straight edge or a serrated edge.

7. The electrosurgical assembly according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the contact member includes a first contact member and a second contact member electrically coupled to the conductive member.

8. The electrosurgical assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the guide wire includes a plurality of electrodes.

9. The electrosurgical assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the connector includes a plurality of conductive members spaced apart from each other, the cable includes a plurality of lead conductors, each of the conductive members is electrically coupled to a corresponding lead conductor among the plurality of lead conductors, the guide wire includes a plurality of mandrels, each of the mandrels is coupled to a corresponding electrode among the plurality of electrodes, and each of the conductive members is connectable to a corresponding mandrel among the plurality of mandrels.

10. The electrosurgical assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a plurality of ring connectors, each of the mandrels being electrically coupled to a corresponding ring connector, and the ring connectors being longitudinally spaced apart at the proximal end of the shaft.

11. The electrosurgical assembly according to claim 10, wherein the conductive members are spaced apart in the radial direction.

12. The electrosurgical assembly according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the plurality of electrodes include an active electrode and a return electrode, and the guide wire member is configured to operate in bipolar mode.

13. The electrosurgical assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the guide wire includes the proximal portion of the shaft, and the housing is configured to receive the proximal portion of the shaft.

14. The electrosurgical assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the guide wire passage includes one of a single opening and / or a plurality of openings for the guide wire passage.

15. The electrosurgical assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the electrosurgical controller is one of a radio frequency (RF) generator and an electroanatomical mapping (EAM) controller.

16. An electrosurgical assembly used with an electrosurgical controller, A guidewire having a conductive mandrel extending along a shaft from a proximal end to a distal end, wherein the distal end has an electrode electrically coupled to the mandrel, and the shaft has an electrical insulator positioned on the mandrel and extending to the proximal end, A connector configured to be releasably coupled to the guide wire, Equipped with, The aforementioned connector is A cable configured to be connected to the electrosurgical controller, A housing connected to the cable, the housing having a guide wire passage configured to receive the shaft of the guide wire, A conductive member disposed within the housing and electrically coupled to the cable, wherein the conductive member has a conductive contact member, the conductive contact member is disposed adjacent to the guide wire passage, and the conductive contact member is configured to penetrate the electrical insulator and electrically contact the mandrel when the shaft of the guide wire is placed within the guide wire passage, An electrosurgical assembly equipped with the following features.

17. The electrosurgical assembly according to claim 16, wherein the housing includes a clamp connector configured to releasably hold the shaft of the guide wire, and the clamp connector includes a support member that biases the shaft with respect to the contact member.

18. The electrosurgical assembly according to claim 17, wherein the contact member is a first contact member, and the support member includes a second contact member electrically coupled to the electrical connector.

19. The electrosurgical assembly according to claim 17, wherein the clamp connector includes a spring coupled to the housing, and the spring is configured to bias the shaft with respect to the contact member.

20. The electrosurgical assembly according to claim 17, wherein the housing further includes a release button mechanically coupled to the clamp connector, the release button being movable from a first position to a second position relative to the housing, the movement from the first position to the second position releases the guide wire from the clamp connector.

21. The electrosurgical assembly according to claim 16, wherein the contact member includes one of a tapered edge configured to cut the electrical insulator in order to mechanically contact the mandrel, and a point-shaped portion configured to pierce the electrical insulator.

22. The electrosurgical assembly according to claim 21, wherein the contact member including the edge includes one of a straight edge or a serrated edge.

23. The electrosurgical assembly according to claim 16, wherein the guide wire includes a plurality of electrodes.

24. The electrosurgical assembly according to claim 23, wherein the connector comprises a plurality of conductive members spaced apart from each other, the cable comprises a plurality of lead conductors, each of the conductive members is electrically coupled to a corresponding lead conductor among the plurality of lead conductors, the guide wire comprises a plurality of mandrels, each of the mandrels is coupled to a corresponding electrode among the plurality of electrodes, and each of the conductive members is connectable to a corresponding mandrel among the plurality of mandrels.

25. The electrosurgical assembly according to claim 23, further comprising a plurality of ring connectors, each of the mandrels being electrically coupled to a corresponding ring connector, and the ring connectors being spaced longitudinally apart at the proximal end of the shaft.

26. The electrosurgical assembly according to claim 25, wherein the conductive members are spaced apart in the radial direction.

27. The electrosurgical assembly according to claim 16, wherein the guide wire includes the proximal portion of the shaft, and the housing is configured to receive the proximal portion of the shaft.

28. The electrosurgical assembly according to claim 16, wherein the guide wire passage includes one of a single opening and / or a plurality of openings for the guide wire passage.

29. It is an electrosurgical system, Electrosurgical controller, A guidewire having a conductive mandrel extending along a shaft from a proximal end to a distal end, wherein the distal end has an electrode electrically coupled to the mandrel, the shaft has an electrical insulator positioned on the mandrel and extending to the proximal end, and the guidewire is electrically coupled to the electrosurgical controller, A connector configured to be releasably coupled to the guide wire, Equipped with, The aforementioned connector is A cable configured to be connected to the electrosurgical controller, A housing connected to the cable, the housing having a guide wire passage configured to receive the shaft of the guide wire, A conductive member disposed within the housing and electrically coupled to the cable, wherein the conductive member has a conductive blade member, the conductive blade member is disposed adjacent to the guide wire passage, and the conductive blade member is configured to penetrate the electrical insulator and make mechanical and electrical contact with the mandrel when the shaft of the guide wire is placed within the guide wire passage, An electrosurgical system equipped with the following features.

30. The electrosurgical system according to claim 29, wherein the electrosurgical controller is one of a radio frequency (RF) generator and an electroanatomical mapping (EAM) controller.

31. The electrosurgical system according to claim 30, wherein the electrosurgical controller is an RF generator, and the electrodes are configured to operate in either monopolar or bipolar mode.

32. The electrosurgical system according to claim 30, wherein the electrosurgical controller is an EAM system, and the guidewire includes a plurality of electrodes at the distal portion of the shaft.

33. An electrosurgical connector for use with an electrosurgical controller and a guidewire having a conductive mandrel extending along a shaft from a proximal end to a distal end, wherein the distal end has an electrode electrically coupled to the mandrel, and the shaft has an electrical insulator positioned on the mandrel and extending to the proximal end, the electrosurgical connector is, A cable configured to be connected to the electrosurgical controller, A housing connected to the cable, the housing having a guide wire passage configured to receive the shaft of the guide wire and to releasably connect the connector to the guide wire, A conductive member disposed within the housing and electrically coupled to the cable, wherein the conductive member has a conductive contact member, the conductive contact member is disposed adjacent to the guide wire passage, and the conductive contact member is configured to penetrate the electrical insulator and electrically contact the mandrel when the shaft of the guide wire is placed within the guide wire passage, An electrosurgical connector equipped with the following features.

34. The electrosurgical connector according to claim 33, wherein the conductive contact member includes a plurality of conductive blade members, the housing includes a clamp connector configured to releasably hold the shaft of the guide wire, and the clamp connector biases the shaft with respect to the plurality of blade members.

35. The electrosurgical connector according to claim 34, wherein the clamp connector includes a spring coupled to the housing, and the spring is configured to bias the shaft relative to the blade member.

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